Introduction:
Alright, settle in, folks, and let’s take a trip back to a pivotal moment in American music history. The year is 1968. The cultural landscape is in flux. Rock and roll, once a rebellious force, has entered a more polished phase. But fear not, because a certain king is about to reclaim his throne.
We’re talking, of course, about the one and only Elvis Presley. After a period focusing on Hollywood films, Elvis was ready to return to his roots. Enter the ’68 Comeback Special’, a televised event that marked a triumphant return to the electrifying, raw energy that made him a star. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a cultural touchstone, a chance for Elvis to remind the world why he was the king.
Now, amidst the soulful ballads and electrifying rockers that filled the Comeback Special, there’s one song that injects a dose of pure, unadulterated Christmas cheer – “Santa Claus Is Back In Town”. This track wasn’t a new one – it originated in 1957 by songwriter extraordinaire Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. But in the hands of Elvis and his band, it undergoes a transformation.
Forget the jolly Saint Nick of yore. This Santa cruises in a “big black Cadillac”, not a reindeer-drawn sleigh. The sleigh bells are replaced by the driving rhythm section of Scotty Moore on guitar, D.J. Fontana on drums, and the legendary Bill Black on bass. Produced by the legendary Felton Jarvis, the song pulsates with a rockabilly energy that’s impossible to resist.
Elvis, ever the showman, injects his own playful spirit into the song. His signature sneer and playful winks during the performance add another layer of charisma to the already infectious tune. It’s a far cry from the traditional Christmas carol, a raucous reimagining that perfectly captures the spirit of the Comeback Special itself: a return to form, a shot of pure, unadulterated rock and roll energy.
“Santa Claus Is Back In Town” transcended the boundaries of a Christmas song. It became a symbol of Elvis’s own comeback, a reminder that the king wasn’t going anywhere. It’s a testament to the power of music to reinvent itself, to infuse even a familiar Christmas tune with a shot of rock and roll swagger. So, put on your blue suede shoes, crank up the volume, and prepare to be transported back to 1968, when Elvis Presley reminded the world why he was, and always will be, the king.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Santa Claus Is Back In Town”
(Christmas, Christmas, Christmas…)
Well, it’s Christmas time pretty baby
And the snow is falling on the ground
Well, it’s Christmas time pretty baby
And the snow is falling down
Well you be a real good little girl
Santa Claus is back in townGot no sleigh with reindeer
No sack on my back
You’re gonna see me comin’ in a big black CadillacOh, it’s Christmas time pretty baby
And the snow is falling on the ground
Well you be a real good little baby
Santa Claus is back in townHang up your pretty stockings
And turn off the light
Santa Claus is comin’ down your chimney tonightOh, it’s Christmas time pretty baby
And the snow is falling on the ground
Well you be a real good little baby
Santa Claus is back in town(Christmas, Christmas, Christmas…)