Dirty, Dirty Feeling – Elvis Presley

Introduction:

“Dirty, Dirty Feeling” is a lesser-known track by the legendary rock ‘n’ roll icon Elvis Presley, recorded in 1960. It was written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, a famous songwriting duo who penned numerous hits for Presley, including “Hound Dog” and “Jailhouse Rock.” Despite not reaching the same commercial heights as some of Presley’s more iconic songs, “Dirty, Dirty Feeling” is an energetic and fast-paced number that encapsulates the rebellious spirit of early rock ‘n’ roll.

The song was part of Elvis’s soundtrack album Elvis Is Back!, which marked Presley’s return to the music scene after his two-year stint in the U.S. Army. Released in April 1960, this album was pivotal for Presley, as it demonstrated his ability to evolve his sound while maintaining his dominance in the rock ‘n’ roll genre. “Elvis Is Back!” included various musical styles, such as pop, rhythm and blues, and traditional rock ‘n’ roll, all of which helped Presley retain his appeal during a time of significant change in popular music. Though “Dirty, Dirty Feeling” did not stand out as a chart-topping single, its inclusion on the album highlights Presley’s versatility as an artist, especially in blending rock, country, and rhythm and blues influences.

Stylistically, “Dirty, Dirty Feeling” reflects the core rockabilly sound, characterized by its upbeat tempo, prominent guitar riffs, and Presley’s signature vocal delivery. The song is short, just under two minutes, but packs in a lot of energy with its raw, rebellious tone, and catchy melody. It fits perfectly within the wider album’s eclectic mix, contributing to the overall critical success of Elvis Is Back!, which has since been lauded as one of Presley’s most accomplished post-army records.

Although not a major commercial success on its own, “Dirty, Dirty Feeling” remains a testament to Presley’s enduring influence and his ability to deliver dynamic rock ‘n’ roll performances. The album itself reached number two on the U.S. Billboard Top Pop Albums chart, showcasing Presley’s seamless return to the top of the music world after his military service.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Dirty, Dirty Feeling”

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

I 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