Elvis Presley – Wheels On My Heels

Introduction:

“Wheels on My Heels” by Elvis Presley is a song from his 1964 movie Roustabout, a musical drama where Elvis stars as a wandering carnival worker. The track, recorded on March 3, 1964, at Radio Recorders in Hollywood, features a lively blend of rock and pop that suits the film’s adventurous spirit. Written by Sid Tepper and Roy C. Bennett, the song captures the theme of movement and independence, which aligns with Elvis’s role in the film as a character who drifts from place to place.

The musical arrangement includes a talented lineup of musicians: Barney Kessel, Tiny Timbrell, Billy Strange, and Scotty Moore on guitar; Bob Moore on bass; D.J. Fontana and Buddy Harman on drums; Floyd Cramer on piano; and Boots Randolph on saxophone. The Jordanaires provided backing vocals, further enriching the song’s sound. With its upbeat rhythm and catchy lyrics, “Wheels on My Heels” symbolizes the restless journey of Elvis’s character, resonating with fans of his on-screen persona.

The Roustabout soundtrack became quite popular, reaching number one on the Billboard pop album chart. While the film itself was typical of Elvis’s mid-60s movie career, focusing more on entertainment than critical acclaim, the music remained a strong point. “Wheels on My Heels” is often remembered as a fun, energetic part of this era of Elvis’s career, blending his love for fast-paced, rhythm-driven rock ‘n’ roll with the narrative of the film.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Wheels On My Heels”
(from “Roustabout” soundtrack)

Gotta do some livin’, got the wanderlust
Better clear the highway ’cause I’m gonna move some dust
Oh I got wheels, wheels on my heels
And I gotta keep rollin’, rolling alongLots of pretty dollies try to fence me in
But I love ’em and leave ’em ’cause a tumbleweed’s my kin
Oh I got wheels, wheels on my heels
And I gotta keep rollin’, rolling along

Why do I keep movin’, never settlin’ down
Can it be I’m looking for a dream I haven’t found
Oh I got wheels, wheels on my heels
And I gotta keep rollin’, rolling along

Oh I got wheels, wheels on my heels
And I gotta keep rollin’, rolling along