Introduction:
Though not one of his most commercially successful songs, U.S. Male (1968) by the iconic Elvis Presley holds a certain significance in his vast musical catalog. Released as a single and the title track for an album of the same name, U.S. Male showcased Presley’s venture into the country-rock genre, a slight departure from his signature rock and roll sound that had made him a star in the 1950s.
The original U.S. Male was written and recorded by Jerry Reed in 1967 for his debut album. It wasn’t until a year later that Presley would cover the song, which reached number 28 on the U.S Billboard Hot 100 chart in the spring of 1968. While not a chart-topping hit, U.S. Male demonstrated Presley’s adaptability as a musician, his willingness to experiment with new sounds while still staying true to his energetic and charismatic performance style.
U.S. Male was produced by RCA Records, Presley’s longtime record label. Presley had a long and successful relationship with RCA, releasing the majority of his recordings with them throughout his career. It is believed that Presley himself chose to record U.S. Male, possibly drawn to the song’s masculine theme and patriotic undertones, which resonated with his established persona as a heartthrob and cultural icon.
Although the song itself didn’t achieve the same level of fame as some of Presley’s other recordings, it did find a place among his dedicated fan base. U.S. Male offered a glimpse into Presley’s musical evolution during the late 1960s, a time when he was exploring genres beyond rock and roll and experimenting with the burgeoning country-rock sound. The song also serves as a reminder of Presley’s influence on popular music. His cover of U.S. Male brought the song to a wider audience and helped to solidify country-rock as a popular genre.
Video:
Lyrics:
I’m a U.S. male ’cause I was born
In a Mississippi town, on a Sunday morn Now Mississippi just happens to occupy a place In the southeastern portion of this, here United States Now that’s a matter of fact, buddy And you know it well So I just call myself the U.S. male That’s M.A.L.E, son, that’s me!Now I said all that to say all this
I’ve been watchin’ the way, you’ve been watchin’ my miss For the last three weeks you been hot on her trail And you kinda upset this U.S. male You touch her once with your greasy hands I’m gonna stretch your neck like a long rubber band She’s wearin’ a ring that I bought her on sale And that makes her the property of this U.S. maleYou better not mess with the U.S. male, my friend
The U.S. male gets mad, he’s gonna do you in You know what’s good for yourself, son You better find somebody else, son Don’t tamper with the property of the U.S. maleAlright, alright
I’ve stayed eleven yearsThrough rain and the heat and the sleet and the snow
The U.S. male is on his toes Quit watchin’ my woman, for that ain’t wise You ain’t pullin’ no wool over this boy’s eyes I catch you ’round my woman, champ I’m gonna leave your head ’bout the shape of a stamp Kinda flattened out, so you’ll do well To quit playin’ games with this U.S. maleYou better not mess with the U.S. male, my friend
The U.S. male gets mad, he’s gonna do you in You know what’s good for yourself, son You better find somebody else, son Don’t tamper with the property of the U.S. maleSock it to me one time
Okay baby Alright I’m gonna tell it like it is son I catch you messin’ ’round with that woman of mine I’m gonna lay one on you, you’re talkin’ to the U.S. male The American U.S. male