No. 005 - Elvis Presley's “We Can Make the Morning” changed my life
Lauren Bishop talks finding your person, crying in cars, and Elvis as an acquired taste
This Song Changed My Life is an independent music publication featuring essays from people all around the world about the songs that mean the most to them. Created by Grace Lilly, supported by readers.
• 3 min read •
It might be sacrilegious, but I’ve never been a huge Elvis fan, in spite of the fact that my grandfather was also born and raised in Tupelo, MS. Something about him always seemed overhyped and unappealing to me.
I met my husband—who was also my digital photography professor (nothing creepy happened during the semester)—in 2013 when I was coming out of a pretty deep depression and fell for him fast and hard.
In the early days, we would exchange emails about films, photography, life, etc., and I would extract and memorize details about him as everyone does in the early days of an attachment.
He had a thing for Elvis, William Eggleston, David Lynch, and I had a thing for him.


Shortly after we officially started dating, he had plans to go to Italy to teach art and photography for several months with another university’s study abroad program.
On the last day of his class, he announced these plans and wished everyone well. Although this was a week or so before he asked me out to lunch, I vividly remember crying alone in my car in a movie theater parking lot because he was leaving.
After a couple of dates and a lot of talking, he left for Europe.
Those months felt like an eternity, but in that time we exchanged lengthy emails (something we were already good at), packages, and songs.
He shared a link to “We Can Make the Morning” with me as one of his Elvis favorites.
That song instantly became a blast-super-loud-in-the-car-while-singing-along favorite for me. At the time, it meant so much to me and seemingly represented holding on, waiting, and longing for someone to share a brighter day with.

In the past ten years, I have definitely gained a deeper appreciation for Elvis and a deeper love for my person.
“We Can Make the Morning” will always hold a special place in my heart because it reminds me of the earliest days of our relationship, and our relationship changed my life. ◆
About Lauren
Lauren Bishop is a photographer, book artist, plant lady, and mom based in Lilburn, GA.
Instagram @l_bishop
Website laurenabishop.com
Music lover? Subscribe!
If you dig what we’re doing, join our community of music lovers. You’ll get new entries when they come out every week.
p.s. If you like this publication and want to learn more about me and my other projects, check out my personal newsletter, Weirdly Good Newsletter <3
What song changed your life?
You, yes you! If you’d like to participate in This Song Changed My Life, just fill out this simple form for consideration. I’m always looking to hear people’s stories.
Explore
Josh Ramos on growing up, connection, and the Gospel of The Joshua Tree — U2's “With or Without You” changed my life
Ezra Sun Wallace takes an accordion-filled trip down memory lane — Aniceto Molina's "Cumbia Sampuesana" changed my life"
Clémentine Koenig talks loneliness, lyrics, and loving Bowie — David Bowie's "Rock and Roll Suicide" changed my life