Introduction:
Elvis Presley’s “Yoga Is As Yoga Does”. Now that’s a tune that takes us back to a fascinating period in the King’s career, the mid-to-late 1960s. This wasn’t the pelvis-thrusting, rockabilly heartthrob of the 50s we all know and love. This was a more mature Elvis, venturing into the realm of Hollywood musicals.
Released in 1971, “Yoga Is As Yoga Does” actually appeared in the film Easy Come, Easy Go, a lightweight comedy where Elvis plays a Navy guy on shore leave. While the movie itself wasn’t a critical darling, it did showcase Elvis’s continued charisma and, of course, his ever-evolving musical style.
“Yoga Is As Yoga Does” falls squarely in the pop genre, with a healthy dose of 1960s flair. Think smooth melodies, a touch of doo-wop backing vocals (courtesy of the legendary Jordanaires), and a playful, almost whimsical rhythm section. It’s a far cry from the raw energy of his early recordings, but it still manages to capture a certain charm, a laid-back coolness that was very much in vogue at the time.
The song’s origins are interesting, to say the least. Elvis, by this point in his career, was deeply interested in Eastern spirituality. His hairdresser, Larry Geller, was a big influence, introducing him to meditation and the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda. “Yoga Is As Yoga Does” reflects this newfound interest, with its title referencing the ancient practice.
However, the song itself isn’t some introspective ballad about inner peace. It’s actually a lighthearted duet, with Elvis playfully wooing a woman who’s into yoga. The lyrics, penned by Sid Wayne and Sherman Edwards, are full of playful double entendres, with lines like “baby, when you do your yoga you wiggle so fine” that hint at the more suggestive aspects of the poses. It’s a clever way to weave the yoga theme into a standard pop love song.
Despite its lighthearted nature, “Yoga Is As Yoga Does” has become a bit of a curiosity among Elvis fans. Some see it as a fun, throwaway track, a product of the formulaic Hollywood musicals he was churning out at the time. Others, however, appreciate its historical significance, a glimpse into Elvis’s personal exploration of Eastern philosophy.
Love it or hate it, “Yoga Is As Yoga Does” stands as a testament to Elvis’s enduring versatility. He could be the electrifying rock and roll pioneer, the heartthrob crooner, and even the guy singing about the latest fitness craze – all while remaining undeniably, unmistakably the King.