Elvis Presley – Hound Dog (1969, V 3, Vinyl) - Discogs

About the Song

Hound Dog: A Vocal Explosion of Rock ‘n’ Roll History
Few songs have the power to transport you back in time like Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog.” Released in 1956, it wasn’t just a hit, it was a cultural phenomenon that shook the very foundations of music and sparked the flames of rock ‘n’ roll.

Elvis, known as the “King of Rock and Roll,” was already a rising star when he recorded “Hound Dog.” But this song propelled him into the stratosphere, making him a global icon and forever changing the landscape of popular music.

The song’s roots go back to 1952, when it was first recorded by Big Mama Thornton in a bluesy, soulful style. However, “Hound Dog” truly found its voice when Elvis put his own spin on it. He transformed it into a high-energy, electrifying rock ‘n’ roll anthem, infused with his signature charisma and raw talent.

From the opening bass line to the iconic “You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog” refrain, “Hound Dog” is a masterclass in musical storytelling. The lyrics, though simple, are powerful and relatable, capturing the angst and frustration of a young man dealing with a woman’s unfaithfulness.

But what truly made “Hound Dog” a cultural landmark was Elvis’s electrifying performance. His hip-shaking dance moves, suggestive lip curls, and powerful vocals were considered shocking and provocative at the time, sparking outrage from some but captivating audiences worldwide.

“Hound Dog” faced criticism for its suggestive lyrics and perceived vulgarity. It was even banned from some radio stations. However, this only fueled its popularity, making it a symbol of rebellion and youthful defiance.

Despite the controversy, “Hound Dog” remains a timeless classic. It has been covered by countless artists, from The Beatles and Led Zeppelin to Beyoncé and Adele. It’s been featured in countless films and television shows and continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.

“Hound Dog” is more than just a song; it’s a piece of cultural history. It represents a moment in time when music changed forever, and it continues to inspire and entertain generations of music fans.

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Lyrics

You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog
Cryin’ all the time
You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog
Cryin’ all the time
Well, you ain’t never caught a rabbit
And you ain’t no friend of mine
Well, they said you was high-classed
Well, that was just a lie
Yeah, they said you was high-classed
Well, that was just a lie
Yeah, you ain’t never caught a rabbit
And you ain’t no friend of mine
You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog
Cryin’ all the time
You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog
Cryin’ all the time
Well, you ain’t never caught a rabbit
And you ain’t no friend of mine
Well, they said you was high-classed
Well, that was just a lie
Yeah, they said you was high-classed
Well, that was just a lie
Well, you ain’t never caught a rabbit
And you ain’t no friend of mine
Well, they said you was high-classed
Well, that was just a lie
Ya know they said you was high-classed
Well, that was just a lie
Well, you ain’t never caught a rabbit
And you ain’t no friend of mine
You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog
Cryin’ all the time
You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog
Cryin’ all the time
Well, you ain’t never caught a rabbit
You ain’t no friend of mine
You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog