You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog …
Monday, July 30th by carla
On July 30, 1954, Elvis Presley made his debut as a performer promoting his single, “That’s All Right, Mama.” He introduced a new style of music sometimes called “rockabilly.” His stage gyrations caused parents to worry about his impact on the youth of America. But never mind the hips — let’s talk about his lyrics. The man was the despair of English teachers everywhere:
“Heartbreak Hotel”
…
Well, the bellhops’ tears keep flowin’
And the desk clerk’s dressed in black.
Well, they been so long on Lonely Street
They ain’t never comin’ back.
“Love Me Tender”
Love me tender, love me sweet
Never let me go …
“Hound Dog”
You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog
cryin all the time,
You ain’t nothing but a hound dog
cryin all the time.
Well, you ain’t never caught a rabbit
and you ain’t no friend of mine.
“Teddy Bear”
…
I don’t wanna be a tiger
‘Cause tigers play too rough.
I don’t wanna be a lion
‘Cause lions ain’t the kind
you love enough.
English teachers might have cringed at that language in the Fifties, but it seems tame today. I wonder what they’ll be singing 50 years from now?
