Introduction:
“Rock-A-Hula Baby” by Elvis Presley is a lively pop-rock song released in 1961 as part of the soundtrack for his film Blue Hawaii. Written by Fred Wise, Ben Weisman, and Dolores Fuller, the song blends rock and roll with Hawaiian music, showcasing the fusion of styles typical of the film’s tropical setting. It was recorded on March 23, 1961, at Radio Recorders in Hollywood, during a session that produced several tracks for the Blue Hawaii album.
The upbeat track, complete with a catchy “rock-a-hula” refrain, was a standout piece in the film, reflecting Elvis’ charm and the film’s exotic island atmosphere. Musically, it features Hawaiian instruments like the ukulele and steel guitar alongside standard rock elements such as saxophone and drums, played by top musicians like Hank Garland and Boots Randolph.
“Rock-A-Hula Baby” was released as a single alongside the classic ballad “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and achieved considerable success, particularly in the U.S. and UK. The film’s soundtrack became one of Elvis’ most successful albums, remaining at the top of the Billboard charts for 20 weeks and selling millions of copies. The song’s playful energy and Elvis’ charismatic performance made it a memorable part of both his musical legacy and his extensive film career.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Rock-A-Hula Baby”
(Fred Wise – Ben Weisman – Dolores Fuller)
The way she moves her hips to her fingertips
I feel I’m heaven bound
And when she starts to sway, I’ve gotta say
She really move the grass aroundRock-a-hula baby
Rock-a-hula baby
Got a hula lulu from Honolulu
That rock-a-hula baby of mineAlthough I love to kiss my little hula miss
I never get the chance
I wanna hold her tight all through the night
But all she wants to do is danceI bet that she could teach the palms along the beach
To sway when breezes blow
And birds up in the sky could learn to fly
By watchin’ how my baby can go