Introduction:
In 1964, the undisputed King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, released a song titled “Kissin’ Cousins”. This song served not only as the title track for his film of the same name but also encapsulated the comedic chaos that unfolded within the movie’s plot. While the film itself received mixed reviews, often cited for its slapstick humor and somewhat predictable storyline, “Kissin’ Cousins” achieved moderate commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart.
“Kissin’ Cousins” belonged to the genre of rock and roll, a genre Elvis himself had significantly influenced throughout the 1950s. The song was credited to songwriting duo Fred Wise and Randy Starr, with backing vocals provided by The Jordanaires, a popular vocal group who frequently collaborated with Presley on his recordings.
The film, “Kissin’ Cousins”, was directed by Gene Nelson and released in March of 1964. Elvis played a double role in the movie, portraying both Josh Morgan, a handsome Air Force officer stationed in the Smoky Mountains, and his look-alike distant cousin, Jodie Tatum, a blonde-haired, overalls-clad hillbilly. The plot revolved around Josh’s mission to convince the local townsfolk to allow the construction of a military base, a task complicated by his sudden encounter with his long-lost, troublemaking cousin Jodie. Hilarity ensues as Josh attempts to navigate the situation while keeping his identities separate.
Despite the film’s comedic tone, “Kissin’ Cousins” itself wasn’t necessarily a lighthearted song. The lyrics explored themes of loneliness and longing for companionship, particularly for Josh’s character. The upbeat tempo and playful melody, however, contrasted with these themes, creating a sense of irony that mirrored the film’s comedic premise.
While “Kissin’ Cousins” may not be considered one of Elvis Presley’s greatest musical achievements, it holds significance within the context of his filmography. Released during a period when his film roles were increasingly leaning towards lightweight comedies, the song offered a glimpse into the artist’s musical versatility and his ability to adapt to the demands of the film industry. Although commercially successful, “Kissin’ Cousins” marked a turning point in Elvis’s musical trajectory, paving the way for a string of similar comedic film roles throughout the mid-1960s.
Video:
Lyrics:
Well I’ve got a gal, she’s as cute as she can beShe’s a distant cousin but she’s not too distant with me
We’ll kiss all nightI’ll squeeze her tightBut we’re kissin’ cousins ‘n that’s what makes it all rightAll right, all right, all right
Oh I’ve got a girl and she taught me how to liveShe can give a lot and she’s got a lot to give
We’ll kiss all nightI’ll squeeze her tightBut we’re kissin’ cousins ‘n that’s what makes it all rightAll right, all right, all right
Yes we’re all cousins, that’s what I believeBecause we’re children of Adam and EveI got a girl and she wants a lot of loveThat’s the kind of trouble I need plenty of
We’ll kiss all nightI’ll squeeze her tightBut we’re kissin’ cousins ‘n that’ll make it all rightAll right, all right, all rightWe’ll be kissin’ cousins that’ll make it all rightAll right, all right, all right
Yes we’re all cousins, that’s what I believeBecause we’re children of Adam and EveI got a girl and she wants a lot of loveThat’s the kind of trouble I need plenty of
We’ll kiss all nightI’ll squeeze her tightBut we’ll be kissin’ cousins ‘n that’ll make it all rightAll right, all right, all rightWe’ll be kissin’ cousins that’ll make it all rightAll right, all right, all rightWe’ll be kissin’ cousins that’s what makes it all rightAll right, all right, all right