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The track “Frankfort Special” was penned by Sid Wayne and Sherman Edwards and was performed by Elvis Presley on May 6, 1960. This recording found its place on the soundtrack album for the movie G.I. Blues, marking Presley’s second major role.

The song narrates the journey of American soldiers on a train from their German base to Frankfurt. These soldiers are eagerly anticipating their arrival in Frankfurt due to the reputation of the town’s beautiful girls.

“Frankfort Special” is an energetic, lively tune with an infectious melody and lyrics. It stands as a quintessential representation of the rockabilly genre, showcasing Presley’s prowess during the early 1960s.

This song achieved significant commercial success, soaring to the top spot on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart. Over the years, it has been covered by various artists, including Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Cliff Richard.

Interestingly, the “Frankfort Special” refers to an actual train that operates between Frankfurt and Stuttgart in Germany, named after the city of Frankfurt, the capital of Hesse state.

“Frankfort Special” provides a nostalgic glimpse into the peak of Elvis Presley’s popularity, capturing the spirit of that era. With its cheerful and upbeat vibe, the song is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.

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Lyrics

Is this train the Frankfort Special
Now ain’t this outfit something special
Well, we heard rumors from the bases
Frankfort girls got pretty faces

 

Go, Special go. Blow whistle, blow
Frankfort Special’s got a special way to go
Whao – oh – oh

Now when we get to our headquarters
We’ll be good boys and follow orders
Now don’t take girls from one another
No! No! No! No! No!
We’ll treat a sailor like a brother

Go, Special go. Blow whistle, blow
Frankfort Special’s got a special way to go
Whao – oh – oh
Round wheels singin’ on a long flat track
Boiler bustin’ to blow its stack
Towns and villages flyin’ by
Farewell frauleins, don’t you cry
You’ll soon get another G.I.

Come on, train, and get the lead out
Well, one more day we gotta sweat out
Frantic frauleins at the station
They’re ready for a celebration

Go, Special go. Blow whistle, blow
Frankfort Special’s got a special way to go

Go, Special go. Blow whistle, blow
Frankfort Special’s got a special way to go
Whao – oh – oh

Come on, train, and get the lead out
Well, one more day we gotta sweat out
Frantic frauleins at the station
They’re ready for a celebration

Go, Special go. Blow whistle, blow
Frankfort Special’s got a special way to go
Whao – oh – oh
Whao – oh
Whao – oh, whao – oh, whao – oh, whao – oh, whao – oh,
Whao – oh, whao – oh, whao – oh

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