Elvis Presley – Smorgasbord

Introduction:

Elvis Presley, often referred to as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, remains one of the most influential and iconic figures in music history. Among his vast catalog of songs lies a lesser-known track titled “Smorgasbord.” Released in 1966 as part of the soundtrack for the film Spinout, “Smorgasbord” captures the playful and lighthearted side of Presley’s musical persona during the mid-1960s, a period heavily influenced by his Hollywood career.

Belonging to the rock and roll genre with strong elements of pop and rockabilly, “Smorgasbord” is a reflection of Elvis’ versatility during his soundtrack-heavy years. The song was written by Sid Tepper and Roy C. Bennett, two prolific songwriters who contributed to numerous Elvis Presley films throughout the 1960s. Their collaboration with Elvis produced several hits that, while not as critically acclaimed as his earlier rock ‘n’ roll anthems, helped sustain his chart presence during a time when his focus was more on acting than touring or studio albums.

“Smorgasbord” was produced by Jeffrey Alexander, a film and television producer who oversaw the soundtracks for many of Elvis’ movies. The song’s title, derived from the Swedish word for a buffet-style meal with a variety of dishes, matches its playful nature. Lyrically and musically, “Smorgasbord” brings a whimsical energy to the Spinout soundtrack, aligning with the film’s fun, carefree atmosphere. The movie itself, where Elvis plays the role of a racecar driver and singer, was released at a time when Elvis was balancing his film career with his music, often blurring the lines between the two.

While “Smorgasbord” may not have achieved the same level of commercial success or cultural impact as some of Elvis’ other songs, it remains a charming and memorable part of his 1960s film soundtrack era. By the mid-60s, Elvis was transitioning out of his early rebellious rock persona into more polished, pop-oriented material, often tied to his film roles. “Smorgasbord” reflects this phase, offering fans a lighthearted and humorous glimpse into the more relaxed side of the King’s repertoire.

Despite not being a chart-topping hit, the Spinout soundtrack, including “Smorgasbord,” still resonated with Elvis’ loyal fanbase. The soundtrack album itself reached number 18 on the Billboard 200, a testament to the enduring appeal of Elvis’ music, even during a time when his focus was split between Hollywood and the recording studio.

In summary, “Smorgasbord” is a delightful, though often overlooked, song from Elvis Presley’s 1960s soundtrack era. It exemplifies his ability to blend humor and charm with his music, while showcasing the contributions of his talented collaborators like Sid Tepper and Roy C. Bennett. Though not a monumental achievement in his career, the song remains a fan favorite, highlighting the King’s ability to inject fun and lightness into his extensive and varied musical catalog.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Smorgasbord”
(from “Spinout” soundtrack)

Some like their women short, some like them tall
I’ll take them any size ’cause I love them allI’m just wild about smorgasbord
I got a cravin’ for smorgasbord
A little kiss here, a little kiss there
That’s smorgasbord

Mmm
Some take just apple pie, some take just cake
I’ll take the dish I please, please the dish I take

I’m just wild about smorgasbord
I got a cravin’ for smorgasbord
A little kiss here, a little kiss there
That’s smorgasbord

Mmm
Some like just southern belles, they got a one track mind
I go for all the belles except the wedding kind

I’m just wild about smorgasbord
I got a cravin’ for smorgasbord
A little kiss here, a little kiss there
That’s smorgasbord

Some like their women short, some like them tall
I’ll take them any size ’cause I love them all, Mmm
Some take just apple pie, some take just cake
I’ll take the dish I please, please the dish I take