Introduction:
Released in 1967, “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” by Elvis Presley is a surprising detour from his usual rock and roll stylings. Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, lent his iconic voice to this playful rendition of the classic children’s song. The song falls under the genre of Children’s Music and Country. It was produced by Felton Jarvis, a longtime collaborator with Presley at RCA Records. Jarvis was known for his work on many of Presley’s gospel recordings and ballads, and “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” showcases a different side of both artist and producer.
While not a chart-topping hit, “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” is a well-recognized and beloved recording by Presley among fans and families alike. Presley’s energetic and charismatic performance breathes new life into the familiar song, and the track has become a popular choice for parents looking to introduce their children to the King’s music. The song is also notable for featuring some of Presley’s signature vocals along with a country-tinged instrumental backing, giving the song a unique sound within Presley’s vast catalog.
The origins of the recording are uncertain. Some speculate it may have been recorded for a unreleased children’s album, while others believe it was simply a fun jam session during a recording session for one of Presley’s movies. Regardless of its origin, “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” stands as a charming and unexpected curiosity in Presley’s career. It showcases his versatility as a performer and his ability to connect with audiences of all ages.
The release of “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” came at a time when Presley’s career was undergoing a shift. His Hollywood films, which had been a major moneymaker for both Presley and his studio RCA in the early 1960s, were starting to decline in popularity. Presley himself was becoming increasingly frustrated with the formulaic scripts and low-budget productions. In this context, “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” can be seen as a playful departure from the restrictions of his film career.
The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to Presley’s charisma and his ability to connect with his audience. “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” may not be a rock and roll classic, but it is a delightful reminder of the King’s versatility and his enduring appeal.
Video:
Lyrics:
Old MacDonald had a farm,And on that farm he had some chicks,With a cluck, cluck here, a cluck, cluck thereLoud as they could beAnd when those chicks got out of lineChicken fricasseeWith a cluck, cluck here, a cluck, cluck thereLoud as they could beAnd when those chicks got out of lineChicken fricassee
Well, Old Macdonald had a farm,And on that farm he had some cows,With a moo, moo here, a moo, moo thereCattle everywhereAnd when those cows got out of lineHamburger, medium rareWith a moo, moo here, a moo, moo thereCattle everywhereAnd when those cows got out of lineHamburger, medium rare
Oh, Well, Old MacDonald had a farm,And on that farm he had some pigs,With an oink, oink here, an oink, oink therePigs everywhere in sightAnd when those pigs got out of linePork and beans at nightWith an oink, oink here, an oink, oink therePigs everywhere in sightAnd when those pigs got out of linePork and beans at night
Well I’m gonna have a farm one day,And I’ll do things McDonald’s way,With a cluck, cluck here, a cluck, cluck thereA moo, moo here, a moo, moo thereAn oink, oink here, an oink, oink thereAnd I can promise youIf those animals ever get out of lineWe’ll have a mulligan stewHow about you?