About the song
Elvis Presley: A Timeless Voice and a Southern Tale
When one thinks of the iconic Elvis Presley, images of swiveling hips, flamboyant suits, and heart-stopping ballads often come to mind. Yet, the King of Rock and Roll possessed a versatility that allowed him to delve into a wide range of musical styles. One such example is his spirited rendition of “Polk Salad Annie”. This lively and somewhat quirky number offers a glimpse into a different side of Presley’s talent, showcasing his ability to connect with audiences on a more down-to-earth level.
Released as part of his live recordings from the early 1970s, “Polk Salad Annie” is a country-flavored tune that pays homage to the Southern roots Presley never forgot. The song tells a humorous tale of a young woman who subsists on a diet of “polk salad,” a type of leafy green, due to her family’s poverty. Presley’s delivery is filled with infectious energy and a touch of Southern drawl, as he paints a vivid picture of life in the rural South.
What makes “Polk Salad Annie” so endearing is its simplicity. There are no complex harmonies or intricate arrangements; instead, the song relies on a catchy melody, a driving rhythm, and Presley’s charismatic vocals. The lyrics, while somewhat crude by today’s standards, are filled with a sense of nostalgia and a celebration of the working-class lifestyle. Presley’s ability to connect with the audience on an emotional level is evident in his performance, as he invites listeners to share in the fun and laughter of the song.
Beyond its entertainment value, “Polk Salad Annie” also offers a glimpse into the broader cultural context of the early 1970s. The song’s themes of poverty, hard work, and resilience resonate with the experiences of many Americans who were struggling to make ends meet in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. In a sense, “Polk Salad Annie” can be seen as a celebration of the human spirit and a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always room for joy and laughter.
For those who are familiar with Elvis Presley’s more serious and introspective work, “Polk Salad Annie” may come as a surprise. However, it is precisely this unexpected side of the King that makes him such a fascinating and enduring figure. By exploring a variety of musical genres and styles, Presley was able to connect with a wide range of audiences and solidify his place in the pantheon of American music.
“Polk Salad Annie” is more than just a fun and catchy song; it is a testament to Elvis Presley’s versatility as an artist and his ability to connect with people on a deep and personal level. Whether you are a lifelong fan of the King or simply someone who appreciates great music, this song is sure to bring a smile to your face.
Video
Lyrics
If some of ya’ll never been down south too much
Some y’all never been down s-
I’m gonna tell you a little story so’s you’ll understand what I’m talkin’ about
Down there we have a plant that grows out in the woods, and the fields
And it looks somethin’ like a turnip green
Everybody calls it polk salad
Now that’s polk salad
Used to know a girl lived down there and she’d go out in the evenings and
Pick her a mess of it
Carry it home and cook it for supper
Because that’s about all they had to eat
But they did all right
Down in Louisiana, where the alligators grow so mean
Lived a girl, that I swear to the world
Made the alligators look tame
Polk salad Annie, gators got your granny
Everybody said it was a shame
Because her momma was a workin’ on the chain gang
A mean vicious woman
Everyday before supper time, she’d go down by the truck patch
And pick her a mess of polk salad, and carry it home in a tow sack
Polk salad Annie, the gators got your granny
Everybody says it was a shame
Because her momma was a workin’ on the chain gang
A wretched, spiteful, straight-razor totin’ woman
Lord have Mercy, pick a mess of it
Sock a little polk salad to me
Her daddy was lazy and no-count, claimed he had a bad back
All her brothers were fit for
Was stealin’ watermelons out of my truck patch
Polk salad Annie, the gators got your granny
Everybody said it was a shame
Because her momma was a workin’ on the chain gang
Yeah, sock a little polk salad to me, you know I need me a mess of it
Sock a little
Sock a little polk salad to me, you know I need a real mess of it (chick-a-boom)
Sock a little polk salad, you know I need a real (chick-a-boom)
Ching-ching-ching-ching-a-ling (chick-a-boom)
Ching-ching-ching-ching-a-ling (chick-a-boom)
Ching-ching-ching-ching-a-ling (chick-a-boom)
Ching-ching-ching-ching-a-ling (chick-a-boom)
Ching-ching-ching-ching-a-ling (chick-a-boom)
Ching-ching-ching-ching-a-ling (chick-a-boom)
Ching-ching-ching-ching-a-ling (chick-a-boom)
Ching-ching-ching-ching-a-ling (chick-a-boom)
