Inspiration From Elvis Presley???

As an Elvis fan and a fan of gospel music I borrowed a two dvd set from our local public library about Elvis’ gospel music. This is where I came across this song, Walk A Mile In Their Shoes. I hadn’t heard it before but it’s terrific!!! Here’s the lyrics

Elvis Presley Walk a Mile in my Shoes Lyrics:
(words & music by Joe South)
If I could be you, if you could be me
For just one hour, if we could find a way
To get inside each other’s mind
If you could see you through my eyes
Instead your own ego I believe you’d be
I believe you’d be surprised to see
That you’ve been blind

Walk a mile in my shoes
just walk a mile in my shoes
Before you abuse, criticize and accuse
Then walk a mile in my shoes

Now if we spend the day
Throwin’ stones at one another
‘Cause I don’t think, ’cause I don’t think
Or wear my hair the same way you do
Well, I may be common people
But I’m your brother
And when you strike out
You’re tryin’ to hurt me
It’s hurtin’ you, Lord how mercy

Now there are people on reservations
And out in the ghetto
And brother there, but, for the grace of God
Go you and I,
If I only had wings of a little angel
Don’t you know, I’d fly
To the top of a mountain
And then I’d cry, cry, cry

Walk a mile in my shoes
just walk a mile in my shoes
Before you abuse, criticize and accuse
Then walk a mile in my shoes
Lyrics: Walk a Mile in my S

I love the chorus especially! “Walk a mile in my shoes, just walk a mile in my shoes. Before you abuse, criticise and accuse, Then walk a mile in my shoes.”

I’ve been working on a play, for a couple of years now, called Walk A Mile In Their Shoes. This song would be perfect for it! The play’s about ordinary people telling their stories of drugs, abuse, addictions, homelessness, poverty, unemployment, mental illness etc. I don’t want to have actors I want the actual people telling their own stories or have a group but they all swap stories. I will help them write their stories so that each one emphasises a different aspect. I’ve written notes but haven’t got any further yet. I know it’ll happen at the right time though and with the right people.

I love telling stories, seeing them come to life on a stage!! And these are stories which I believe really need to be told. All these things addictions, mental illness, domestic violence can affect anyone from any walk of life! Before we know what someone’s situation is or has been we can’t and shouldn’t ever abuse, criticise or accuse them!

I’ve written a few plays which have been performed at churches I’ve been part of and I want to get into it more again. I’ve neglected my creative side too much but am slowly getting back to doing more creative stuff like my crafts, music, writing, photography, and graphics in between packing to move house that is.

On the dvd Elvis says this when he sings this song

You never stood in that man’s shoes
or saw things through his eyes,
or stood and watched with helpless hands
while the heart inside you dies.

So help your brother along the way
no matter where he starts
For the same God that made you,
made him too
These men with broken hearts.

A lovely youtube video of Elvis photos and him singing this song.

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