“Any Way You Want Me (That’s How I Will Be)” is a heartfelt ballad about unwavering love and devotion.
In the mid-1950s, the music world was being turned upside down, and at the center of the seismic shift was a young man from Mississippi with a voice that could melt steel and a swagger that electrified a generation. His name was Elvis Presley, and his rise to fame was nothing short of meteoric. In 1956, he was a sensation, but his artistry wasn’t just about the raw energy of rock and roll. It was also about a profound, often poignant, vulnerability that he channeled into his ballads. One such song, a beautiful testament to devotion, was “Any Way You Want Me (That’s How I Will Be)”. Released on his iconic EP ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ in April 1956, and later as the B-side to the single “Love Me Tender” on September 28, 1956, this track serves as a gentle counterpoint to the raucous rockabilly that made him famous.
For those of us who remember a time when songs told stories and melodies carried the weight of a thousand unspoken feelings, this song holds a special place. It wasn’t the A-side that charted, but its quiet power was undeniable. It nestled comfortably on the B-side of the single that featured “Love Me Tender”, another of Elvis’s timeless ballads. The A-side, “Love Me Tender”, soared to the top of the charts, reaching number one on the Billboard Top 100 chart. While “Any Way You Want Me (That’s How I Will Be)” wasn’t a chart-topper in its own right, its presence on such a successful single gave it a platform that cemented its place in the hearts of listeners. It was a song that you discovered by flipping the record over, a little treasure waiting to be heard. It didn’t need to dominate the airwaves to make an impact; it simply needed to be felt.
The story behind this song is a beautiful testament to the golden age of songwriting. Written by Aaron Schroeder and Ben Weisman, it was crafted with a simple, direct message. Schroeder and Weisman were a formidable team, and they had a knack for creating songs that resonated with a universal human experience. For Elvis, a man who lived his life under the constant scrutiny of the public eye, this song was a perfect fit. It’s a declaration of unconditional love and unwavering support. The lyrics, “Any way you want me / That’s how I will be,” are a promise of complete surrender to the will of a loved one. It speaks to a deep, abiding commitment, a willingness to change and adapt for the sake of love. In a world that was constantly changing around Elvis, and for his fans who were navigating a rapidly modernizing society, this message of steadfastness was a powerful and comforting one.
Listening to “Any Way You Want Me (That’s How I Will Be)” today feels like stepping back in time. It’s a gentle reminder of an era when a simple melody and a sincere voice could say more than a thousand words. The song’s slow, bluesy rhythm and Elvis’s smooth, effortless delivery create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. His voice, at once powerful and tender, conveys a sincerity that is both captivating and deeply moving. It’s not about rebellion or spectacle; it’s about a quiet, profound emotion that is universally understood. For many of us, it evokes memories of slow dances in dimly lit rooms, of whispered promises, and of a time when love songs were a reflection of a hopeful, romantic spirit. It’s a classic for a reason, not because of its chart position, but because of its timeless message and the indelible mark it left on the hearts of a generation. The song, like a cherished old photograph, captures a moment in time—a moment of sincerity, passion, and the undeniable magic of Elvis Presley.