Introduction:
“It’s Your Baby, You Rock It” is a song recorded by Elvis Presley on June 5, 1970, during the Nashville sessions at RCA Studio B, a pivotal recording period for Presley. Written by Shirl Milete and Nora Fowler, the song appeared on the critically acclaimed Elvis Country (I’m 10,000 Years Old) album, released on January 2, 1971. This album marked a return to Presley’s roots in country music while blending contemporary production styles of the era.
The recording features a stellar lineup of Nashville session musicians, including James Burton on guitar, Norbert Putnam on bass, Jerry Carrigan on drums, and David Briggs on piano. The arrangement highlights intricate layers, including contributions from steel guitarist Weldon Myrick and harmonica player Charlie McCoy, complemented by a full vocal harmony section with The Jordanaires and The Imperials. The song’s narrative conveys a sense of emotional resignation, reflecting Presley’s ability to interpret and deliver storytelling lyrics with depth.
The Elvis Country album stands out for its conceptual approach, with tracks linked together by snippets of the traditional song “I Was Born About Ten Thousand Years Ago.” Within this context, “It’s Your Baby, You Rock It” offers a blend of country soul and pop sensibilities, illustrating Presley’s versatility as an artist and his engagement with genre-crossing experimentation during the early ’70s.
Video:
Lyrics:
“It’s Your Baby, You Rock It”
And I told you then that woman won’t stay caught
But you turned and loved her anyway
She broke your heart and all I’ve got to sayIt’s your baby, you rock it
It’s your heartache, you bought it
You made the bed your sleeping in
And I’m tired of hearing about it friend
It’s your baby you, rock it
Well you cried upon my shoulder like a baby
I’m sorry ’bout your troubles and your lady
But she done you like she done me
And I’ve used up all my sympathy
It’s your baby you, rock it
It’s your baby, you rock it
It’s your heartache, you bought it
You made the bed your sleeping in
And I’m tired of hearing about it friend
It’s your baby you, rock it