Introduction:
“Chesay” is a song performed by Elvis Presley, included in the soundtrack album for his 1965 film Frankie and Johnny. The song was written by Fred Karger, Sid Wayne, and Ben Weisman, three prolific songwriters who contributed heavily to Presley’s film soundtracks during this period. Released by RCA Victor as part of the Frankie and Johnny soundtrack, Chesay showcases the classic pop and easy listening sound that characterized much of Presley’s work in his mid-career phase.
“Chesay” was recorded on May 13, 1965, during sessions at the Radio Recorders studio in Hollywood. These sessions were dedicated to producing the music for the Frankie and Johnny movie, a musical comedy set in the Mississippi River era. The film itself is a lighthearted romance with a period-piece aesthetic, and many of its songs, including Chesay, reflect this with a blend of mid-60s pop and vaudeville-inspired melodies.
Musically, “Chesay” is an upbeat tune, characterized by a lively, big-band arrangement, and reflects the kind of showmanship that was associated with Presley’s film soundtracks. While the song did not become a major hit or stand-alone single, it is notable as part of the collection of tracks that accompanied the Frankie and Johnny movie, which itself reached number 20 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Though it was not a chart-topping track, “Chesay” is a quintessential example of the type of music Presley was producing during the mid-1960s, a period in which he was heavily involved in Hollywood. It showcases his ability to adapt his vocal style to a variety of genres, from rock and roll to ballads, and in this case, a more theatrical, vaudeville-influenced pop sound.
Frankie and Johnny, along with its soundtrack, represents an important phase in Presley’s career, where his focus was on combining his musical output with his film work. Though not one of his most commercially successful periods, it remains a significant part of his legacy as one of the most influential figures in popular music history.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Chesay”
(from “Frankie And Johnny” soundtrack)What’s in the drink, chase the Devil away
Magic I think so I just say Chesay
Chesay, Chesay bring you good luck night and day
Chesay, Chesay that’s the gypsy wayTrouble is my middle name
Though it’s such a crying shame
Try and try there’s nothing I can do
But I’m feeling kinda strange
Feel like things are going to changeTime my lucky star was shining through
Chesay, Chesay bring you good luck night and day
Chesay, Chesay that’s the gypsy wayDrink a cup of gypsy love
Just tip it up and then you just say Chesay
Swallow once then swallow twice
Goes down so nice just say Chesay, heyWhat’s in the drink, chase the Devil away
Magic I think so I just say Chesay
Chesay, Chesay bring you good luck night and day
Chesay, Chesay that’s the gypsy wayChesay, Chesay brings you good luck night and day
Chesay, Chesay that’s the gypsy way
Chesay, Chesay brings you good luck night and day
Chesay, Chesay that’s the gypsy wayChesay