Elvis Presley – G.I. Blues

Introduction:

“G.I. Blues” by Elvis Presley was the title track from the 1960 musical comedy film G.I. Blues, which was Presley’s first movie after his return from military service. Released on September 23, 1960, the song was recorded as part of the film’s soundtrack at RCA Studios in Hollywood, featuring backing by Presley’s longtime collaborators, including guitarist Scotty Moore and vocal group The Jordanaires.

The film and soundtrack marked a shift in Elvis’s public image, reflecting his transition from a rebellious rock-and-roll star to a more polished and family-friendly entertainer. The song “G.I. Blues” aligns with this new persona, highlighting Elvis’s character, Tulsa MacLean, a soldier stationed in West Germany who dreams of opening a nightclub after completing his military duty—mirroring Elvis’s own service in the U.S. Army.

Musically, the track is a lighthearted and upbeat number, blending rock and pop with a military-themed, comedic storyline. The soundtrack, including “G.I. Blues,” was a commercial success, peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard Top LPs chart. The song’s popularity helped further establish Elvis as a versatile entertainer capable of appealing to a broader audience beyond just rock-and-roll fans​.

Video:

Lyrics:

“G.I. Blues”
(from “G.I. Blues” soundtrack)

They give us a room
with a view of the beautiful Rhine
They give us a room
with a view of the beautiful Rhine
Gimme a muddy old creek
in Texas any old timeI’ve got those hup, two, three, four
occupation G.I. Blues
From my G.I. hair to the heels of my G.I. shoes
And if I don’t go stateside soon
I’m gonna blow my fuse

We get hasenpfeffer
and black pumpernickel for chow
We get hasenpfeffer
and black pumpernickel for chow
I’d blow my next month’s pay
for a slice of Texas cow

We’d like to be heroes,
but all we do here is march
We’d like to be heroes,
but all we do here is march
And they don’t give the Purple Heart
for a fallen arch

I’ve got those hup, two, three, four
occupation G.I. Blues
From my G.I. hair to the heels of my G.I. shoes
And if I don’t go stateside soon
I’m gonna blow my fuse

The frauleins are pretty as flowers
But we can’t make a pass
The frauleins are pretty as flowers
But we can’t make a pass
Cause they’re all wearin’ signs saying:
“Keepen sie off the grass”

I’ve got those hup, two, three, four
occupation G.I. Blues
From my G.I. hair to the heels of my G.I. shoes
And if I don’t go stateside soon
I’m gonna blow my fuse