What’d I Say – Elvis Presley

Introduction:

Elvis Presley recorded “What’d I Say” as part of the Viva Las Vegas movie soundtrack, released in 1964. The song is a cover of Ray Charles’ 1959 hit, which was notable for blending gospel, rhythm and blues, and a touch of early rock ‘n’ roll. Elvis’ version, infused with his signature rock style, was recorded for the film, though it was added as an afterthought during the production. The inclusion of the song in Viva Las Vegas came during a period when Presley was exploring more energetic and lively musical arrangements.

Although Elvis’ performance of “What’d I Say” maintained the high energy and call-and-response structure of Charles’ original, it was a bit polarizing at the time. Critics felt that it was a departure from his typical sound, and the song’s release coincided with a crowded marketplace of Elvis material, including other singles and soundtrack albums. This might have contributed to the relatively lukewarm commercial reception, despite its vibrant rhythm and Elvis’ charismatic delivery​.

Nevertheless, the track has since been appreciated for its rollicking feel and for showcasing the evolving musical landscape of the early 1960s, where artists like Presley and Charles were crossing genre boundaries and experimenting with new sounds. Elvis’ rendition remains a testament to his ability to bring his own flair to already iconic songs.

Video:

Lyrics:

“What’d I Say”

Hey mama, don’t you treat me wrong
Come and love your daddy all night long
All right, hey, hey, all right nowSee the girl with the diamond ring
She knows how to shake that thing
All right, hey, hey, Mmm, all right nowAhhh, Ohh, Ahhh, Ohh, Ahhh, Ohh, OhhMake me feel so good, make me feel so good right now
Make me feel so good, make me feel so good right now
Make me feel so good, make me feel so good

Mmm, see the girl with the red dress on
She can do the dog all night long
All right, hmm what’d I say, tell me what’d I say

Tell me what’d I say, tell me what’d I say right now
Tell me what’d I say, tell me what’d I say right now
Tell me what’d I say, tell me what’d I say

Ahhh, Ohh, Ahhh, Ohh, Ahhh, Ohh, Ohh
It’s all right, It’s all right right now
Baby, it’s all right, Baby, it’s all right right now
Baby, it’s all right, Oh yeah!

Baby shake that thing, baby shake that thing right now
Baby shake that thing, baby shake that thing right now
Baby shake that thing, well I feel all right