Introduction:
Though not one of his most commercially successful songs, U.S. Male (1968) by the iconic Elvis Presley holds a certain significance in his vast musical catalog. Released as a single and the title track for an album of the same name, U.S. Male showcased Presley’s venture into the country-rock genre, a slight departure from his signature rock and roll sound that had made him a star in the 1950s.
The original U.S. Male was written and recorded by Jerry Reed in 1967 for his debut album. It wasn’t until a year later that Presley would cover the song, which reached number 28 on the U.S Billboard Hot 100 chart in the spring of 1968. While not a chart-topping hit, U.S. Male demonstrated Presley’s adaptability as a musician, his willingness to experiment with new sounds while still staying true to his energetic and charismatic performance style.
U.S. Male was produced by RCA Records, Presley’s longtime record label. Presley had a long and successful relationship with RCA, releasing the majority of his recordings with them throughout his career. It is believed that Presley himself chose to record U.S. Male, possibly drawn to the song’s masculine theme and patriotic undertones, which resonated with his established persona as a heartthrob and cultural icon.
Although the song itself didn’t achieve the same level of fame as some of Presley’s other recordings, it did find a place among his dedicated fan base. U.S. Male offered a glimpse into Presley’s musical evolution during the late 1960s, a time when he was exploring genres beyond rock and roll and experimenting with the burgeoning country-rock sound. The song also serves as a reminder of Presley’s influence on popular music. His cover of U.S. Male brought the song to a wider audience and helped to solidify country-rock as a popular genre.
Video:
Lyrics:
I’m a U.S. male ’cause I was bornIn a Mississippi town, on a Sunday mornNow Mississippi just happens to occupy a placeIn the southeastern portion of this, here United StatesNow that’s a matter of fact, buddyAnd you know it wellSo I just call myself the U.S. maleThat’s M.A.L.E, son, that’s me!
Now I said all that to say all thisI’ve been watchin’ the way, you’ve been watchin’ my missFor the last three weeks you been hot on her trailAnd you kinda upset this U.S. maleYou touch her once with your greasy handsI’m gonna stretch your neck like a long rubber bandShe’s wearin’ a ring that I bought her on saleAnd that makes her the property of this U.S. male
You better not mess with the U.S. male, my friendThe U.S. male gets mad, he’s gonna do you inYou know what’s good for yourself, sonYou better find somebody else, sonDon’t tamper with the property of the U.S. male
Alright, alrightI’ve stayed eleven years
Through rain and the heat and the sleet and the snowThe U.S. male is on his toesQuit watchin’ my woman, for that ain’t wiseYou ain’t pullin’ no wool over this boy’s eyesI catch you ’round my woman, champI’m gonna leave your head ’bout the shape of a stampKinda flattened out, so you’ll do wellTo quit playin’ games with this U.S. male
You better not mess with the U.S. male, my friendThe U.S. male gets mad, he’s gonna do you inYou know what’s good for yourself, sonYou better find somebody else, sonDon’t tamper with the property of the U.S. male
Sock it to me one timeOkay babyAlrightI’m gonna tell it like it is sonI catch you messin’ ’round with that woman of mineI’m gonna lay one on you, you’re talkin’ to the U.S. maleThe American U.S. male