Introduction:
Ah, yes, Elvis Presley’s “I’m Not The Marrying Kind”. Released in 1962, this track is a delightful encapsulation of Elvis’s early 60s movie sound. Now, when we delve into the King’s expansive career, we see a clear shift in styles. The electrifying rockabilly of the 50s gave way to a smoother, more ballad-driven approach in the following decade. This change coincided with his ever-growing filmography, and “I’m Not The Marrying Kind” perfectly exemplifies the musical landscape of those films.
Composed by the songwriting duo of Mack David and Sherman Edwards, the song boasts a playful melody that wouldn’t feel out of place on a sunny afternoon cruise. The backing band, likely featuring the legendary The Jordanaires on vocals, provides a polished and upbeat foundation. Producer Hans Salter, a seasoned Hollywood veteran, ensures the track seamlessly blends with the lighthearted tone of Elvis’s movie, Follow That Dream. This 1962 film finds the King playing a character named Josh Wyatt, a dreamer who chases his aspirations in Florida. “I’m Not The Marrying Kind” appears early in the film, showcasing Josh’s carefree spirit and his reluctance to settle down.
The song’s charm lies in its simplicity. It’s a declaration of bachelorhood, sung with Elvis’s signature charisma. The lyrics paint a picture of a charming rogue, content with his nomadic lifestyle. Lines like “Settling down just ain’t my style” and “I don’t wanna get tied in knots” leave no doubt about Josh’s intentions. However, there’s a subtle wink in Elvis’s delivery, a hint of playfulness that suggests this commitment-phobic persona might not be entirely set in stone.
“I’m Not The Marrying Kind” wasn’t a chart-topping sensation, but it holds a special place in the hearts of Elvis fans and film buffs alike. It’s a time capsule, transporting us back to the sun-drenched sets and carefree melodies of early 60s Hollywood musicals. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture a relatable sentiment – the youthful desire for freedom and independence. It’s a reminder of a time in Elvis’s life and career where his on-screen persona mirrored the carefree spirit of his early rockabilly days, all wrapped up in a contagiously catchy tune. So, put on your blue suede shoes, crank up the volume, and let Elvis’s playful declaration of bachelorhood whisk you away to a simpler time.
Video:
Lyrics:
“I’m Not The Marrying Kind”
Butter melts in her mouth when she opens it to speak
Show me a girl who is acting so refined
And I’ll show you a girl with one thing on her mindSo I say, “You know what?”
She says, “What?”, I say, “What?
Oh, I’m not the marrying kind”
“For you’ve got what it takes
And it takes what you’ve got
But I’m not the marrying kind”
“Don’t kiss me, don’t claw me
Don’t pet me, don’t paw me
I won’t leave my freedom behind”
So I say, “You know what?”
She says, “What?”, I say, “What?
Oh, I’m not the marrying kind”
“You know what?”, She says, “What?”
I say, “What? Thanks a lot
But I’m not the marrying kind”
“Don’t kiss me, don’t claw me
Don’t pet me, don’t paw me
And I won’t leave my freedom behind”
So I say, “You know what?”
She says, “What?”, I say, “What?
Oh, I’m not the marrying kind”
“I’m not, I’m not, I’m not, I’m not
Now you’ve got what I’m not
I’m not the marrying kind”
“Oh, I’m not the marrying kind
Oh, I’m not the marrying kind”