Introduction:
Ah, yes, Elvis Presley’s “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” from the legendary 1968 Comeback Special. Now that’s a performance that truly reignited the King’s career. Let’s delve a bit deeper into this electrifying moment in music history.
By 1968, Elvis Presley had been a global phenomenon for over a decade. His swaggering hips and rockabilly rhythms had taken the world by storm in the mid-50s. But by the late 60s, the musical landscape had shifted. The British Invasion, spearheaded by the Beatles, dominated the charts, and Elvis’s focus on Hollywood musicals had left some fans feeling he’d lost his edge.
Enter the Comeback Special, a televised event designed to recapture the raw energy and musical fire of Elvis’s early days. Stripped down from the glitz of his movies, the Special saw Elvis back in a leather jacket and surrounded by his talented band. It was a return to his roots, a chance to remind audiences why he was crowned the King of Rock and Roll.
And that’s precisely where “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” comes in. This wasn’t a new song by any means. Originally recorded by Lloyd Price in 1956, it was a rhythm and blues stomper with a playful lyric about a troublesome woman named Miss Clawdy. Elvis, however, injects the song with his own brand of rock and roll urgency.
The performance itself crackles with electricity. The band, fueled by the infectious energy of the Memphis Horns, lays down a tight groove. Scotty Moore’s legendary guitar licks weave through the rhythm section, and D.J. Fontana’s drumming propels the song forward. But it’s Elvis who truly commands the stage.
Listen closely, and you can hear a revitalized King. His voice, powerful and expressive, carries the weight of experience while retaining the youthful sneer of his early hits. He throws himself into the performance, playfully ad-libbing and engaging directly with the audience. There’s a palpable sense of joy and rediscovery in his performance, a reminder of the sheer pleasure he took in making music.
“Lawdy Miss Clawdy” wasn’t just a song; it was a turning point. The Comeback Special, with this performance as a highlight, proved that Elvis Presley still had the power to move audiences. It marked a return to his rock and roll roots, paving the way for a string of critically acclaimed albums and electrifying live shows in the years to come. So, when you hear that opening riff of “Lawdy Miss Clawdy,” know that you’re not just listening to a song; you’re witnessing the king reclaim his throne.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Lawdy Miss Clawdy”
(originally by Lloyd Price)
Girl you sure look good to me
But please don’t excite me baby
I know it can’t be me
Well as a girl you want my money
Yeah but you just won’t treat me right
You like to ball every morning
Don’t come home till late at night
Oh gonna tell, tell my mama
Lord, I swear girl what you been to me
I’m gonna tell everybody that I’m down in misery
So bye, bye, bye, baby
Girl, I won’t be comin’ no more
Goodbye little darlin’ down the road I’ll go
So, bye, bye, bye baby
Girl, I won’t be comin’ no more
Goodbye little darlin’ down the road I’ll go