Elvis Presley – Find Out What’s Happening

Introduction:

Elvis Presley, the undisputed King of Rock and Roll, wasn’t all about shaking his hips and catchy love songs. While those were certainly a big part of his persona, Presley also occasionally surprised audiences with his forays into more serious territory. One such example is his 1973 cover of “Find Out What’s Happening”, a song originally written and performed by country artist Bobby Bare in 1968.

A Genre-bending Cover

Presley’s version of “Find Out What’s Happening” leaned more towards soulful gospel than straight country. Produced by Felton Jarvis, a longtime collaborator throughout Presley’s career, the song featured Presley’s powerful vocals backed by the rich harmonies of J.D. Sumner & The Stamps, a popular Southern gospel quartet. This gospel influence imbued the song with a sense of urgency and sincerity, perfectly complementing the song’s message.

Social Commentary in a Rock and Roll Landscape

“Find Out What’s Happening” stands out in Presley’s vast catalog for its thematic content. The song’s lyrics, penned by songwriter Jerry Crutchfield, grapple with social issues and a yearning for positive change. Lines like “People livin’ with hate and fear / They don’t know what love is here” paint a picture of a world struggling with division and misunderstanding. The chorus pleads with the listener to “Find out what’s happening / Find out what’s going wrong” – a call to action that feels strikingly relevant even decades later.

A Legacy of Social Consciousness

While “Find Out What’s Happening” wasn’t a chart-topping smash hit for Presley, it nevertheless holds a significant place in his musical legacy. The song serves as a reminder that Presley wasn’t just a charismatic performer, but also an artist capable of delivering powerful messages. “Find Out What’s Happening” stands as a testament to Presley’s willingness to delve into social commentary, even within the confines of his usual rock and roll sound. The song continues to resonate with listeners today, a testament to its timeless themes and Presley’s enduring influence.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Find Out What’s Happening”

Baby, you know me well
You know I mean what I say
Before I say farewell
I’ll give you just another dayYou’d better find out what’s happening
Find out what’s happening before long
If you don’t find out what’s happening
You’re gonna find out that I’m gone

Tell me what you’re gonna do?
You’d better make up your mind
It all depends on you
I’m leaving you behind

You’d better find out what’s happening
Find out what’s happening before long, no, no
If you don’t find out what’s happening
You’re gonna find out that I’m gone, gone, yeah

Baby, you know it’s true
We’ve been through thick and thin
But if you don’t come through
You won’t ever see me again

You’d better find out what’s happening
Find out what’s happening before long, oh Lord
If you don’t find out what’s happening
You’re gonna find out that I’m gone

You’d better find
(Find out what’s happening, find out what’s happening)
You better find out
(Find out what’s happening, find out what’s happening)

You better find out
(Find out what’s happening, find out what’s happening)
Oh Lord
(Find out what’s happening, find out what’s happening)

If you don’t, what’s happening
You’re gonna find out that I’m gone
(Find out what’s happening, find out what’s happening)

You’d better find
(Find out what’s happening, find out what’s happening)
You better find out
(Find out what’s happening)