Introduction:
“Dirty, Dirty Feeling,” a song by Elvis Presley, is an energetic track that highlights his post-army musical evolution. Recorded on April 4, 1960, the song was included in the 1960 album Elvis Is Back! — an album marking his return to the music scene after serving in the U.S. Army. Written by the notable songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the song showcases Presley’s powerful vocal delivery along with a rock and roll vibe that keeps listeners engaged.
The song’s lyrics express raw and possessive emotions, capturing an edgy tone with themes of frustration and heartache over a love that seems just out of reach. This tone aligns with the rock and blues influences that characterized Presley’s style at the time, allowing him to explore darker, more intense lyrical themes. The production is marked by strong instrumentation, with a driving rhythm that accentuates the song’s emotional weight.
“Dirty, Dirty Feeling” didn’t achieve major commercial success on its own but has since garnered appreciation for its role in defining Presley’s musical style during this transformative period. His collaboration with Leiber and Stoller — writers of other hits like “Hound Dog” and “Jailhouse Rock” — also added to the song’s appeal, enhancing its impact within his discography. Today, the track remains a celebrated part of Elvis’s post-military career, underscoring his versatility and ability to adapt to evolving music trends in the early 1960s.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Dirty, Dirty Feeling”
Dirty feelin’s goin’ on
You know I almost hit the ceilin’
When I woke up and you were goneI took you in when you were hungry
And now your cuttin’ out on me
I’m gonna help you little darlin’
That ain’t the way it’s gonna be
I hear you’re pretty good at runnin’
But pretty soon you’ll slip and fall
That’s when I’ll drag you home with me girl
I’m gonna chain you to the wall
You know I’m lookin’ for you baby
I ain’t gonna take it layin’ down
I heard that you were cookin’ baby
Way on the other side of town
I’ve got a dirty, dirty feelin’
Dirty feelin’s goin’ on
You know I almost hit the ceilin’
When I woke up and you were gone