Elvis Presley – Blue Suede Shoes 1956

About The Song

“Blue Suede Shoes” isn’t just a song; it’s a cultural milestone, the spark that ignited Elvis Presley’s meteoric rise and forever changed the landscape of music. Released in 1956, this playful ode to teenage rebellion and youthful swagger became a symbol of the burgeoning rock ‘n’ roll era, resonating with audiences across generations.

Originally written and recorded by Carl Perkins in 1955, “Blue Suede Shoes” was a gentle country ballad. When Elvis stumbled upon the song, however, he saw its potential for something more. In his legendary Sun Studios session, he infused the song with his signature electrifying energy, adding a driving rhythm, playful improvisations, and a smoldering vocal delivery that sent shockwaves through the music industry.

“Blue Suede Shoes” wasn’t just catchy; it was revolutionary. Elvis, a young Southerner with a unique blend of musical influences, shattered racial and genre barriers. The song, blending elements of blues, country, and gospel, appealed to both Black and white audiences, paving the way for rock ‘n’ roll to become a truly integrated genre.

Beyond its infectious energy, “Blue Suede Shoes” explores relatable themes of youthful exuberance, defiance against authority, and the importance of protecting what you love. The lyrics, “Well, you can do anything but lay off of my blue suede shoes,” became a rallying cry for teenagers yearning for self-expression and freedom.

The song’s impact was immediate and undeniable. It topped the Billboard Hot 100, catapulted Elvis to national and then global stardom, and solidified his status as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Its influence extends far beyond the charts, appearing in countless films and television shows and covered by numerous artists, each adding their own twist to the timeless classic.

Prepare to step back in time, strap on your blue suede shoes, and join the rock ‘n’ roll revolution with Elvis Presley. “Blue Suede Shoes” isn’t just a song; it’s a portal to a bygone era where youthful rebellion ruled and music had the power to change the world. So, crank up the volume, feel the rhythm take hold, and let Elvis guide you through a whirlwind of playful defiance and raw energy. Remember, as the song famously declares, “Well, it’s one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, now go, cat, go!”

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Lyrics

Well, it’s one for the money two for the show
Three to get ready now go, cat, go

But don’t you step on my blue suede shoes
Well you can do anything but
Lay off of my blue suede shoes

Well, you can knock me down, step in my face
Slander my name all over the place
Do anything that you want to do
But uh-uh honey, lay off of my shoes

Don’t you step on my blue suede shoes
You can do anything but lay off of my blue suede shoes
Now let’s go cats (oh walk the dogs)

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 baby, lay off of my shoes

Don’t you step on my blue suede shoes
You can do anything but lay off of my blue suede shoes
Rock it

Well, it’s one for the money, two for the show
Three to get ready now go, cat, go

But don’t you step on my blue suede shoes
Well you can do anything but lay off of my blue suede shoes
Go cat uh

Blue, blue suede shoes oh baby
Blue, blue suede shoes uh ha
Blue, blue suede shoes oh baby
Blue, blue suede shoes
You do anything but lay off of my blue suede shoes