Elvis Presley

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Blue Suede Shoes album cover

Blue Suede Shoes

Elvis Presley

Lyrics

[Intro]
Well, it's one for the money, two for the show
Three to get ready, now go, cat, go

[Chorus]
But don't you step on my blue suede shoes
Well, you can do anything, but stay off of my blue suede shoes

[Verse 1]
Well, you can knock me down, step in my face
Slander my name all over the place
Do anything that you wanna do
But uh-uh honey, lay off of them shoes

[Chorus]
And don't you step on my blue suede shoes
Well, you can do anything, but stay off of my blue suede shoes
Let's go, cat!

[Guitar Solo]
Ah, walk the dog

[Verse 2]
You can burn my house, steal my car
Drink my liquor from an old fruit jar
Do anything that you want to do
But uh-uh, honey, lay off of my shoes
[Chorus]
And don't you step on my blue suede shoes
Well, you can do anything, but lay off of my blue suede shoes
Rock it

[Guitar Solo]
Yeah!

[Bridge]
Well, it's one for the money, two for the show
Three to get ready, now go, cat, go

[Chorus]
But don't you step on my blue suede shoes
Well, you can do anything but lay off of my blue suede shoes

[Outro]
Well it's blue, blue, blue suede shoes
Blue, blue, blue suede shoes, yeah
Blue, blue, blue suede shoes, baby
Blue, blue, blue suede shoes
Well, you can do anything but lay off of my blue suede shoes

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Elvis Presley's Blue Suede Shoes is one of the most iconic songs of the 20th century. Written and originally performed by Carl Perkins in 1955, it tells the story of the preciousness of a pair of blue suede shoes. However, it was Presley's popular cover in 1956 that made the song a worldwide hit, and it remains a classic rock and roll staple today. In this article, we will take a closer look at the origins of the song and what makes it so enduringly popular.

About Blue Suede Shoes

The inspiration behind Blue Suede Shoes is a matter of some debate. One story is that Carl Perkins came up with the idea after seeing a young man arguing with his date about not stepping on his beloved blue suede shoes. Another story, related by Johnny Cash, is that while on tour with Perkins and Presley, he told a story about an airman who had a pair of blue suede shoes and was very protective of them. Cash then encouraged Perkins to write a song about them, despite Perkins initially feeling unsure about how to do so. Regardless of the exact inspiration, the song's enduring popularity is a testament to Perkins' skill as a songwriter and Presley's dynamic cover version.

The song's lyrics themselves are fairly simple, focusing on a lover who warns their partner not to step on their blue suede shoes, which are described as "one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, now go cat go." The emphasis on the shoes as a symbol of status and individuality speaks to the youth culture of the time and the burgeoning rock and roll movement.

One of the reasons that Blue Suede Shoes remains such a popular song is its catchy melody and infectious rhythm. The instantly recognizable guitar riff that opens the song is one of the most famous in rock and roll history, and the upbeat tempo and catchy chorus ensure that audiences can't help but dance along. Elvis Presley's cover of the song, which he recorded for his self-titled debut album, is particularly energetic and dynamic, showcasing Presley's raw talent and energy.

Blue Suede Shoes has had a lasting impact on popular culture, inspiring countless covers and homages over the years. The song has been covered by artists as diverse as Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, and The Beatles, and it has been featured in movies, television shows, and commercials. Its iconic status as a rock and roll classic ensures that it will continue to be remembered and appreciated for years to come.

Conclusion

Blue Suede Shoes by Elvis Presley is a true classic of rock and roll music, beloved by fans all over the world. Its catchy melody, infectious rhythm, and playful lyrics have made it an enduring favorite for generations, and its status as a symbol of youth culture and rebellion ensures that it will continue to be celebrated for years to come. Whether you're a die-hard Elvis fan or a casual listener of classic rock, it's impossible not to appreciate the raw energy and power of this iconic song.