Introduction:
Recorded in 1963, “Bossa Nova Baby” stands as a testament to Elvis Presley’s willingness to explore musical styles beyond his rock and roll roots. The song, produced by Shel Shapiro, incorporated elements of the then-burgeoning Bossa Nova genre, a Brazilian sound characterized by its cool, swinging rhythm and sophisticated harmonies.
Bossa Nova had begun to seep into American pop culture in the early 1960s. Artists like Astrud Gilberto and Stan Getz were finding success with their laid-back renditions of Brazilian classics. Presley, ever the trendsetter, decided to incorporate this sound into his own music.
“Bossa Nova Baby” is not a pure Bossa Nova song. It retains a strong foundation in Pop, with a clear and steady backbeat. However, the influence of Bossa Nova is undeniable in the song’s relaxed tempo and light, jazzy chords. Shapiro’s production keeps things smooth and airy, with shaker instruments and gently strummed guitars providing a gentle backdrop for Presley’s vocals.
The lyrics themselves don’t delve into the world of Bossa Nova. They depict a playful scene between Presley, a tired worker, and his energetic girlfriend who encourages him to loosen up and dance the night away. The song’s title likely serves as a tongue-in-cheek reference to Presley’s own attempts to master this new musical style.
“Bossa Nova Baby” was released as part of the soundtrack for the 1963 film “Fun in Acapulco”. The movie itself was a commercial success, but the song itself didn’t quite match the chart dominance of Presley’s previous releases. It only reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. However, “Bossa Nova Baby” has endured as a fan favorite, particularly among those who appreciate Presley’s willingness to experiment with his sound.
The song serves as a valuable reminder of Presley’s status as a musical innovator. Even at the height of his rock and roll reign, he was constantly looking for new ways to express himself musically. “Bossa Nova Baby” may not be one of his biggest hits, but it stands as a fascinating detour in his illustrious career.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Bossa Nova Baby”
I said, “Take it easy, baby
I worked all day and my feet feel just like lead
You got my shirt tails flyin’ all over the place
And the sweat poppin’ out of my head”
She said, “Hey, bossa nova baby
Keep on workin’ for this ain’t no time to quit”
She said, “Go, bossa nova baby keep on dancin’
I’m about to have myself a fit”
Bossa nova, bossa nova
I said, “Hey little mama, let’s sit down
Have a drink and dig the band”
She said, “Drink, drink, drink oh, fiddle-de-dink
I can dance with a drink in my hand”
She said, “Hey bossa nova baby
Keep on workin’ for this ain’t no time to drink”
She said, “Go bossa nova baby
Keep on dancin’, ’cause I ain’t got time to think”
Bossa nova, bossa nova
I said, “Come on baby, it’s hot in here
And it’s oh so cool outside
If you lend me a dollar, I can buy some gas
And we can go for a little ride”
She said, “Hey bossa nova baby
Keep on workin’ for I ain’t got time for that”
She said, “Go bossa nova baby
Keep on dancin’ or I’ll find myself another cat”
Bossa nova, bossa nova
Bossa nova, bossa nova
Bossa nova, bossa nova