Elvis Presley – What’d I say

What’d I Say: A Raucous Rock and Roll Anthem by the King of Rock and Roll

In the annals of rock and roll history, few names resonate with the same cultural significance as Elvis Presley. The King, as he was affectionately known, revolutionized the music industry with his electrifying stage presence, captivating vocals, and fusion of genres that blurred the lines between rhythm and blues, country, and pop. Among his extensive repertoire of iconic hits, “What’d I Say” stands out as a groundbreaking anthem that epitomizes Presley’s raw energy and untamed charisma.

Released in 1958, “What’d I Say” marked a departure from Presley’s usual ballad-heavy style, delving into the realm of frenetic rock and roll. The song’s origins can be traced back to a live performance at the Cotton Mill Club in Memphis, Tennessee, where Presley’s impromptu improvisation with his bandmates ignited an uncontrollable frenzy among the audience. Recognizing the song’s infectious energy, Presley’s producer, Sam Phillips, quickly arranged for a studio recording.

“What’d I Say” opens with a driving rhythm section, propelled by Presley’s signature slapback guitar and Scotty Moore’s twangy lead lines. Presley’s vocals, infused with unrestrained passion and playful suggestiveness, weave a tale of amorous pursuit and the thrill of spontaneous desire. The lyrics, though seemingly simple, capture the essence of youthful exuberance and the uninhibited expression of emotions that characterized the burgeoning rock and roll era.

The song’s structure is anything but conventional, defying the rigid verse-chorus format that dominated popular music at the time. Instead, “What’d I Say” unfolds as an extended jam session, punctuated by Presley’s charismatic exhortations and the band’s spirited interludes. The song’s climax arrives with a frenzied breakdown, featuring a call-and-response exchange between Presley and the backing vocalists, the Jordanaires, that sends the energy levels soaring to an electrifying crescendo.

“What’d I Say” proved to be an instant commercial success, reaching number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and topping the R&B Singles chart. The song’s impact extended far beyond the charts, cementing Presley’s status as a rock and roll icon and paving the way for a new era of uninhibited musical expression. Its influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who followed in Presley’s footsteps, from Chuck Berry and Little Richard to The Rolling Stones and The Beatles.

“What’d I Say” remains a testament to Elvis Presley’s groundbreaking artistry and his ability to captivate audiences with his raw talent and untamed spirit. It is a song that epitomizes the essence of rock and roll – rebellious, energetic, and unapologetically individualistic – and continues to inspire generations of music lovers with its infectious energy and timeless appeal.

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Lyric

🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤

Hey mama, don’t you treat me wrong
Come and love your daddy all night long
All right, hey, hey, all right now

See the girl with the diamond ring
She knows how to shake that thing
All right, hey, hey, Mmm, all right now

Ahhh, Ohh, Ahhh, Ohh, Ahhh, Ohh, Ohh

Make 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