Introduction:
“Hard Headed Woman” by Elvis Presley was released in 1958 as part of the soundtrack for the movie King Creole. Written by Claude Demetrius, the song is a powerful example of rock ‘n’ roll’s energetic style during the late 1950s. Recorded in Hollywood in January 1958, the track features a distinctive lineup of musicians, including Presley’s regular guitarist Scotty Moore, bassist Bill Black, and drummer D.J. Fontana. The Jordanaires provided background vocals, adding richness to the performance.
Musically, “Hard Headed Woman” showcases Presley’s dynamic vocal delivery, blending rockabilly with rhythm and blues elements. The song’s lyrics portray a humorous yet exaggerated account of men’s struggles with “stubborn” women, referencing historical and biblical couples like Adam and Eve, Samson and Delilah, and Jezebel. This playful approach was a reflection of the song’s light-hearted tone, emphasizing the mischievous tension between men and women.
The single was a massive success, becoming the first rock ‘n’ roll song by a male artist to achieve gold certification by the RIAA. It also topped the Billboard pop charts, further cementing Presley’s influence on the burgeoning rock music scene. This success contributed to the overall impact of the King Creole soundtrack, which is regarded as one of Elvis’s finest film-related works.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Hard Headed Woman”
Well a hard headed woman,
a soft hearted man
been the cause of trouble
ever since the world began.
Oh yeah, ever since the world began
a hard headed woman been
a thorn in the side of man.Now Adam told to Eve,
“Listen here to me,
don’t you let me catch you
messin’ round that apple tree.”
Oh yeah, ever since the world began
a hard headed woman been
a thorn in the side of man.Now Samson told Delilah
loud and clear,
“Keep your cotton pickin’ fingers
out my curly hair.”
Oh yeah, ever since the world began
a hard headed woman been
a thorn in the side of man.I heard about a king
who was doin’ swell
till he started playing
with that evil Jezebel.
Oh yeah, ever since the world began
a hard headed woman been a thorn in the side of man.I got a woman,
a head like a rock.
If she ever went away
I’d cry around the clock.
Oh yeah, ever since the world began
a hard headed woman been
a thorn in the side of man.