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Introduction:

“Everybody Come Aboard” is a lively track performed by the legendary Elvis Presley, released in 1965. The song is part of the soundtrack album for the film Frankie and Johnny, in which Presley starred. This film, a musical comedy set in the mid-19th century, saw Elvis play the role of a riverboat performer in a love triangle. “Everybody Come Aboard” was recorded as part of the movie’s soundtrack, capturing the upbeat, celebratory atmosphere that aligned with the film’s setting and theme.

The song falls under the genres of pop and rock, with a strong influence from the traditional American jazz and vaudeville styles, echoing the film’s vintage showboat theme. Written by Joy Byers, a prolific songwriter who contributed several songs to Presley’s catalog, “Everybody Come Aboard” is characterized by its brisk tempo, energetic brass instrumentation, and Presley’s dynamic vocal delivery. It stands out as a reflection of the stylistic experimentation that marked Elvis’s work during the mid-1960s, particularly in his film soundtracks, where he often blended various musical influences.

The Frankie and Johnny soundtrack album was released by RCA Victor in March 1966, coinciding with the film’s premiere. The album itself did not achieve substantial commercial success compared to some of Presley’s earlier releases, peaking at number 20 on the Billboard 200 chart. However, it still managed to capture the unique flavor of its time, showcasing Elvis’s versatility as a performer who could navigate diverse musical landscapes. “Everybody Come Aboard,” though not a chart-topping single, contributes to the colorful and eclectic nature of the album, bringing a sense of fun and vibrancy that complements the film’s lighthearted narrative.

Despite not being one of his major hits, “Everybody Come Aboard” remains an interesting piece in Elvis Presley’s discography. It reflects his involvement in Hollywood during the 1960s, a period marked by numerous musical comedies that often showcased his charismatic presence and broad appeal. The song serves as a reminder of Elvis’s adaptability and his enduring ability to entertain, even when exploring genres outside his usual rock and roll domain.

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Lyrics:

“Everybody Come Aboard”
(from “Frankie And Johnny” soundtrack)

Everybody come aboard The Showboat tonight
We’re gonna dance ’till the morning light
We’ll have fun the whole night long
There’ll be jokes and songs
Forget your troubles, forget your strife
You’ll have the best time of your life
Hey everyone let’s go, on with the showEverybody’s gonna gamble on The Showboat tonight
The big casino’s lit up bright
How can you lose just wear a grin you’ll be sure to win
Lady Luck’s waiting there inside
The wheel of fortune’s about to ride
Hey everyone let’s go on with the show

Way down by the lobby, the boats at the bank
Bring money to spend your welcome my friend
Just walk up the plank
Everybody come aboard the showboat tonight
Look around at the happy sight
We’ll guarantee that you’ll have a ball
Come on one and all
Well what a great night you’ve got in store
You’ll wanna keep coming back for more
Hey everyone let’s go on with the show

Well what a great night you’ve got in store
You’ll wanna keep coming back for more
Hey everyone let’s go on with the show
What a great night you’ve got in store
You’re gonna keep coming back for more
Hey everyone let’s go on with the show