Elvis Presley – Wheels On My Heels

Introduction:

Released in 1964, “Wheels On My Heels” is a high-octane rock and roll number delivered with the signature swagger of the one and only Elvis Presley. The song originated as part of the soundtrack for the movie “Roustabout,” a musical comedy starring Presley himself. While the film itself received mixed reviews, “Wheels On My Heels” stood out as a dynamic and energetic track that showcased the King’s charisma and undeniable musical talent.

Composed by songwriting duo Sid Tepper and Roy C. Bennett, the song perfectly captures the restless energy of a young man on the move. The driving guitar riffs, courtesy of session musicians like Barney Kessel and Scotty Moore, propel the track forward, while the rhythmic drumming by D.J. Fontana and Buddy Harman lays down a pulsating foundation. Elvis’s iconic vocals, backed by the rich harmonies of the Jordanaires, exude a sense of youthful exuberance and a touch of charming frustration.

Lyrically, “Wheels On My Heels” explores the feeling of being perpetually on the go, never quite settling down. The protagonist ponders why he can’t seem to find a place to belong, constantly searching for a dream that remains just out of reach. Despite the underlying restlessness, the song maintains a positive and energetic vibe, with Elvis injecting his signature charm into lines like “Gotta keep movin’, gotta keep on the roam / Can’t stay in one place, gotta find a new home.”

While “Wheels On My Heels” wasn’t a chart-topping smash hit on the level of some of Presley’s earlier recordings, it has become a fan favorite over the years. Its inclusion on the “Roustabout” soundtrack ensured its exposure to a wide audience, and its infectious energy continues to resonate with listeners today. The song is a prime example of Elvis’s ability to deliver a powerful and captivating performance, even within the context of a less critically acclaimed film.

Whether heard on its own or within the context of the “Roustabout” movie, “Wheels On My Heels” serves as a testament to the enduring power of Elvis Presley’s music. It’s a song that perfectly captures the restlessness and ambition of youth, all wrapped up in a package of pure rock and roll energy.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Wheels On My Heels”
(from “Roustabout” soundtrack)

Gotta do some livin’, got the wanderlust
Better clear the highway ’cause I’m gonna move some dust
Oh I got wheels, wheels on my heels
And I gotta keep rollin’, rolling alongLots of pretty dollies try to fence me in
But I love ’em and leave ’em ’cause a tumbleweed’s my kin
Oh I got wheels, wheels on my heels
And I gotta keep rollin’, rolling along

Why do I keep movin’, never settlin’ down
Can it be I’m looking for a dream I haven’t found
Oh I got wheels, wheels on my heels
And I gotta keep rollin’, rolling along

Oh I got wheels, wheels on my heels
And I gotta keep rollin’, rolling along