Stay Away, Joe – Elvis Presley

Introduction:

“Stay Away, Joe” is a song by the legendary American rock and roll artist Elvis Presley. Released in March 1968, the track served as the title song for the soundtrack of Presley’s 1968 film Stay Away, Joe. The song was part of a broader album featuring various tracks that were integral to the movie’s storyline. While “Stay Away, Joe” did not achieve massive commercial success as a standalone single, it remains significant in Presley’s discography due to its association with the film and its unique blend of rock, folk, and country music.

The song’s genre is a hybrid of rock and folk with noticeable influences from country music, which was fitting given the film’s setting in the American West. In fact, the music incorporates elements of the traditional American folk song “Greensleeves,” reimagined to fit the film’s setting. The folk-rock nature of “Stay Away, Joe” showcases Presley’s versatility as an artist who could traverse different musical styles while maintaining his signature sound.

The song was recorded on October 1, 1967, at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee, under the production of Felton Jarvis, a long-time collaborator of Presley’s. Written by Ben Weisman and Sid Wayne, “Stay Away, Joe” reflects a period in Presley’s career where he was more focused on creating music that served the dual purpose of film soundtracks. This period saw Presley juggling his commitments to Hollywood with his desire to maintain his standing as a music superstar, often releasing songs that were directly tied to his movie projects.

Despite not reaching the heights of some of Presley’s earlier hits, “Stay Away, Joe” is remembered for its contribution to the broader cultural landscape of the 1960s. The song also holds a place in music history as an example of the changing tastes in popular music during that era, marking the intersection of traditional American sounds with the burgeoning rock and folk music movements. While it may not be the most famous song in Presley’s catalog, “Stay Away, Joe” stands as a testament to his ability to adapt to different genres and mediums throughout his career.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Stay Away, Joe”