About the song
Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural touchstone that has stood the test of time. Released in 1956, this track marked a pivotal moment in the career of Elvis Presley, solidifying his status as the “King of Rock and Roll.” Beyond its catchy melody and infectious rhythm, “Hound Dog” offers a fascinating glimpse into the social and cultural climate of the mid-20th century.
The song’s lyrics, penned by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, are a playful yet pointed critique of a philandering and lazy man. The image of a “hound dog” is used as a metaphor for a person who is untrustworthy and unreliable. By aligning this image with a romantic partner, the song subverts traditional gender roles and offers a humorous, yet biting social commentary. While the lyrics may seem simple at first glance, they contain a depth and complexity that has resonated with audiences for generations.
Musically, “Hound Dog” is a perfect blend of blues, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll. The driving bassline, combined with Presley’s powerful vocals and the energetic saxophone solo, create a sound that is both familiar and innovative. The song’s arrangement is a testament to the talents of the session musicians who worked with Presley, including Scotty Moore on guitar and D.J. Fontana on drums.
The release of “Hound Dog” coincided with a period of significant social and cultural change in the United States. The Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum, and young people were challenging traditional values and authority figures. Presley’s music, with its raw energy and rebellious spirit, tapped into the zeitgeist of the era and helped to create a new sound that would define a generation.
“Hound Dog” is more than just a popular song; it is a cultural artifact that reflects the complex and contradictory nature of American society in the mid-20th century. The song’s enduring appeal can be attributed to its universal themes of love, loss, and betrayal, as well as its catchy melody and energetic performance. Elvis Presley and “Hound Dog” are inextricably linked, and the song remains one of the most iconic recordings in the history of popular music.
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Lyrics
You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog
Cryin’ all the time
You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog
Cryin’ all the time
Well, you ain’t never caught a rabbit
And you ain’t no friend of mine
Well, they said you was high-classed
Well, that was just a lie
Yeah, they said you was high-classed
Well, that was just a lie
Yeah, you ain’t never caught a rabbit
And you ain’t no friend of mine
You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog
Cryin’ all the time
You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog
Cryin’ all the time
Well, you ain’t never caught a rabbit
And you ain’t no friend of mine
Well, they said you was high-classed
Well, that was just a lie
Yeah, they said you was high-classed
Well, that was just a lie
Well, you ain’t never caught a rabbit
And you ain’t no friend of mine
Well, they said you was high-classed
Well, that was just a lie
Ya know they said you was high-classed
Well, that was just a lie
Well, you ain’t never caught a rabbit
And you ain’t no friend of mine
You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog
Cryin’ all the time
You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog
Cryin’ all the time
Well, you ain’t never caught a rabbit
You ain’t no friend of mine
You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog
