Did You Know?
Poison Ivy League is a song recorded by Elvis Presley for the 1964 film Roustabout. It was written by Bill Giant, Bernie Baum, and Florence Kaye. The song was released as a single on October 19, 1964, and reached number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song is a satirical look at the Ivy League schools, which are known for their wealth and privilege. Presley sings about the “ra-ra boys” who are “sitting round the table tonight” with “lots of plans in view.” He goes on to say that they’re “gonna have panty raids” and “make their own lemonade.” The chorus of the song is a catchy jingle that goes, “Poison ivy league, boys in that ivy league. Give me an itch, those sons of the rich.”
Poison Ivy League was one of the most popular songs from the film Roustabout, and it has become one of Presley’s most enduring hits. It has been covered by many other artists over the years, including The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and Bruce Springsteen.
Introduction
Poison Ivy League is a classic rock song by Elvis Presley that was released in 1964. It is a satirical look at the Ivy League schools, which are known for their wealth and privilege. Presley sings about the “ra-ra boys” who are “sitting round the table tonight” with “lots of plans in view.” He goes on to say that they’re “gonna have panty raids” and “make their own lemonade.” The chorus of the song is a catchy jingle that goes, “Poison ivy league, boys in that ivy league. Give me an itch, those sons of the rich.”
The song was written by Bill Giant, Bernie Baum, and Florence Kaye. Giant and Baum were a songwriting team who had written many hits for Presley in the early 1960s, including “Stuck on You,” “It’s Now or Never,” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Kaye was a lyricist who had written songs for artists such as Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby.
Poison Ivy League was recorded at RCA Victor Studios in Hollywood, California, on October 2, 1963. The backing band consisted of Scotty Moore on guitar, Bill Black on bass, and D.J. Fontana on drums. The Jordanaires provided backing vocals.
The song was released as a single on October 19, 1964, and reached number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was also a hit in the United Kingdom, where it reached number 13 on the UK Singles Chart.
Poison Ivy League has become one of Presley’s most enduring hits. It has been covered by many other artists over the years, including The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and Bruce Springsteen. The song has also been featured in a number of films and television shows.
Interpretation
Poison Ivy League can be interpreted in a number of ways. On one level, it is simply a fun and catchy song about the Ivy League schools. However, the song can also be seen as a social commentary on the wealth and privilege of the Ivy League students. Presley sings about the “ra-ra boys” who have “lots of plans in view” and are “gonna have panty raids.” This suggests that the Ivy League students are out of touch with the real world and are only interested in having fun and enjoying their privilege.
The song can also be seen as a criticism of the Ivy League schools themselves. Presley sings about the “poison ivy league” and the “sons of the rich.” This suggests that the Ivy League schools are exclusive and only cater to the wealthy. It also suggests that the Ivy League schools are not worth attending, because they do not teach students anything valuable.
Ultimately, the interpretation of Poison Ivy League is up to the listener. However, the song is a classic rock song that has stood the test of time and continues to be enjoyed by people of all ages.
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Lyrics
Hail to thee old ivy league
Poison ivy league
The ra-ra boys are sitting round the table tonight
The ra-ra boys have lots of plans in view
They’re gonna have panty raids
And make their own lemonade
They’ll live it up just like the big boys doPoison ivy league, boys in that ivy league
Give me an itch, those sons of the rich
That poison ivy leagueThe ra-ra boys will go to bed so early tonight
Before exams they need a lot of rest
They gotta make good for dad
They gotta make good so bad
They’ll even pay someone to take that testPoison ivy league, boys in that ivy league
How can they flunk, they’re so full of bunk
That poison ivy leagueThe ra-ra boys are being groomed for business some day
For better things to college they were sent
And you can bet they’ll be the head of the company
As long as dear old daddy’s presidentPoison ivy league, boys in that ivy league
So loaded with cash, they give me a rash
That poison ivy leagueSo let it be told
I won’t touch them with a ten foot pole
That poison Ivy leagueThankgiving!