About The Song
Elvis Presley’s “King Creole” is one of his most iconic and beloved songs. It was released in 1958 as the title track for his fourth film of the same name. The song was written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the songwriting duo who wrote many of Presley’s other hits, including “Hound Dog” and “Jailhouse Rock.”
“King Creole” is a rockabilly song with a driving beat and a catchy melody. The lyrics tell the story of a young man who is torn between two worlds: the world of his family and the world of the streets. He is tempted by the excitement and glamour of the streets, but he knows that he must stay on the right path in order to make his family proud.
The song was a critical and commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has been covered by many other artists over the years, including Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty.
History of the song
“King Creole” was written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller specifically for Elvis Presley. They had been impressed by Presley’s performance in his first two films, “Love Me Tender” and “Loving You,” and they wanted to write a song that would showcase his vocal talents and screen presence.
Leiber and Stoller were inspired by Presley’s own rebellious image and his popularity among young people. They wanted to write a song that would speak to the angst and frustration of teenagers growing up in the 1950s.
The song was recorded on May 29, 1958, at Radio Recorders in Hollywood, California. Presley was accompanied by his usual band members, Scotty Moore (guitar), Bill Black (bass), and D.J. Fontana (drums).
“King Creole” was released as a single on June 16, 1958. It quickly became a hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song also helped to promote the film of the same name, which was released on July 2, 1958.
Significance of the song
“King Creole” is significant for a number of reasons. First, it is one of Elvis Presley’s most iconic and beloved songs. It is a classic rockabilly song with a catchy melody and powerful lyrics.
Second, the song is significant because it reflects Presley’s own rebellious image and his popularity among young people. The lyrics of the song speak to the angst and frustration of teenagers growing up in the 1950s.
Third, “King Creole” is significant because it was one of the first songs to be written specifically for a film. The song helped to promote the film and helped to make Presley a successful movie star.
Conclusion
“King Creole” is a classic rockabilly song that is one of Elvis Presley’s most iconic and beloved singles. It is a song that reflects Presley’s own rebellious image and his popularity among young people. The song is also significant because it was one of the first songs to be written specifically for a film.
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Lyrics
There’s a man in New Orleans
Who plays rock and roll
He’s a guitar man
With a great big soul
He lays down a beat
Like a ton of coal
He goes by the name of King CreoleYou know he’s gone, gone, gone
Jumpin’ like a catfish on a pole
You know he’s gone, gone, gone
Hip shaking King CreoleWhen the king starts to do it
It’s as good as done
He holds his guitar
Like a Tommy gun
He starts to growl
From way down his throat
He bends a string
And “that’s all she wrote”You know he’s gone, gone, gone
Jumpin’ like a catfish on a pole
You know he’s gone, gone, gone
Hip shaking King CreoleWell, he sings a song about a crawdad hole
He sings a song about a jelly roll
He sings a song about pork and greens
He sings some blues about New OrleansYou know he’s gone, gone, gone
Jumpin’ like a catfish on a pole
You know he’s gone, gone, gone
Hip shaking King CreoleWell, he plays something evil
Then he plays something sweet
No matter what he plays
You got to get up on your feetWhen he gets the rockin’ fever
Baby, heaven sakes
He don’t stop playin’
‘Till his guitar breaksYou know he’s gone, gone, gone
Jumpin’ like a catfish on a pole
You know he’s gone, gone, gone
Hip shaking King Creole