Introduction:
“Big Boss Man,” performed by Elvis Presley, is a blues-rock track originally written by Luther Dixon and Al Smith. The song was first popularized by Jimmy Reed in 1960 and became a staple in the blues genre. Elvis recorded his version on September 10, 1967, at RCA’s Studio B in Nashville during sessions for his film Clambake. It was subsequently included on the soundtrack album and released as a single on October 23, 1967. While it didn’t achieve major chart success at the time, it reached modest positions on the Billboard charts and has since gained appreciation as part of Elvis’s blues repertoire.
Elvis’s rendition of “Big Boss Man” stands out for its gritty vocal delivery and the prominent harmonica work of Charlie McCoy, complemented by contributions from famed session musicians like guitarist Jerry Reed and pianist Floyd Cramer. The song became a regular feature in Elvis’s live performances, most notably during his celebrated 1968 Comeback Special and throughout his concert tours in the 1970s, showcasing his affinity for blues-infused material.
The track’s themes of defiance and frustration resonate with working-class struggles, making it a timeless piece in Elvis’s catalog. Over the years, “Big Boss Man” has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, cementing its status as a classic. Elvis’s version, however, remains a definitive interpretation, blending his signature style with the raw energy of blues.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Big Boss Man”
(from “Elvis (NBC TV Special)” soundtrack)
Big boss man, can’t you hear me when I call?
Can’t you hear me when I call?
Well you ain’t so big, you know you’re just tall that’s all, All right
Well you got me workin’ boss man
Workin’ round the clock
I wanna little drink of water
But you won’t let big Al stop
Big boss man now can’t you hear me when I call? All right
I said you ain’t so big, you know you’re just tall that’s allBig boss man, why can’t you hear me when I call? All right
You know you ain’t so big, I said you’re just tall that’s all, All right
I’m gonna get me a boss man
One who’s gonna treat me right
I work hard in the day time
Rest easy at night
Big boss man, can’t you hear me when I call? Can’t you hear me when I call?
I said you ain’t so big, you’re just tall that’s all
I’m gonna get me a boss man
One that’s gonna treat me right
I work hard in the evenin’
Rest easy at night
Big boss man, big boss man, can’t you hear me when I call?
I said you ain’t so big, you’re just tall that’s all
All right, big boss man
It’s all right