Live in Vegas: The Irresistible Energy of Elvis’s “Polk Salad Annie” Performances
Introduction:
Elvis Presley, the legendary King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, was celebrated not only for his chart-topping rock hits but also for his ability to seamlessly navigate through different musical genres. “Polk Salad Annie” is a testament to his versatility, a lively and rhythmical song that showcases his captivating vocal prowess. In this article, we delve into the world of “Polk Salad Annie,” capturing the essence of this iconic track and Elvis’s boundless talent.
Did You Know?
- Release Year: “Polk Salad Annie” was released in 1970, showcasing a dynamic period in Elvis Presley’s extensive career.
- Song Origins: Originally written and performed by Tony Joe White, “Polk Salad Annie” is a fusion of rock, R&B, and blues elements, capturing the unique essence of the American South.
- Live Performances: Elvis Presley’s live renditions of “Polk Salad Annie” were renowned for their high-energy and infectious rhythms. It was often featured in his Las Vegas concerts and became a fan favorite.
- Unique Flavor: The song’s lyrics celebrate the Southern culinary delight known as “polk salad.” Elvis’s rendition infuses a contagious groove into this musical masterpiece.
- Enduring Popularity: “Polk Salad Annie” remains a beloved part of Elvis’s repertoire and is celebrated for its upbeat and toe-tapping appeal.
Music Video
Lyrics
"Polk Salad Annie"
Some of you all never been down South too much...
I' gonna tell you a little story, so you'll understand where I'm talking about
Down there we have a plant that grows out in the woods and the fields,
and it looks something like a turnip green.
Everybody calls it Polk salad. Now that's Polk salad.
Used to know a girl that lived down there and
she'd go out in the evenings to pick a mess of it...
Carry it home and cook it for supper, 'cause that's about all they had to eat,
But they did all right.
Down in Louisiana
Where the alligators grow so mean
Lived a girl that I swear to the world
Made the alligators look tame
Polk salad Annie
'Gators got your granny
Everybody said it was a shame
For the mama was working on the chain-gang
What a mean, vicious woman
Everyday before suppertime
She'd go down by the truck patch
And pick her a mess of Polk salad
And carry it home in a tote sack
Polk salad Annie
'Gators got you granny
Everybody said it was a shame
'Cause the mama was working on the chain-gang
Whoo, how wretched, dispiteful, straight-razor totin' woman,
Lord have mercy.
Sock a little Polk salad to him
Yeah, you know what, yeah, yeah
But daddy was a lazy and a no-count
Claimed he had a bad back
All her brothers were fit for
Was stealing watermelons out of my truck
For once Polk salad Annie
'Gators got your granny
Everybody said it was a shame
For the mama was working on the chain-gang
Sock a little Polk salad to him
You know what meets a meal mention
You sock a little
Hey, hey, hey, yeah, yeah
Chic a bon, chic a bon, chic a bon bon bon bon
Chic a bon, chic a bon, chic a bon bon bon bon
Sock a little Polk salad to him
You know what meets a meal mention
Sock a little Polk salad to him
You know what meets a meal mention
Chinc, chinc, chinc, chin, ling, ling ling
Barbara Desetto