What’s She Really Like – Elvis Presley

Introduction:

“What’s She Really Like” by Elvis Presley was recorded on April 28, 1960, during sessions for the film G.I. Blues, his first movie after returning from military service. The song was written by Sid Wayne and Abner Silver, two frequent collaborators of Presley during this period. It reflects the lighter, more romantic tone of the movie’s soundtrack, which was designed to suit the new, polished image of Elvis as both a singer and actor.

In the film G.I. Blues, Presley plays a U.S. soldier stationed in Germany, and “What’s She Really Like” is featured in one of the scenes, adding to the movie’s theme of love and charm. The track itself is a smooth, mellow number, where Elvis sings about his affection for a girl, describing her as “wonderful,” “marvelous,” and “adorable.” The song’s playful lyrics align with the romantic and whimsical atmosphere of the movie.

Released in 1960 as part of the G.I. Blues soundtrack, the song fits the broader trend of Elvis’ career shift post-military, moving from rock ‘n’ roll rebel to a more family-friendly, all-American entertainer. The soundtrack was a significant success, topping the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart for weeks, highlighting Elvis’ ongoing popularity even after his time in the army.

While not as widely recognized as some of Elvis’ bigger hits from that era, “What’s She Really Like” remains a charming reflection of the crooning side of his musical persona, intertwined with the romantic idealism present in many of his early ’60s songs.

Video:

Lyrics:

“What’s She Really Like”
(from “G.I. Blues” soundtrack)

What’s she really like
The girl that you see me with
What’s she really like
The one I’m so dreamy with
Well, let me tell you she’s wonderful
She’s marvelous and she’s mineTold here that her lips, her lips are so thrillable
I can’t describe her kiss in words of one syllable
She’s even more than desirable
And what’s moreable she’s mineWhat’s she really like
The girl I go on about
What’s she really like
The one I’m so mad about
All I can say, she’s wonderful
She’s marvelous and she’s mineYou’re asking if she loves me
Well, you don’t know the half
You’re wondering if she’ll leave me
Ha, ha, ha, don’t make me laugh

What’s she really like
The girl I go on about
What’s she really like
The one I’m so gone about

All I can say, she’s wonderful
She’s marvelous and she’s mine