Introduction:
Elvis Presley’s “Steamroller Blues” is a timeless rock and roll anthem that continues to captivate audiences decades after its release. Originally performed live in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1973, the song was captured for the iconic concert film and album, “Aloha From Hawaii, Live in Honolulu.”
The song’s origins can be traced back to the early 1970s. It was written by Mike Stoller and Jerry Leiber, the songwriting duo behind numerous hits for Presley and other artists. The song’s title, “Steamroller Blues,” is a playful reference to the powerful and unstoppable force of a steamroller, metaphorically representing the energy and intensity of the music.
“Steamroller Blues” showcases Presley’s signature vocal style, characterized by his deep, soulful voice and his ability to convey raw emotion and passion. The song’s driving rhythm and energetic guitar riffs create a high-energy atmosphere that perfectly complements Presley’s dynamic performance. The lyrics, filled with vivid imagery and suggestive language, paint a picture of a passionate and intense love affair.
The concert recording of “Steamroller Blues” from “Aloha From Hawaii” is considered one of the most iconic performances in Presley’s career. The song’s inclusion in the film and album helped to solidify Presley’s status as a global superstar, and it remains a fan favorite to this day. The concert’s massive television audience, estimated to be over 1 billion people worldwide, further cemented Presley’s legacy as the “King of Rock and Roll.”
In the years since its release, “Steamroller Blues” has become a classic rock and roll standard. It has been covered by numerous artists, including Joan Jett, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Bon Jovi, and it continues to be played on radio stations and in concert halls around the world. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and Presley’s enduring legacy as one of the most influential musicians of all time.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Steamroller Blues”
I’m a steamroller baby
I’m ’bout to roll all over you
I’m a steamroller baby
I’m ’bout to roll all over you
I’m gonna inject your soul
With sweet rock’n’roll, poor heavenI’m a cement mixer
A churning urn of burning funk
I’m a cement mixer
A churning urn of burning funk
A hefty hunk, steaming junkI’m a steamroller baby
I’m ’bout to roll over you
I’m a steamroller baby
I’m ’bout to roll over you
I’m gonna inject your soul
With some sweet rock’n’roll
And shoot you full of rhythm and bluesI’m a napalm-bomb
Guaranteed to blow your mind
I’m a napalm-bomb
Guaranteed to blow your mind
If I can’t have your love now baby
There won’t be nothing left behind