Introduction:
Ah, yes, Elvis Presley’s iconic “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On”. Released in 1971, this track might surprise some who associate the King with his earlier, rockabilly-fueled hits. But for those familiar with Presley’s entire career, it’s a prime example of his artistic evolution and enduring influence.
While Elvis first rose to fame in the mid-1950s with his electrifying blend of rock and roll, country, and gospel, by the early 1970s, his sound had matured. “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” showcases this beautifully. It leans more towards the country and blues side of his repertoire, with a driving rhythm section and a touch of that unmistakable Presley swagger.
The song itself is shrouded in a bit of mystery. Credited to Dave Williams and Sunny David, some speculate it might be a pseudonym for another songwriter entirely. Regardless of authorship, the track’s infectious energy is undeniable. The simple, repetitive lyrics – “Come on over, baby, we got a whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on” – become a hypnotic chant, urging the listener to get up and move.
But “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” isn’t just about a good time. Listen closely, and you’ll hear a sly wink in Presley’s voice. The lyrics hint at a hidden party, a gathering fueled by youthful energy and a touch of forbidden excitement. This underlying tension adds a layer of depth to the song, making it more than just a party anthem.
The production by Felton Jarvis is masterful. The prominent drums and bass lay down a solid foundation, while the chicken scratch guitar adds a touch of country twang. Elvis’s vocals, as always, are a marvel. He delivers the lyrics with a mix of playful charm and raw power, perfectly capturing the song’s infectious energy.
“Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” wasn’t a chart-topping hit on the scale of some of Presley’s earlier work. However, its influence on popular music is undeniable. The song’s driving rhythm and suggestive lyrics became a blueprint for countless rock and roll and blues-inspired tracks that followed. It’s a testament to Presley’s enduring legacy that a song recorded later in his career could have such a profound impact.
So, the next time you hear “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On”, take a moment to appreciate it not just as a catchy tune, but as a window into Elvis Presley’s artistic growth and his lasting influence on American music.
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