Introduction:
Elvis Presley’s What’d I Say, released in 1954, is a genre-bending song that holds a significant place in American music history. Though credited solely to Presley, the song’s roots trace back to the improvisational gospel music of the African American South.
The story goes that during a recording session in 1957 for Presley’s upcoming film, Viva Las Vegas, the singer along with his band, started jamming on a gospel-infused groove. Producer Sam Phillips, recognizing potential, captured this energetic improvisation. The lyrics, while not explicitly suggestive, contained playful references to physical movement and sensations, which at the time, were considered racy for mainstream audiences.
What’d I Say‘s impact was undeniable. Radio stations, taken aback by the suggestive nature of the lyrics, refused to play the full version. Edited versions were created, toning down the lyrics and focusing on the song’s infectious rhythm. Despite this censorship, What’d I Say became a massive commercial success. The song topped the Billboard Rhythm and Blues chart for weeks and reached number six on the Pop chart, showcasing its crossover appeal.
What’d I Say‘s influence on popular music is immeasurable. The song’s driving beat, Presley’s charismatic delivery, and its underlying suggestive energy were hallmarks of the emerging rock and roll genre. What’d I Say is often credited as a major influence on artists like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and countless others who would follow in Presley’s footsteps. The song’s controversial nature also played a part in breaking down racial barriers in music, as it blurred the lines between the traditionally black genre of rhythm and blues and the growing white youth market that craved Presley’s energetic sound.
What’d I Say stands as a testament to the power of improvisation and innovation in music. It showcases how a single song, even one met with initial resistance, can have a lasting impact on popular culture.
Video:
Lyrics:
Hey mama, don’t you treat me wrongCome and love your daddy all night longAll right, hey, hey, all right now
See the girl with the diamond ringShe knows how to shake that thingAll right, hey, hey, Mmm, all right now
Ahhh, Ohh, Ahhh, Ohh, Ahhh, Ohh, OhhMake me feel so good, make me feel so good right nowMake me feel so good, make me feel so good right nowMake me feel so good, make me feel so good
Mmm, see the girl with the red dress onShe can do the dog all night longAll right, hmm what’d I say, tell me what’d I say
Tell me what’d I say, tell me what’d I say right nowTell me what’d I say, tell me what’d I say right nowTell me what’d I say, tell me what’d I say
Ahhh, Ohh, Ahhh, Ohh, Ahhh, Ohh, OhhIt’s all right, It’s all right right nowBaby, it’s all right, Baby, it’s all right right nowBaby, it’s all right, Oh yeah!
Baby shake that thing, baby shake that thing right nowBaby shake that thing, baby shake that thing right nowBaby shake that thing, well I feel all right