Introduction:
Emerging from the idyllic backdrop of Hawaii comes a song that injects a touch of unexpected melancholy into the tropical soundscape. Beach Boy Blues, recorded by the King of Rock and Roll himself, Elvis Presley, in 1961, stands out as a ballad nestled amongst the Hawaiian-themed tunes that dominated the soundtrack for the film Blue Hawaii.
While Blue Hawaii itself achieved immense commercial success, grossing over $5 million at the box office (a staggering sum in 1961), details surrounding the origin of Beach Boy Blues are a little less clear. The songwriting credits are shared by Sid Tepper and Roy Bennett, a duo who penned numerous songs for Elvis throughout the 1960s, including iconic hits like “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and “It Started All Over Again.” Beach Boy Blues was produced by Joseph Lilley, who played a key role in shaping the sound of Elvis’s movies throughout the decade.
Unlike many of the film’s songs that reveled in the carefree island lifestyle, Beach Boy Blues struck a more introspective tone. The exact meaning behind the lyrics remains open to interpretation, but the title itself hints at a sense of longing or loneliness felt by the character, a “beach boy” presumably. Perhaps it’s the melancholic sway of the bluesy melody, or the crooning vocals delivered by Presley, but the song manages to weave a thread of wistfulness into the fabric of the film’s carefree narrative.
Beach Boy Blues was never officially released as a single during Presley’s lifetime, and it wasn’t included on any of his studio albums. However, the song found a dedicated audience through its inclusion in the Blue Hawaii soundtrack. Over the years, it has been featured on numerous Elvis Presley compilation albums, ensuring its place within the vast catalog of the music legend. While it may not be one of Presley’s most iconic recordings, Beach Boy Blues holds a certain charm as a lesser-known gem that offers a glimpse into a more nuanced side of the film’s carefree persona.
Video:
Lyrics:
I’m a poor Hawaiian beach boyA long way from the beach‘Cause someone shoved his face against my handNow I’m a kissing cousin to a ripe pineappleI’m in the can
I was minding my own businessBut drinking daddy’s juiceI swear I’ll never touch that stuff againJust like a pig before he gave his all at that aluhauI’m in the pen
Got those beach boy bluesDon’t the time go slowLonely beach boy bluesOnly 30 days and 90 years to go
I want a taste of honeyFrom my wahine’s lipsI want to be her ever loving manBut I’m a kissing cousin to a ripe pineappleI’m in the can
But I’m a kissing cousin to a ripe pineappleI’m in the can