Introduction:
Released in 1957, “Mean Woman Blues” is a blues rock song that showcases the raw energy and captivating vocals of the young Elvis Presley. While not reaching the dizzying heights of some of his other hits, the song has become a beloved cut among Presley fans and music historians, credited for its influence on the development of rock and roll.
The track was born during a pivotal period in Presley’s career. In 1954, a young and relatively unknown Presley entered the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, to record with producer Sam Phillips. This session, which yielded “That’s All Right” and “Blue Suede Shoes,” is widely regarded as the beginning of rock and roll. “Mean Woman Blues” was also recorded during this momentous session, but it remained unreleased for three years.
Presley’s music at this time was heavily influenced by the blues and gospel sounds he grew up with. “Mean Woman Blues” perfectly exemplifies this. The song features a driving rockabilly beat, characteristic of Sun Studio recordings, punctuated by Presley’s powerful and soulful vocals. The lyrics, though simple, tell the tale of a man lovestruck by a difficult woman, a theme that would become a recurring one in rock and roll.
Despite being shelved for a few years, “Mean Woman Blues” eventually found its way onto the B-side of Presley’s 1957 single “Tutti Frutti”. While the A-side rocketed up the charts, “Mean Woman Blues” gained a dedicated following for its untamed energy and glimpse into Presley’s early rock and roll sound. Over the years, the song has been covered by numerous artists, including Roy Orbison who took it to number five on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1963.
“Mean Woman Blues” may not be one of Presley’s most commercially successful songs, but its significance lies in its historical context and its enduring influence. The song represents a potent example of the raw and electrifying sound that launched rock and roll into the mainstream. It offers a chance to hear Presley, the young lion of rock and roll, completely unbridled, and for that reason, “Mean Woman Blues” remains a treasure for music lovers and a testament to the enduring legacy of the King of Rock and Roll.
Video:
Lyrics:
I got a womanMean as she can beI got a womanMean as she can beSometimes I thinkShe’s almost mean as me
A black cat up and died of fright‘Cause she crossed his path last nightOh, I got a womanMean as she can beSometimes I thinkShe’s almost mean as me
She kiss so hard, she bruise my lipsHurts so good, my heart just flipsOh, I got a womanMean as she can beSometimes I thinkShe’s almost mean as me
The strangest gal I ever hadNever happy ‘less she’s madOh, I got a womanMean as she can beSometimes I thinkShe’s almost mean as me
She makes love without a smileOoh, hot dog that drives me wildOh, I got a womanMean as she can beSometimes I thinkShe’s almost mean as me