Revisionist History: "Encore: Analysis, Parapraxis, Elvis" - Episode Summary

Release Date: July 17, 2025
Host: Malcolm Gladwell
Producer: Pushkin Industries

Introduction: A Serendipitous Journey

The episode begins with Michelle Press recounting her unexpected path to exploring the fascinating intersection of psychology and Elvis Presley. Curious about a peculiar paper on Elvis by psychologist Alan Elms, Michelle's spontaneous decision to meet Elms sets the stage for an intricate exploration of parapraxis, or Freudian slips, within the context of Elvis's performances.

Michelle Press (00:10): "...my spontaneous journey set the correct tone, I think, for this whole episode, which is intended to be a caper, a grand caper, in which many crazy, unexpected things happen."

Understanding Parapraxis: Slips of the Mind

Malcolm Gladwell introduces the concept of parapraxis, drawing from Freud's theories. Parapraxis refers to seemingly accidental slips of the tongue that, according to Freud, reveal deeper, unconscious thoughts and emotions.

Alan Elms (04:02): "It was a term in German, faulty acts or faulty functions. It would be slips of the tongue. It could be misreadings, mishearings. But it's Freud's invention."

Michelle Press (04:14): "Abnormal speech acts, or, as they are more colloquially known, Freudian slips... Does Freud mean that there are no accidental slips or that if you look at the range of accidental slips, you can find meaning in some?"

"Old Shep": A Tale of Love and Betrayal

The discussion shifts to Elvis Presley's rendition of "Old Shep," a song originally performed by Hank Snow. Michelle Press highlights the lyrical discrepancies between Snow's original and Elvis's cover, suggesting a deeper, perhaps subconscious, turmoil within Elvis.

Michelle Press (07:51): "Hank Snow sings, 'I stroked the best pal a man ever found.' But Elvis sings, 'I had struck the best friend a man ever had,' which turns the meaning completely upside down..."

This alteration shifts the song's narrative from one of nurturing to one of remorse, hinting at Elvis's internal conflicts and struggles with expressing vulnerability.

"Are You Lonesome Tonight?": The Crux of Parapraxis

The episode delves into Elvis's iconic song "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" The focus is on the song's spoken bridge, where Elvis consistently falters during live performances, making numerous errors that reflect his own emotional instability and unresolved traumas.

Michelle Press (32:06): "He must be careful. Parapraxis."

Alan Elms (20:09): "He's almost over."

Elms and Heller's essay, "12 Ways to Say Lonesome," is discussed, revealing that Elvis made 109 errors in the spoken bridge across ten live performances. These slips are not mere mistakes but windows into his psyche, showcasing his fear of betrayal and abandonment.

Elvis's Personal Traumas and Their Impact

Personal anecdotes about Elvis's life, including his complex relationship with his mother, Gladys Presley, and his marriage to Priscilla Presley, provide context to his emotional state. Priscilla's recounting of Elvis's controlling nature and his profound grief at her mother's death sheds light on the emotional scars that may have influenced his performances.

Priscilla Presley (10:58): "Why that fascination? Bodies?... he had his own thrill of it."

The narrative paints a portrait of a man deeply affected by loss and control issues, which manifest through his music and performances.

Modern Interpretations: Jack White and Bobby Braddock

The episode introduces contemporary musicians Jack White and Bobby Braddock, both of whom have grappled with performing Elvis's songs. Their struggles mirror Elvis's own issues with control and emotional expression during performances.

Jack White (23:35): "I played it once yesterday... playing like that, I could see. Wow, live. That really could get to be a really emotional song."

Bobby Braddock (25:37): "I try to push it into a character's standpoint rather than it being a self confession."

Their experiences underscore the enduring complexity of Elvis's music and its emotional depth, challenging performers to navigate their own vulnerabilities.

Casey Bowles: Embodying the Struggle

Casey Bowles, introduced by Bobby Braddock, attempts to perform "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" Her emotional connection to the song leads to hesitations and lapses, exemplifying the very parapraxis that the episode seeks to understand. This moment poignantly demonstrates how deeply personal experiences can interfere with artistic expression.

Michelle Press (46:48): "Parapraxis is a gift. I presented myself as interested in this story. But now you know that this subject doesn't just interest me, it worries me."

Conclusion: Embracing Vulnerability Through Mistakes

Malcolm Gladwell ties together the episode's themes by emphasizing that parapraxis reveals our deepest vulnerabilities and emotions. Mistakes, whether in live performances or daily interactions, offer crucial insights into our subconscious minds.

Michelle Press (51:56): "Parapraxis is not failure. When the performer slips, the audience is not cheated. It's the opposite. Parapraxis is a gift."

The episode concludes by highlighting how understanding our errors can lead to greater self-awareness and empathy, both for ourselves and others.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Michelle Press (00:10): "It was intended to be a caper, a grand caper, in which many crazy, unexpected things happen."
• Alan Elms (04:02): "It was a term in German, faulty acts or faulty functions. It would be slips of the tongue. It could be misreadings, mishearings."
• Michelle Press (07:51): "Hank Snow sings, 'I stroked the best pal a man ever found.' But Elvis sings, 'I had struck the best friend a man ever had,' which turns the meaning completely upside down."
• Michelle Press (32:06): "He must be careful. Parapraxis."
• Alan Elms (20:09): "He's almost over."
• Priscilla Presley (10:58): "Why that fascination? Bodies?... he had his own thrill of it."
• Jack White (23:35): "I played it once yesterday... playing like that, I could see. Wow, live. That really could get to be a really emotional song."
• Bobby Braddock (25:37): "I try to push it into a character's standpoint rather than it being a self confession."
• Michelle Press (46:48): "Parapraxis is a gift. I presented myself as interested in this story. But now you know that this subject doesn't just interest me, it worries me."
• Michelle Press (51:56): "Parapraxis is not failure. When the performer slips, the audience is not cheated. It's the opposite."

Key Takeaways

1. Parapraxis as Insight: Mistakes and slips are not mere errors but can offer profound insights into an individual’s subconscious mind and emotional state.

2. Elvis’s Emotional Turmoil: Elvis Presley’s live performances, particularly his struggles with "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" reflect his internal battles with control, loss, and vulnerability.

3. Impact on Modern Artists: Contemporary musicians like Jack White and Bobby Braddock grapple with performing Elvis's emotionally charged songs, highlighting the timeless nature of these psychological challenges.

4. Personal Trauma and Art: The episode underscores how personal traumas and unresolved emotions can profoundly influence artistic expression and performance quality.

5. Embracing Vulnerability: Understanding and accepting our mistakes can lead to greater self-awareness and deeper emotional connections with others.

Final Thoughts

"Encore: Analysis, Parapraxis, Elvis" masterfully intertwines psychology, music history, and personal narratives to explore the profound impact of subconscious forces on artistic expression. Through detailed analysis and emotional storytelling, Malcolm Gladwell and his guests invite listeners to reconsider the deeper meanings behind public performances and personal mistakes, ultimately advocating for a more empathetic and understanding approach to human errors.