Elvis Presley – What’d I Say

Introduction:

Now that’s a song that truly captured a moment in American music history. Released in 1964, it arrived amidst a whirlwind of cultural change. The Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum, and the boundaries between musical genres were blurring. Rock and Roll, with its undeniable R&B roots, was electrifying teenagers and causing a stir amongst older generations.

Elvis, by then a global phenomenon, had already established himself as the King of Rock and Roll. Tracks like “Hound Dog” and “Jailhouse Rock” had become anthems for a generation yearning for a new sound. However, “What’d I Say” marked a fascinating shift. Originally written and performed by the legendary Ray Charles in 1959, it was a driving gospel-infused R&B number that pulsed with raw energy.

The story goes that Elvis stumbled upon the song during a late-night recording session for the film Viva Las Vegas. Intrigued by its infectious rhythm and suggestive lyrics, he decided to give it a go. The resulting recording, captured in a single take, became a landmark moment.

Elvis, with his signature sneer and pulsating stage presence, injected the song with a potent dose of rock and roll swagger. The backing band, featuring Scotty Moore on guitar and D.J. Fontana on drums, laid down a relentless groove that mirrored the frenetic energy of a live performance. The Jubilee Four, a renowned gospel quartet, provided the soulful vocal harmonies, adding a layer of spiritual yearning that both grounded and elevated the song.

“What’d I Say” was a commercial juggernaut. It topped the R&B charts and reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100. However, its impact transcended mere sales figures. Here was a song that blurred the lines between genres, a rock and roll interpretation of a gospel-tinged R&B classic. It resonated with a diverse audience, appealing to both Elvis’s young fanbase and those who gravitated towards the soulful sounds of Ray Charles.

“What’d I Say” also faced its share of controversy. The suggestive lyrics, with their references to uncontrollable body movements, were deemed too racy for some radio stations. This, in turn, only added to the song’s mystique, further solidifying its status as a cultural touchstone.

Today, “What’d I Say” remains a cornerstone of American music. It’s a testament to the power of Elvis’s charismatic performance style, his ability to bridge genres, and his influence on generations of musicians to come. It’s a song that captured a moment in time, a moment when boundaries were being broken and a new musical landscape was taking shape.

Video:

Lyrics:

“What’d I Say”

Hey mama, don’t you treat me wrong
Come and love your daddy all night long
All right, hey, hey, all right nowSee the girl with the diamond ring
She knows how to shake that thing
All right, hey, hey, Mmm, all right now

Ahhh, Ohh, Ahhh, Ohh, Ahhh, Ohh, Ohh

Make me feel so good, make me feel so good right now
Make me feel so good, make me feel so good right now
Make me feel so good, make me feel so good

Mmm, see the girl with the red dress on
She can do the dog all night long
All right, hmm what’d I say, tell me what’d I say

Tell me what’d I say, tell me what’d I say right now
Tell me what’d I say, tell me what’d I say right now
Tell me what’d I say, tell me what’d I say

Ahhh, Ohh, Ahhh, Ohh, Ahhh, Ohh, Ohh
It’s all right, It’s all right right now
Baby, it’s all right, Baby, it’s all right right now
Baby, it’s all right, Oh yeah!

Baby shake that thing, baby shake that thing right now
Baby shake that thing, baby shake that thing right now
Baby shake that thing, well I feel all right