Published By: Ahvana Paul

5 Most Meaningful Songs sung by Elvis Presley that one must hear!

Elvis Presley was one of the most important figures of rock and roll in the 20th century and lead phenomena with his innovative music, his engagement with the Black star singers and therefore a violation of the Segregation laws. Owing to his experiences, which are depicted in the recent biopic, Elvis, most of the songs he recorded are loaded with meaning and are sometimes even taken from the other singers at the time, although in the style of Elvis Presley, making it unique! Here are 5 songs that everyone should hear!

Jailhouse Rock

Originally written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoler, this song was recorded by Elvis Presley for a film, which was called Jailhouse Rock. It was one of the most popular songs in the USA at the time. The lyrics symbolize a prison full of people forgetting everything and just enjoying it for a while. Its catchy tune is impossible to get out of one’s head, once you’ve heard it!

Blue Suede Shoes

Originally sung by Carl Perkins and then re-recorded by Presley, this song involves innovative use of elements of rock and roll, blues, and country, and pop. The title of the song and the lyrics, “Don’t Step on My Blue Suede shoes, came from a reference used by a black man to his military regulation airmen’s shoes. It symbolizes therefore a reference regarding the military and also a command for respect by a black person which is unique at that point in time! For Elvis, it probably also stood as a fashion statement that he made, owing to his suave fashion sense!

In the Ghetto

This is one of the most meaningful songs that one can come across, sung by Elvis Presley and written by Mac Davis. This song is about poverty and the struggles and horror that they face!

Heartbreak Hotel

Heartbreak Hotel was initially presented to Elvis in 1955, and recorded by him in the following year. It also uses an innovative combination of R&B, Country, and Western pop music.  It depicts a narrative about alienation, and also loneliness, and heartbreak. The relatable lyrics and catchy tune make this song hard to get out of one’s head.

Hound Dog

Although Elvis recorded this song, the original song was written by Lieber and Stoller in 1952, and sung by one of the biggest Blues artists, Big Mama Thornton. Elvis’s version came out in 1956, but its changed lyrics diluted the original meaning of the song. Its melody and lyrics are still quite catchy!  One should, however, listen to it along with the original which is powerful!