Introduction
In the realm of rock and roll, few names resonate with the same enduring power as Elvis Presley. The King, as he was affectionately known, revolutionized the music scene with his electrifying stage presence, soulful vocals, and captivating blend of genres. Among his vast repertoire of hits, the 1965 song “Puppet on a String” stands out as a poignant reflection of love’s complexities and the struggle for independence.
Penned by the songwriting duo Roy C. Bennett and Sid Tepper, “Puppet on a String” was originally written for the MGM film “Girl Happy,” in which Elvis played the lead role. The song’s melancholic tone and introspective lyrics capture the essence of unrequited love, with Elvis lamenting his position as a mere puppet in the hands of his unattainable desire.
The song’s opening lines, “I’m just a puppet on a string, pulled by every whim,” set the stage for a narrative of yearning and frustration. Elvis’s character, deeply infatuated with a woman who remains indifferent to his affections, feels controlled by her emotions, unable to break free from the strings of her indifference.
The song’s chorus further emphasizes the protagonist’s helplessness, with Elvis repeating, “I’m just a puppet on a string, tied to your heart and soul.” This imagery underscores the depth of his emotional attachment, suggesting that his very existence is bound to the whims of his beloved.
Despite the song’s melancholic undertones, there’s a hint of defiance in Elvis’s delivery, suggesting a glimmer of hope for breaking free from the shackles of unrequited love. The song’s final verse ends with a poignant question, “Will I ever be free, or will I forever be a puppet on a string?” leaving the listener with a sense of uncertainty and the lingering possibility of liberation.
“Puppet on a String” remains a powerful ballad that resonates with listeners across generations. Elvis’s heartfelt rendition captures the complexities of love, the yearning for connection, and the struggle to break free from the shackles of unrequited affection. It’s a song that speaks to the universal human experience of love, loss, and the desire for self-determination.
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Lyrics
Every time you look at me
I’m as helpless as can be
I become a puppet on a string
You can do ‘most anything with meAll you do is touch my hand
And your wish is my command
I become a puppet on a string
You can do ‘most anything with meIf you really love me
Darling please be kind
I offer you the truest love
That you will ever findTake my heart and please be fair
Handle it with loving care
For I’m just a puppet on a string
You can do ‘most anything with meIf you really love me
Darling please be kind
I offer you the truest love
That you will ever findTake my heart and please be fair
Handle it with loving care
For I’m just a puppet on a string
You can do ‘most anything with me
You can do ‘most anything with me