Introduction:
Recorded in 1963, “Please Don’t Drag That String Around” showcases a different side of the iconic Elvis Presley. While many associate Presley with energetic rock and roll anthems or smoother ballads about love and heartbreak, this song delves into a place of vulnerability and dependence. Released during a period of immense commercial success for Presley, “Please Don’t Drag That String Around” stands out as a unique entry in his vast catalog.
The song falls under the genre of Rock and Roll, a genre that Presley himself significantly influenced. However, “Please Don’t Drag That String Around” incorporates a more subdued tempo and melancholic tone compared to Presley’s most famous recordings. Elvis himself is credited as the singer on the track, and while there is no official confirmation of additional musicians, the recording features the backing of Presley’s longtime collaborators, The Jordanaires, on harmony vocals. The producer for the track was Steve Sholes, who worked with Presley on numerous recordings throughout the 1960s.
“Please Don’t Drag That String Around” wasn’t a major chartbuster upon its release. It did not reach the same level of commercial success as some of Presley’s other singles. However, the song has gained a dedicated following among fans over the years. It is considered a hidden gem within Presley’s discography, particularly appreciated for its raw portrayal of emotional vulnerability. The lyrics paint a picture of a man pleading with a lover not to mistreat him. The metaphor of a string connecting the singer’s heart to the one he loves adds a layer of tenderness and desperation to the plea.
Despite not being a chart-topping hit, “Please Don’t Drag That String Around” remains a testament to Presley’s enduring legacy. It showcases his ability to deliver a powerful performance beyond the persona of the charismatic rock and roll star. The song’s enduring popularity speaks to the universality of its theme – the fear of abandonment and the yearning for connection. “Please Don’t Drag That String Around” serves as a reminder of the depth and complexity of Elvis Presley as an artist.
Video:
Lyrics:
You like to keep meDangling on a string‘Cause you know without youMy life don’t mean a thing
So I beg youPlease don’t drag that string around, oh noWell, what if it should breakOh, tell me, what would I do thenKeep that string up off the groundOh yeah, remember my heart is tied to the other end
Yes, I’m your puppet, my heart is in your handOne twist of the wrist and I jump to your command
So I beg youPlease don’t drag that string around, oh noWell, what if it should breakWhat would I do thenBaby, keep that string up off the groundOh yeah, remember my heart is tied to the other end
I feel inside me, as sure as anythingOne day I’ll mean more to you than a puppet on a string
So I beg youPlease don’t drag that string around, oh noWell, what if it should breakOh, tell me, what would I do thenBaby, keep that string up off the groundOh yeah, remember my heart is tied to the other end