Elvis Presley – T-R-O-U-B-L-E (’68 Comeback Special)

Introduction:

Elvis Presley’s “Trouble” is a timeless rock and roll anthem that showcases the King’s raw talent and versatility. Composed by the songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the song was originally released in 1958 as part of the soundtrack for the film King Creole. Its dark, brooding tone and powerful lyrics have made it a fan favorite and a cornerstone of the rock and roll canon.

After a period of artistic stagnation in the mid-1960s, characterized by Hollywood film roles and formulaic pop ballads, Elvis’s career had begun to wane. The “68 Comeback Special,” a television variety show broadcast live from NBC Studios in Burbank, California, was intended to revitalize his image and reconnect him with his devoted fan base. The choice to perform “T-R-O-U-B-L-E” was a bold statement, a deliberate rejection of the saccharine pop music that had dominated his recent output.

The song, penned by Charlie McCoy and Bill Medley, is a driving rock and roll number with a catchy melody and a powerful, bluesy guitar riff. Elvis’s vocals are raw and passionate, capturing the intensity and urgency of the lyrics. The performance is electric, with Elvis moving with a youthful energy that belies his age. The audience is visibly enthralled, their cheers and applause echoing through the studio.

“T-R-O-U-B-L-E” proved to be a resounding success. Its release coincided with the broadcast of the “68 Comeback Special,” which was watched by millions of viewers. The performance quickly became a cultural phenomenon, reigniting interest in Elvis’s music and solidifying his status as a rock and roll icon. The song’s impact extended beyond the immediate aftermath of the special, becoming a staple of Elvis’s live shows and a beloved classic among fans.

“T-R-O-U-B-L-E” is a testament to Elvis Presley’s enduring appeal and his ability to reinvent himself. It represents a turning point in his career, a moment when he reclaimed his artistic identity and reconnected with the essence of rock and roll. The song’s legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans, serving as a reminder of the power of music to transcend time and connect with audiences on a deep emotional level.

Video:

Lyrics:

“T-R-O-U-B-L-E”

I play an old piano from nine till a half past one
Tryin’ to make a livin’ watchin’ everybody have fun
Well, I don’t miss much that ever happens on a dance hall floor
Mercy, look what just walked through that doorWell, hello T-R-0-U-B-L-E
What in the world you’re doin’ A-L-O-N-E?
Say, good L-double O-K-I-N-G
I smell T-R-O-U-B-L-E

I was a little bitty baby when my papa hit the skids
Mama had a time tryin’ to raise nine kids
Told me not to stare ’cause it was impolite
And did the best she could to try to raise me right

But mama never told me ’bout nothing like Y-O-U
Say, your mama must have been another something or the other too
Say, hello good L-double O-K-I-N-G
I smell T-R-O-U-B-L-E

Well, you talk about a woman I’ve seen a lot of others
But too much something’ and not enough another
You’ve got it all together like a lovin’ machine
Lookin’ like glory and walkin’ like a dream

Mother Nature’s sure been good to Y-O-U
Well, your mama must have been another good lookin’ too
Say, hey, good L-double O-K-I-N-G
I smell T-R-O-U-B-L-E

Well, you talk about a trouble-makin’ hunka pokey bait,
The men are gonna love and all the women gonna hate
Reminding them of everything they never gonna be
Maybe the beginning of the World War III
Oh, the world ain’t ready for nothin’ like a Y-O-U
Well, I bet your mama must have been another something or the other too

Say hey good L-double O-K-I-N-G
I smell T-R-O-U-B-L-E