Elvis Prersley – Money Honey

Introduction:

“Money Honey” is a song famously performed by Elvis Presley, a key figure in rock and roll history. Originally written and recorded by Jesse Stone under the pseudonym Charles Calhoun, “Money Honey” was first released by the R&B group The Drifters in 1953. The Drifters’ version, led by Clyde McPhatter, became a major hit, reaching the top of the Billboard R&B chart, and is often credited as a defining song of early R&B and rock and roll music.

Elvis Presley covered “Money Honey” in 1956, and his version is considered one of the standout tracks on his debut studio album, Elvis Presley, released on March 23, 1956, by RCA Victor. This album is widely regarded as a groundbreaking release that helped establish Presley as a leading force in rock and roll. “Money Honey” is a rock and roll track infused with elements of rhythm and blues, a style that Presley was known for mastering in his early career.

Elvis’s rendition of “Money Honey” is notable for its energetic performance, combining his signature vocal style with a lively rock and roll arrangement. His version maintained the song’s original rhythmic feel but added a distinct rockabilly twist, which was a hallmark of his style. “Money Honey” did not chart separately as a single from Elvis’s album, but it contributed significantly to the success of his debut album, which itself became a landmark in rock music. The album reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart and stayed there for ten weeks, marking the beginning of Presley’s meteoric rise to fame.

Elvis Presley’s cover of “Money Honey” is a prime example of his ability to take existing R&B and blues songs and reinterpret them in a way that resonated with a broader, predominantly white audience. This approach not only helped to popularize the rock and roll genre but also bridged cultural gaps in a racially divided America. His performance of “Money Honey” remains an essential part of his early musical catalog and showcases his dynamic ability to blend genres and captivate listeners. The song, and indeed the album it features on, solidified Elvis’s place as “The King of Rock and Roll” and paved the way for future rock musicians.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Money Honey”

(J. Stone)
You know, the landlord rang my front door bell.
I let it ring for a long, long spell.
I went to the window,
I peeped through the blind,
And asked him to tell me what’s on his mind.
He said,Money, honey.
Money, honey.
Money, honey, if you want to get along with me.Well, I screamed and I hollered,
I was so hard-pressed.
I called the woman that I loved the best.
I finally got my baby about half past three,
She said I’d like to know what you want with me.
I said,

Money, honey.
Money, honey.
Money, honey,
If you want to get along with me.

Well, I said tell me baby, what’s wrong with you?
From this day on our romance is through
I said, tell me baby, face to face
How could another man take my place?
She said,

Money, honey.
Money, honey.
Money, honey,
If you want to get a long with me.

Well, I’ve learned my lesson and now I know
The sun may shine and the winds may blow.
The women may come and the women may go,
But before I say I love you so,
I want

Money, honey.
Money, honey.
Money, honey,
If you want to get along with me.