Elvis Presley’s rendition of “Lawdy, Miss Clawdy” stands as a testament to his unparalleled ability to reinterpret and breathe new life into songs that predate his rise to fame.
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About the song
Originally written and recorded by Lloyd Price in 1952, “Lawdy, Miss Clawdy” was a rhythm and blues hit that captivated audiences with its infectious melody and heartfelt lyrics.
Price’s version, featuring Fats Domino on piano, became one of the defining songs of the early R&B era, reaching the top of the Billboard R&B chart and solidifying Price’s place in music history.
When Elvis Presley took on “Lawdy, Miss Clawdy” in 1956, the music world was witnessing the birth of a cultural phenomenon. By this time, Elvis had already released a string of hits that showcased his unique blend of rock and roll, country, and blues.
His ability to cross musical genres was one of the defining features of his career, and “Lawdy, Miss Clawdy” offered him the perfect canvas to further explore this musical diversity.
The song was recorded during Elvis’s second studio album sessions at RCA Studios in New York City, a period that produced some of his most iconic tracks.
What makes Elvis’s version of “Lawdy, Miss Clawdy” particularly compelling is how he infuses the track with his signature style.
While Lloyd Price’s original recording was deeply rooted in the R&B tradition, with a smooth and steady rhythm complemented by Domino’s rolling piano, Elvis’s interpretation is a bit more energetic and raw, reflecting the burgeoning rock and roll movement of the time.
His vocal delivery is imbued with a sense of urgency and passion, qualities that became synonymous with his early work. The backing band, featuring the likes of Scotty Moore on guitar, Bill Black on bass, and D.J.
Fontana on drums, provided a robust, driving force behind Elvis’s vocals, pushing the song into new, electrifying territory.
“Lawdy, Miss Clawdy” also represents a pivotal moment in the integration of R&B into mainstream popular music.
Elvis’s success with the song helped to break down racial barriers in the music industry, bringing African-American musical traditions to a wider, predominantly white audience.
In this sense, the song is not just a cover but a crucial link in the chain of rock and roll’s development. Elvis’s interpretation of “Lawdy, Miss Clawdy” exemplifies how he could take an already popular tune and elevate it, introducing it to new audiences while respecting its roots.
Moreover, the song itself, with its lyrics of romantic longing and frustration, resonated with the teenage angst of the 1950s.
The line “Well, lawdy, lawdy, lawdy, Miss Clawdy, girl, you sure look good to me,” captured the youthful spirit of the time—a mix of rebellion, desire, and a search for identity.
This universal theme, combined with Elvis’s magnetic performance, ensured that “Lawdy, Miss Clawdy” would remain a beloved track for generations to come.
Elvis Presley’s “Lawdy, Miss Clawdy” is more than just a cover of an R&B classic; it is a reflection of the transformative power of music during a time of significant cultural shifts.
By infusing the song with his own style, Elvis not only honored the original but also helped to further blur the lines between musical genres, contributing to the evolution of rock and roll.
His rendition remains a highlight of his early career and a reminder of the dynamic, ever-changing landscape of American popular music in the mid-20th century.
Video
Lyrics
“Lawdy Miss Clawdy”
(originally by Lloyd Price)
Well lawdy, lawdy, lawdy miss clawdy
Girl you sure look good to me
But please don’t excite me baby
I know it can’t be me
Well as a girl you want my money
Yeah but you just won’t treat me right
You like to ball every morning
Don’t come home till late at night
Oh gonna tell, tell my mama
Lord, I swear girl what you been to me
I’m gonna tell everybody that I’m down in misery
So bye, bye, bye, baby
Girl, I won’t be comin’ no more
Goodbye little darlin’ down the road I’ll go
So, bye, bye, bye baby
Girl, I won’t be comin’ no more
Goodbye little darlin’ down the road I’ll go
