Elvis Presley, the “King of Rock and Roll,” is a name that resonates with music lovers across generations.
His contribution to the shaping of modern music is unparalleled, and his influence continues to echo in today’s cultural landscape.
Among the numerous hits that punctuate his illustrious career, “Party” stands as a lesser-known yet quintessential example of his musical versatility and charisma.
>>> Scroll down for the video <<<
About the song
“Party” is a song that was first introduced to the world through Elvis’s second motion picture, Loving You, which was released in 1957. The song itself is a lively rock and roll number, emblematic of the high-energy style that Presley was known for during the peak of his early career.
Although not as commercially celebrated as some of his other hits like “Jailhouse Rock” or “Hound Dog”, “Party” embodies the youthful exuberance and rebellious spirit that characterized much of the 1950s rock and roll movement.
The song was written by the prolific duo Jessie Mae Robinson and Aaron Schroeder, who contributed to many of Elvis’s hits.
Robinson, in particular, was a trailblazing African-American female songwriter at a time when the music industry was predominantly male and white.
Her ability to capture the essence of rock and roll in her writing made her an invaluable collaborator for Presley.
“Party” is a short, punchy track, clocking in at just under two minutes. Its brevity, however, does not detract from its impact.
The song’s infectious rhythm and upbeat tempo are complemented by Elvis’s dynamic vocal delivery, which effortlessly captures the carefree, celebratory vibe of the lyrics.
The chorus, with its repetitive chant of “let’s have a party,” is both catchy and inviting, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.
The song plays a pivotal role in the movie Loving You, where Elvis’s character, Deke Rivers, performs it as part of his rise to stardom.
The film itself was a semi-autobiographical portrayal of Elvis’s own journey to fame, and “Party” served as one of the key musical numbers that showcased his magnetism as a performer.
In the movie, the song underscores a scene that is both energetic and pivotal, further cementing its place in Elvis’s catalog of memorable performances.
Despite its lively nature, “Party” also reflects a deeper cultural shift that was taking place during the 1950s. The post-war era was marked by a growing sense of freedom and rebellion among the youth, and rock and roll became the soundtrack to this new wave of self-expression.
Elvis, with his provocative dance moves and charismatic stage presence, was at the forefront of this movement. “Party,” with its emphasis on fun and breaking away from the norms, is a testament to the spirit of the times.
In the broader context of Elvis’s career, “Party” may not have reached the iconic status of some of his other tracks, but it remains an important piece of his musical legacy.
It is a reminder of the early days of rock and roll, when the genre was still in its formative years and artists like Presley were pushing the boundaries of what music could be.
The song’s energy, coupled with Elvis’s undeniable talent, ensures that “Party” continues to be enjoyed by fans old and new, keeping the spirit of 1950s rock and roll alive.
“Party” is more than just a fun, uptempo track; it is a reflection of an era and a snapshot of Elvis Presley at the height of his powers.
Its place in the Loving You soundtrack and its role in the movie make it a significant, though sometimes overlooked, part of his discography.
For anyone looking to understand the essence of Elvis Presley and the cultural revolution he helped ignite, “Party” is a song worth revisiting.
Video
Lyrics
“Party”
(from “Loving You” soundtrack)
I feel it in my leg,
I feel it in my shoe
Tell me pretty baby
If you think you feel it too
Let’s have a party
Let’s have a party
Send to the store
And let’s buy some more
And let’s have a party tonightSome people like to rock
Some people like to roll
But movin’ and a groovin’
Gonna satisfy my soulI’ve never kissed a bear
I’ve never kissed a goon
But I can shake a chicken
In the middle of the room
Now Honky Tonky JoeIs knockin’ at the door
Bring him in and fill him up
And set him on the floor
