Honorable Mention | “Painted Velvet Elvis”

Honorable Mention
“Painted Velvet Elvis”
Kirk Lumpkin
El Cerrito, California

In a roadside tourist shop
I saw a portrait on a wall
The King of Rock and Roll this man
in the picture he was called
Hangin’ in that tourist shop
it didn’t have a clue
That it made me feel so sad
and it made me think of you

You’re like some painted velvet Elvis
a picture soft and fat
Like some painted velvet Elvis
that don’t where it’s at
Like some painted velvet Elvis
lookin’ plush but tasteless
Like some painted velvet Elvis
your fame it just seems baseless

Though you had the magic once
now there’s no life in your playin’
It’s as if you don’t believe
a single thing you’re sayin’
You left behind your love and
you left behind your home
Now you’re rollin’ stoned down a
dark highway and all alone

You’re like some painted velvet Elvis
a picture soft and fat
Like some painted velvet Elvis
that don’t where it’s at
Like some painted velvet Elvis
lookin’ plush but tasteless
Like some painted velvet Elvis
it’s sad that you’re so graceless

But, come on now,
come on my friend
You aren’t dead,
you aren’t frozen
The darkness came
but it will end
Sing these words
let our voices blend

Sing, roll over Elvis
Amen
Rise up Elvis
and do it again
Do it again,
do it again
Rise up Elvis
and do it again

Sing, roll over Elvis
Amen
Rise up Elvis
and do it again
Do it again,
do it again
Rise up Elvis
and do it again