Introduction:
While not one of his chart-topping triumphs, Stay Away, Joe holds a particular place in the filmography of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. Released in 1968, the song is not a standalone single but is featured in the musical comedy-western film of the same name.
The film itself strayed from the typical western genre, offering a comedic and modern take on the classic cowboy narrative. Presley portrays Joe Lightcloud, a Navajo man who returns to his reservation to help his people. The film incorporates musical numbers, and Stay Away, Joe is one of them. While the film’s critical reception was mixed, it did find an audience and Stay Away, Joe along with others songs like “All I Needed Was the Rain” found its way onto later compilation albums, like Let’s Be Friends (1970) and Elvis Sings Flaming Star (1969).
Stay Away, Joe was not produced by Presley’s usual collaborator Colonel Tom Parker, but by film producer Sidney Sheinberg. Sheinberg oversaw the music for the film, and it is unclear exactly who produced the songs themselves. The songwriting credits go to Sid Wayne and Ben Weisman, neither of whom were regular collaborators with Presley.
Despite its place in a film and its lack of a traditional release, Stay Away, Joe has become a favorite among some Elvis fans. The song is considered part of his rockabilly era, a genre that blended rock and roll with the twangy sounds of country music. This style helped propel Presley to fame in the 1950s, and Stay Away, Joe harkens back to that sound with its prominent guitar riffs and Presley’s signature energetic vocals.
The lyrics of Stay Away, Joe follow a familiar theme in rock and roll: a love triangle. The narrator pleads with a rival named Joe to stay away from his girl. While not breaking new ground lyrically, the song showcases Presley’s charisma and vocal talent, keeping fans engaged with a familiar theme delivered in his classic style.
Though Stay Away, Joe never achieved the same level of success as Presley’s number one hits, it serves as a reminder of the versatility of the King of Rock and Roll. Even in a lesser-known film soundtrack, Elvis Presley could deliver a song that would resonate with fans for years to come.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Stay Away, Joe”
Ho jump down, spin around, let’s have a party
Look who’s back, Stay Away Joe
Chock taw, chick a Shaw, gonna drink me hearty
Welcome back, Stay Away JoeStay Away Joe they call me
Stay Away Joe, oh yeah
But if you need me call me
Hoop and a holler and I’ll be there
HoWho keeps turnin’ up like a bad penny
Take one guess, Stay Away Joe
Always findin’ trouble a-plenty
Oh my yes, I reckon you knowStay Away Joe they call me
Stay Away Joe, oh yeah
But if you need me call me
Hoop and a holler and I’ll be there
HoWhen two lips are right for the pickin’
Who crops up, Stay Away Joe
I love them and leave them screamin’ ‘n kickin’
Giddy up look at him look at him goStay Away Joe they call me
Stay Away Joe, oh yeah
But if you need me call me
Hoop and a holler and I’ll be there
Hey