Introduction:
Didja’ Ever, a lively rock and roll tune released in 1960, holds a special place in the filmography of the legendary Elvis Presley. The song wasn’t just another studio recording for the music icon. It soundtracked a pivotal moment in Presley’s career, marking his return to Hollywood after serving in the U.S. Army.
G.I. Blues, the film that featured Didja’ Ever, was Presley’s first cinematic project following his discharge in 1959. The movie served as a comedic exploration of military life, showcasing Presley’s charisma and musical talents. While stationed in Germany, Presley had remained a cultural phenomenon, with his music continuing to top charts. G.I. Blues capitalized on this ongoing popularity, reuniting Presley with fans eager to see him back on screen.
The film itself wasn’t a critical darling, but it was a commercial success. More importantly, it provided a platform for Presley to showcase his musical evolution. Didja’ Ever, written by Sid Wayne and Sherman Edwards, embodied this change. The song’s sound differed from Presley’s earlier rock and roll recordings. It incorporated elements of rhythm and blues, a genre that had always influenced Presley’s music. This stylistic shift reflected the broader musical tastes Presley had developed during his army service.
Didja’ Ever stands out for its playful and suggestive lyrics. The song features Presley in a question-and-answer format, directed at a potential love interest. His questions are a series of teases, hinting at romantic possibilities. The song’s playful melody and Presley’s signature vocals create an energetic and charming atmosphere.
While Didja’ Ever wasn’t a major commercial hit upon its release, it has gained a devoted following among Presley fans. It’s considered a fun and energetic track that showcased Presley’s musical versatility during a transitional period in his career. The song became the closing number for the film G.I. Blues, leaving audiences with a memorable dose of Presley’s rock and roll charisma.
Video:
Lyrics:
Didja’ everDidja’ ever get Didja’ ever get one Didja’ ever get one of themDidja’ ever get one of them days, boyDidja’ ever get one of them days When nothin’ is right from mornin’ till night Didja’ ever get one of them days boys Didja’ ever get one of them daysYa get up in the morning and turn the shower onYou’re gettin’ pneumonia, the hot water is gone Freezin’, sneezin’, you wanna dry your back, a well Didja’ ever get one of them days when there’s no towel on the rack (Yeah, rack, rack, rack, rack, rack, rack, rack, rack)Didja’ everDidja’ ever get Didja’ ever get one Didja’ ever get one of them girlsDidja’ ever get one of them girls, boysDidja’ ever get one of them girls Who’s awful nice but cold as ice Didja’ ever get one of them girls, boys Didja’ ever get one of them girls (Yeah, girls, girls, girls, girls, girls, girls, girls, girls)You’re at a drive-in movie with a cute brunetteA countin’ on the kisses that you figure to get Closer, closer, then she hollers, “woah!” Didja’ ever get one of them girls who just wants to watch the show (Yeah, show, show, show, show, show, show, show, show)Didja’ everDidja’ ever get Didja’ ever get one Didja’ ever get one of them Didja’ ever get one of them daysDidja’ ever get one of them days, boysDidja’ ever get one of them days When nothin’ is right From mornin’ to night Didja’ ever get one of them days, boy Didja’ ever get one of them days (Yeah, days, days, days, days, days, days, days, days)You’re on a Sunday picnic and then it starts to pourYou run through poison ivy, scratch until you are sore Ants come dancin’, carry off the bread Didja’ ever get one of them days when you should-a stayed in bed (Yeah, days, days, days, days, days, days, days, days)Didja’ everDidja’ ever get Didja’ ever get one Didja’ ever get one of them Days One of them days