Introduction:
Elvis Presley, the undisputed King of Rock and Roll, revolutionized the music scene in the mid-1950s. His energetic performances, electrifying blend of rockabilly and blues, and charismatic persona captivated audiences worldwide. However, by the late 1960s, Presley’s musical direction shifted as he ventured into soundtracks for his numerous Hollywood films.
Long Legged Girl (With the Short Dress On), released in 1967, exemplifies this transition. Recorded for the soundtrack of the movie Double Trouble, the song marked a departure from Presley’s early, genre-defining rock and roll sound. While some credit for the song goes to the songwriting duo of J.L. McFarland and W. Scott, production fell under the umbrella of RCA Records, a stark contrast to the Sun Studio sessions that birthed many of Presley’s early hits.
Long Legged Girl (With the Short Dress On) embraced a more contemporary rock sound, infused with a touch of what some reviewers have described as “faux hard rock.” The song featured a distorted guitar riff and a driving rhythm section, a stylistic shift from Presley’s signature rockabilly sound.
Long Legged Girl (With the Short Dress On) wasn’t a major commercial success. It wasn’t released as a single and failed to garner the same level of critical acclaim as Presley’s earlier works. However, the song remains a noteworthy entry in his vast discography. It showcases Presley’s willingness to experiment with new sounds and highlights the evolution of his musical approach throughout the 1960s.
While some fans may long for the raw energy of Presley’s early rock and roll years, Long Legged Girl (With the Short Dress On) offers a glimpse into the King’s adaptability and his desire to broaden his musical horizons. The track continues to be a topic of discussion among Presley enthusiasts, and can be found on various compilation albums and online platforms.
Video:
Lyrics:
All right
I’ve been thumbing rides, travelling lightWalking streets ’til past midnightTramping roads, trails, and lanesScaling cliffs, fields, and plainsSearching ’til the early dawnFor that long-legged girl with the short dress on
Riding trucks, bikes, and skisSailing lakes and brooks and seasDriving wagons, cars, and jeepsWalking stilts in ten foot leapsSearching ’til the early dawnFor that long-legged girl with the short dress onAnd everywhere I go, she’s been and gone
She’s fine (she’s fine)It’s just too bad she’s the travelling kindSo fine (so fine)I just can’t rest ’til I make her mine
I’ve been from Maine to TennesseeMexico and WaikikiRain or shine, sleet or snowSearching high, then I’m searching lowEverything depends uponFor that long-legged girl with the short dress on
She’s fine (she’s fine)It’s just too bad she’s the travelling kindSo fine (so fine)I just can’t rest ’til I make her mine
Well, I’ve been from Maine to TennesseeMexico and WaikikiRain or shine, sleet or snowI’m searching high, well, I’m searching low‘Cause everything depends uponFor that long-legged girl with the short dress onThe long-legged girl with the short dress on