Introduction:
Ah, yes, Elvis Presley’s Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On. Now that’s a song that takes you right back to a time of youthful exuberance and untamed energy. Released in 1971, it stands as a testament to Presley’s enduring ability to captivate audiences, even as his sound continued to evolve throughout his career.
While some might associate Elvis primarily with his early rock and roll years, Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On showcases a different side of the King. Recorded during his “Elvis in Nashville” sessions, the song leans more towards the country and blues influences that were always present in his music. This isn’t the pelvis-thrusting Elvis of the 50s; it’s a more mature performer, his voice still powerful but seasoned with a touch of world-weariness.
The authorship of the song is a bit of a curious case. Officially credited to Dave Williams and Sunny David, some speculate it might be a reworked version of an older blues tune. Regardless of origin, the song perfectly captures a specific kind of Southern storytelling. It’s a tale of a man at a dance, completely captivated by a woman whose very presence sets him on fire. The lyrics, though suggestive, are delivered with a playful wink, leaving much to the imagination.
The musical arrangement is deceptively simple. A driving rhythm section lays the foundation, punctuated by the insistent twang of a country guitar. But it’s the interplay between Elvis’s vocals and the backing singers that truly elevates the song. The “shoo-be-doos” and call-and-response add a layer of playful energy, mirroring the narrator’s internal excitement.
Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On wasn’t a chart-topping smash hit on its initial release. However, its influence on popular music is undeniable. The song’s raw energy and infectious rhythm have been cited as inspiration by countless artists across genres, from rockabilly revivalists to modern pop acts.
But beyond its historical significance, Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On remains a timeless classic. It’s a song that reminds us of the primal power of music, its ability to evoke emotions and get our bodies moving. It’s a testament to Elvis Presley’s charisma, a reminder that even as his sound matured, his star power never dimmed. So put on your dancing shoes, crank up the volume, and prepare to be shaken to your core by the King.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On”
a-whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on
Yeah I said come on over baby,
a-whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on
Well we ain’t fakin’,
a-whole lotta shakin’ goin’ onMmm, I said come on over baby,
we got chicken in the barn
Whose barn, what barn, my barn
Come on over baby,
we got the bull by the horns
Yeah, we ain’t fakin’,
a-whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on
Well, I said shake baby, shake
I said shake, baby shake now
I said shake it baby, shake it
I said shake it baby, shake
We ain’t fakin’,
a-whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on
Well, I said come on over baby,
a-whole lot-ta shakin’ goin’ on
I said come on over baby,
a-whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on
Well we ain’t fakin’,
a-whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on
Well my mom-mom-mom,
I said shake it baby, shake it
I said shake it baby, shake it
I said shake it baby, shake all right
I said shake it baby, shake it
We ain’t fakin’,
a-whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on