Introduction:
“Girl Next Door Went A’Walking” is a track by Elvis Presley recorded on April 3, 1960, for his album Elvis Is Back!, which marked his return to music after serving in the U.S. Army. The song was co-written by Bill Rice and Thomas Wayne, a Memphis-based musician known for the 1958 hit “Tragedy.” This upbeat track showcases a blend of rock and R&B styles with a touch of jazz, capturing the vibrant energy of Presley’s early 1960s sound.
The recording session took place at RCA’s Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee, where Presley collaborated with a stellar lineup of musicians. The session included Hank Garland and Scotty Moore on guitar, Bob Moore on bass, D.J. Fontana and Buddy Harman on drums, and Floyd Cramer on piano. Notably, the saxophone accompaniment by Boots Randolph adds a jazzy layer to the song’s sound, and vocal support was provided by the renowned backing group, The Jordanaires. This combination of talented musicians helped capture a sound that resonated with Presley’s classic rock style, enriched with Nashville’s sophisticated production techniques.
“Girl Next Door Went A’Walking” reflects Presley’s ability to incorporate multiple genres while appealing to a broad audience. This song, though not as commercially impactful as some of his chart-topping hits, adds depth to Elvis Is Back!, a well-regarded album that demonstrated his growth as an artist and reinforced his place in rock and roll after his military service. The song remains a fan favorite for its catchy melody and the polished performance by Presley and his supporting musicians. For more about this track, visit official sources such as the Elvis Presley Music site and other reputable Elvis-related archives.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Girl Next Door Went A’walking”
She found the boy she likes
She wanted to get married
Settle down for life
The girl next door went a’walking
She knew it wasn’t right
She came home at half past ten
Late every night
The girl next door went a’walking
She found the boy she likes
She wanted to get married
Settle down for life
She didn’t know love was so grand
She never took love second hand
But to my surprise
She thought that love was paradise
The girl next door went a’walking
She found the boy she likes
She wanted to get married
Settle down for life
The girl next door went a’walking
She knew it wasn’t right
She came home at half past ten
Late every night
The girl next door went a’walking
She found the boy she likes
She wanted to get married
Settle down for life
She didn’t know love was so grand
She never took love second hand
But to my surprise
She thought that love was paradise
The girl next door went a’walking
She found the boy she likes
She wanted to get married
Settle down for life
Now the two are married
Settled down for life
She walks by hand in hand
Late every night
The girl next door went a’walking
She found the boy she likes
She wanted to get married
Settle down for life
Settle down for life
Settle down for life
Settle down for life