Introduction:
Ah, yes, Hard Headed Woman, a scorcher from the King himself, Elvis Presley. Released in 1958, this track from the film King Creole is a prime example of Presley’s electrifying blend of rock and roll and rhythm and blues. It’s a song that crackles with energy, showcasing both the raw power and playful charm that made Elvis a legend.
Hard Headed Woman wasn’t penned by Presley himself, but by the talented Claude Demetrius, an African American songwriter who contributed a handful of gems to Elvis’s repertoire. The song’s structure is a classic 12-bar blues, a form deeply rooted in African American musical traditions. But in Presley’s hands, it becomes something altogether more potent.
The backing band on Hard Headed Woman is tight and explosive. Scotty Moore’s stinging guitar licks set the stage, perfectly complementing D.J. Fontana’s driving drumbeat. Bill Black’s bass lays down a solid foundation, while the background vocals add a layer of soulful call and response. But of course, it’s Presley’s vocal performance that truly steals the show.
He attacks the lyrics with a youthful exuberance, his voice brimming with both frustration and affection. The playful swagger in his delivery perfectly captures the push-and-pull dynamic of the song’s central theme: the classic battle between a strong-willed woman and a lovesick man. It’s a story as old as time, but Presley injects it with a fresh energy and a touch of Southern charm.
Hard Headed Woman wasn’t just a critical success, it was a commercial one as well. It became the first rock and roll single to be awarded a Gold Record by the RIAA, a testament to its enduring popularity. It also crossed over onto the R&B charts, showcasing the song’s deep connection to its blues roots.
The impact of Hard Headed Woman extends beyond its chart success. It’s a vital piece of rock and roll history, a song that helped solidify Presley’s position as the king of the genre. It’s also a reminder of the power of the blues, a musical form that continues to inspire generations of musicians. So, when you put on Hard Headed Woman, you’re not just listening to a catchy rock and roll tune, you’re experiencing a piece of musical history, delivered with the inimitable charisma of the one and only Elvis Presley.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Hard Headed Woman”
a soft hearted man
been the cause of trouble
ever since the world began.
Oh yeah, ever since the world began
a hard headed woman been
a thorn in the side of man.Now Adam told to Eve,
“Listen here to me,
don’t you let me catch you
messin’ round that apple tree.”
Oh yeah, ever since the world began
a hard headed woman been
a thorn in the side of man.
Now Samson told Delilah
loud and clear,
“Keep your cotton pickin’ fingers
out my curly hair.”
Oh yeah, ever since the world began
a hard headed woman been
a thorn in the side of man.
I heard about a king
who was doin’ swell
till he started playing
with that evil Jezebel.
Oh yeah, ever since the world began
a hard headed woman been a thorn in the side of man.
I got a woman,
a head like a rock.
If she ever went away
I’d cry around the clock.
Oh yeah, ever since the world began
a hard headed woman been
a thorn in the side of man.