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Introduction to Elvis Presley’s “I Got Stung”
“I Got Stung” is a 1958 song recorded by Elvis Presley and released as a single written by Aaron Schroeder and David Hill and published by Elvis Presley’s company Gladys Music, Inc. It was a number one hit in the UK in 1959 and again in 2005 as a double A-side single. In the US, “I Got Stung” peaked at #8 on the Hot 100. It was one of a number of Elvis Presley songs to be re-released in the United Kingdom in 2005 and it went to No. 1 again, in another double A-side release with “One Night”.
The song was recorded on February 4, 1958, at Radio Recorders in Hollywood, California, during the sessions for Presley’s upcoming film King Creole. It was released as a single on March 25, 1958, with the B-side “Don’t” (also from the King Creole soundtrack). “I Got Stung” quickly became a hit, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart in May 1959. It remained at the top spot for two weeks.
The song is a mid-tempo rock and roll ballad with a catchy melody and Presley’s signature vocals. The lyrics tell the story of a man who has been “stung” by love. He has been betrayed by his lover and is now left feeling hurt and alone.
“I Got Stung” was one of Presley’s most popular songs in the UK, and it has remained a popular classic ever since. It has been covered by many artists over the years, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and David Bowie.
The song’s success in the UK can be attributed to a number of factors. One factor is that Presley was already a popular artist in the UK at the time. His first single, “Heartbreak Hotel,” had been a number one hit in the UK in 1956. Another factor is that the song was released at a time when rock and roll music was very popular in the UK. The song’s catchy melody and Presley’s energetic vocals made it a perfect fit for the British music scene.
“I Got Stung” was also a popular song in the United States, but it did not reach the same heights of success as it did in the UK. It peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in April 1958. The song’s lower chart position in the US may be due to the fact that it was released during a period of time when Presley was serving in the US Army.
Despite its lower chart position in the US, “I Got Stung” remains a popular classic among Elvis Presley fans. It is a song that showcases Presley’s vocal talents and his ability to interpret a song with emotion and conviction. The song is also a reminder of Presley’s global appeal and his influence on popular culture.
Here are some additional facts about “I Got Stung”:
- The song was originally titled “I Got Stung by a Stingray.”
- The song was featured in the 1958 film King Creole, in which Presley played Danny Fisher, a teenager who is torn between his love for music and his desire to go to college.
- The song was also featured in the 1992 film Honeymoon in Vegas, in which Nicolas Cage sings the song to Sarah Jessica Parker.
- “I Got Stung” was one of Presley’s favorite songs to perform live. He often sang it as part of his medley of rock and roll classics.
- The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, and Johnny Cash.
“I Got Stung” is a classic Elvis Presley song that has stood the test of time. It is a song that is both catchy and meaningful, and it showcases Presley’s vocal talents and his ability to interpret a song with emotion and conviction. The song is also a reminder of Presley’s global appeal and his influence on popular culture.
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Lyrics
(Hill and Schroeder)
Holy smoke
A land sakes alive!
I never thought this could happen to meMm, yeah! Mm, yeah!
I got stung by a sweet honey bee
Oh, what a feeling come over me
It started in my eyes
Crept up to my head
Flew to my heart
Till I was stung dead
I’m done, uh-uh
I got stung!Mm, yeah! Mm, yeah!
She had all that I wanted and more
And I’ve seen honey bees before
Started buzzin’ in my ear
Buzzin’ in my brain
Got stung all over
But I feel no pain
I’m done, uh-uh
I got stung!Now, don’t think I’m complainin’
I’m might pleased we met
‘Cause yo
ffb
u gimme just one little peck
On the back of my neck
And I break out in a cold cold sweat
If I live to a hundred and two
I won’t let nobody sting me but you
I’ll be buzzin’ ’round your hive
Ev’ry day at five
And I’m never gonna leave once I arrive
‘Cause I’m done
Uh-uh, I got stung!