Did You Know?
Elvis Presley, born in Tupelo, Mississippi, in 1935, rose to legendary status in the music industry. His influence extended far beyond the realm of rock and roll, as he was a versatile artist who effortlessly transitioned from genre to genre. “Clean Up Your Own Backyard” was one of his lesser-known gems, but it holds a special place in his discography.
The song, “Clean Up Your Own Backyard,” is a gentle yet compelling call to introspection and self-improvement. Elvis’s smooth vocals guide listeners on a journey of personal reflection, reminding them that before they can change the world, they must first “clean up” and improve their own lives. Released during a tumultuous period in history, the late ’60s, the song’s message was a reflection of the need for social change, echoing the sentiments of the time.
Beyond his musical career, Elvis was also a philanthropist and an actor. His charismatic performances on and off the stage made him a cultural icon. His generosity, especially towards charitable causes, is less widely known but equally significant.
To this day, “Clean Up Your Own Backyard” remains an inspiring anthem for those seeking personal growth, encouraging them to look within and make positive changes in their lives before tackling broader issues. Elvis’s legacy lives on through this soulful ballad, reminding us that nurturing inner growth is the first step towards making the world a better place.
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Lyrics: “Clean Up Your Own Backyard” by Elvis Presley
Back porch preacher preaching at me
Acting like he wrote the golden rules Shaking his fist and speeching at me Shouting from his soap box like a fool Come Sunday morning he’s lying in bed With his eye all red, with the wine in his head Wishing he was dead when he oughta be Heading for Sunday school Clean up your own backyard Oh don’t you hand me none of your lines Clean up your own backyard You tend to your business, I’ll tend to mine Drugstore cowboy criticizing Acting like he’s better than you and me Standing on the sidewalk supervising Telling everybody how they ought to be Come closing time ‘most every night He locks up tight and out go the lights And he ducks out of sight and he cheats on his wife With his employee Clean up your own backyard Oh don’t you hand me none of your lines Clean up your own backyard You tend to your business, I’ll tend to mine Armchair quarterback’s always moanin’ Second guessing people all day long Pushing, fooling and hanging on in Always messing where they don’t belong When you get right down to the nitty-gritty Isn’t it a pity that in this big city Not a one a’little bitty man’ll admit He could have been a little bit wrong Clean up your own backyard Oh don’t you hand me, don’t you hand me none of your lines Clean up your own backyard You tend to your business, I’ll tend to mine Clean up your own backyard You tend to your business, I’ll tend to mine