Shoppin’ Around – Elvis Presley

Introduction:

“Shoppin’ Around” is a lively and playful song performed by Elvis Presley, featured in the 1960 film G.I. Blues. Written by Aaron Schroeder, Sid Tepper, and Roy C. Bennett, the track exemplifies the lighthearted rock and roll style that was a hallmark of many of Presley’s early movie soundtracks. Recorded on May 6, 1960, at RCA Studio B in Nashville, the song was included on the G.I. Blues album, which served as the movie’s soundtrack and became one of Elvis’s most commercially successful records of the era.

The song’s narrative fits seamlessly into the storyline of G.I. Blues, where Elvis plays Tulsa McLean, a U.S. Army soldier stationed in Germany. In the film, the upbeat and charming number captures Tulsa’s flirtatious energy as he navigates romantic adventures. Elvis’s charismatic delivery and the song’s catchy rhythm made it a standout moment in the movie.

Musically, “Shoppin’ Around” features contributions from some of Nashville’s top session musicians of the time, including Scotty Moore on guitar, D.J. Fontana on drums, and Dudley Brooks on piano. These artists, along with Elvis’s signature vocals, brought a polished yet energetic feel to the recording.

Critically, the song is often regarded as a fun, light rocker, with Elvis’s performance elevating what some might consider a straightforward composition. Fans and critics have noted how his vocal charm and natural screen presence helped transform “Shoppin’ Around” into a memorable piece of the G.I. Blues soundtrack. The album itself spent weeks at the top of the charts and remains a beloved part of Elvis’s film and music legacy​.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Shoppin’ Around”
(from “G.I. Blues” soundtrack)