According to Rolling Stone, "Way Down" contains a note performed by Presley's backup singer, J.D. Sumner. During the song's refrain, Sumner hits "the almost unimaginable double low C, three octaves ...

In the hours before Elvis Presley’s death, he sang several songs to members of his entourage. The song he ended with was one he enjoyed singing to friends and family members while playing the piano.