About the song
Few songs in rock ‘n’ roll history carry the same electrifying energy and cultural impact as **”Hound Dog”** by **Elvis Presley**. Released in 1956, this song wasn’t just a hit—it was a revolution. From the moment Elvis belted out those first lines, his raw, rebellious style sent shockwaves through the music world. His performance of the song, particularly on television, with his signature hip-shaking moves, caused equal parts excitement and controversy, cementing his status as the ultimate rock icon.
But what many people don’t realize is that **”Hound Dog”** had a life before Elvis got his hands on it. Originally recorded in 1952 by blues singer Big Mama Thornton, the song had a grittier, more defiant tone. Written by the songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, it was a blues number dripping with attitude. When Elvis recorded it, he transformed the song into something completely different—faster, punchier, and bursting with the kind of swagger that made teenagers swoon and parents worry.
The song’s lyrics, though simple, pack a punch. **”You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog, cryin’ all the time”**—it’s a sharp put-down, delivered with Elvis’s signature sneer. The phrase itself became legendary, instantly recognizable even to those who might not know the full song. Backed by a driving beat, sharp guitar licks, and an infectious groove, the track became one of Elvis’s defining anthems.
The success of **”Hound Dog”** was staggering. It topped the Billboard charts for 11 weeks, one of the longest reigns of its time. More than that, it marked a turning point in popular music, helping to break racial barriers and bring rhythm and blues into the mainstream. The song was a defining moment in the birth of rock ‘n’ roll, a sound that would change the world.
Even decades later, it’s impossible to hear **”Hound Dog”** without feeling the rebellious spirit of early rock music. Whether you first heard it on an old record, in a movie, or in one of Elvis’s iconic TV performances, the energy remains just as electrifying. This wasn’t just a song—it was a movement, and **Elvis Presley** was at the heart of it.
Video
Lyrics
You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog
Just cryin’ all the time
You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog
Cryin’ all the time
Well, you ain’t never caught no 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 no 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 no 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 no rabbit
And you ain’t no friend of mine
Well they said you was high-classed
Well, that was just a lie
You know they said you was high-classed
Well, that was just a lie
Yeah, you ain’t never caught no 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 no rabbit
You ain’t no friend of mine
