Introduction:
While the title “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” might conjure up images of flamboyant costumes and arena rock anthems, the origin of the song lies firmly within the realm of the genre that catapulted Elvis Presley to superstardom: rockabilly. Released in 1956, “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” became a surprise hit for Presley, showcasing a playful and carefree side to his musical persona.
Elvis Presley, by then already a household name thanks to earlier hits like “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Hound Dog,” needed no introduction. His electrifying performances and charismatic stage presence had captivated audiences across the nation. “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” served as a departure from his more brooding rock and roll ballads, offering a lighter and more upbeat sound.
The song itself was not a Presley original. It was written by Beverly Fairchild and Otis Blackwell, a successful songwriting duo known for crafting catchy tunes within the rockabilly style. Blackwell, in particular, had a history of successful collaborations with Presley, having penned hits like “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Tutti Frutti.” Their work on “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” showcased their knack for crafting infectious melodies and playful lyrics that perfectly captured Presley’s youthful charm.
Production duties for the song fell to the legendary Sun Records team of Sam Phillips and Jack Clement. Sun Studios, a small Memphis recording studio, was where Presley’s career had taken flight, and Phillips’ keen ear for talent played a crucial role in shaping the “Memphis sound” that characterized early rock and roll. Clement, a talented musician and engineer, brought his technical expertise to the table, ensuring the song’s raw energy and infectious rhythm were captured on tape.
“Crazy Little Thing Called Love” proved to be a success story. While it didn’t quite reach the chart-topping heights of some of Presley’s other singles, it still managed to climb to a respectable number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. More importantly, the song resonated with fans, becoming a staple at Presley’s live shows and a beloved addition to his ever-growing catalog of hits.
The song’s influence stretches beyond its initial release. “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” stands as a testament to the enduring power of rockabilly, a genre that continues to inspire musicians today. Interestingly, the song experienced a resurgence in popularity decades later when it was covered by the British rock band Queen in 1979. Their version, a playful homage to Presley’s style, topped the charts internationally, solidifying “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” as a timeless classic across generations and musical genres.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Crazy Little Thing Called Love”
This thing called love
I just can’t handle it
This thing called love
I must get ’round to it
I ain’t ready
Crazy little thing called loveThis thing (this thing) called love (called love)
It cries (like a baby) in a cradle all night
It swings (ooh, ooh), it jives (ooh, ooh)
It shakes all over like a jelly-fish
I kinda like it
Crazy little thing called loveThere goes my baby
She knows how to rock-n-roll
She drives me crazy
She gives me hot and cold fever
She leaves me in a cool, cool sweatI gotta be cool, relax, get hip
And get on my tracks
Take a back seat, hitch-hike
And take a long ride on my motorbike
Until I’m ready
Crazy little thing called loveYeah
I gotta be cool, relax, get hip
And get on my tracks
Take a back seat, hitch-hike
(Ah hum, ah hum)
And take a long ride on my motorbike
Until I’m ready (Ready Freddie)
Crazy little thing called loveThis thing called love
I just can’t handle it
This thing called love
I must get ’round to it
I ain’t ready
(Ooh ooh ooh ooh)
Crazy little thing called loveCrazy little thing called love, yeah, yeah
Crazy little thing called love, yeah, yeah
Crazy little thing called love, yeah, yeah
Crazy little thing called love, yeah, yeah
Crazy little thing called love, yeah, yeah
Crazy little thing called love, yeah, yeah
Crazy little thing called love, yeah, yeah
Crazy little thing called love, yeah, yeah