You saw me crying in the chapel.
The tears I shed were tears of joy
I know the meaning of contentment
Now I am happy with the Lord

Just a plain and simple chapel
Where humble people go to pray
I pray the Lord that I'll grow stronger
As I live from day to day

I've searched and I've searched
But I couldn't find
No way on earth
To gain peace of mind

Now I'm happy in the chapel
Where people are of one accord
We gather in the chapel
Just to sing and praise the Lord

Ev're sinner looks for something
That will put his heart at ease
There is only one true answer
He must get down on his knees

Meet your neighbour in the chapel
Join with him in tears of joy
You'll know the meaning of contentment
Then you'll be happy with the Lord

You'll search and you'll search
But you'll never find
No way on earth
To gain peace of mind

Take your troubles to the chapel
Get down on your knees and pray
Your burdens will be lighter
And you'll surely find the way

RCA 447-0643, 1965, Crying In The Chapel / I Believe In The Man In The Sky

Studio Session for RCA RCA Studio B, Hollywood, October 30, 1960

Artie Glenn wrote Crying in the Chapel for his son, Darrell, who recorded it in 1953 (Valley 105). His recording reached #7 on the country chart and #9 on the Best-Selling Singles chart. Other popular recordings of Crying in the Chapel in 1953 included those by Rex Allen (Decca 28758), Sonny Til and the Orioles (Jubilee 5122) (a number one rhythm & blues hit), and June Valli (RCA 5368). The release by Rex Allen and June Valli were million-sellers. In 1957 Elvis's girlfriend, Anita Wood, recorded Crying in the Chapel (ABC-Paramount 9747).

Elvis recorded Crying in the Chapel on October 31, 1960, at RCA's Nashville studios. It remained unissued for five years. The 1965 single release reached #3 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks. In May 1965, on the Easy-Listening chart, Crying in the Chapel replaced the instrumental Cast Your Fate to the Wind, by Sounds Orchestral, a number one. After a seven-week stay at the top, it was replaced by a Horst Jankowski instrumental, A Walk in the Black Forest. In England, Crying in the Chapel was number one for two weeks. It was Elvis's first number one single since the advent of the Beatles. Worldwide sales exceeded one million copies.