About the song
The year was 1956, and America was on the cusp of a cultural revolution. In the midst of this transformative era, a young man from Mississippi named Elvis Presley took to the stage of The Ed Sullivan Show on October 28th, forever altering the landscape of popular music. His performance of “Hound Dog” that night was not merely a musical event; it was a seismic shift that resonated through generations, leaving an indelible mark on the very fabric of American society.
Elvis Presley, with his magnetic stage presence and revolutionary sound, was a force of nature. His music, a fusion of country, blues, and gospel, defied categorization, appealing to a broad spectrum of listeners. Yet, it was his raw energy and suggestive dance moves that ignited a firestorm of controversy. For many, Elvis represented a rebellious spirit, a departure from the conservative norms of the time. For others, he was a symbol of youthful exuberance, a breath of fresh air in a rapidly changing world.
“Hound Dog,” originally recorded by blues singer Big Mama Thornton in 1952, was transformed by Elvis into a rock and roll anthem. His rendition, infused with a driving rhythm and his signature vocal style, became an instant sensation. The song’s lyrics, though seemingly simple, spoke to a sense of longing and frustration, resonating with a generation yearning for change.
Elvis’s performance on The Ed Sullivan Show was a watershed moment. The television audience, estimated at over 60 million, witnessed the birth of a cultural icon. His electrifying presence, his gyrating hips, and his powerful vocals captivated the youth while simultaneously shocking the older generation. The controversy surrounding his performance only served to amplify his popularity, solidifying his status as the King of Rock and Roll.
Video
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
