About the song
“Baby, What You Want Me to Do” by Elvis Presley is a raw and energetic blues-infused performance that showcases his deep connection to the roots of American music and his ability to deliver a passionate and commanding vocal. While the song was originally written and popularized by Jimmy Reed in 1959, Presley’s various live and studio recordings, particularly his electrifying renditions during the ’68 Comeback Special and subsequent live performances, brought a renewed energy and a wider audience to this classic blues number. It’s more than just a cover song; it’s a testament to Presley’s versatility and his ability to channel the raw emotion and rhythmic drive of the blues with his own unique charisma.
Jimmy Reed’s original version of “Baby, What You Want Me to Do” is a quintessential example of his signature swamp blues style, characterized by its hypnotic rhythm, his laid-back vocal delivery, and his distinctive guitar work. Presley’s interpretation, however, often injects a higher level of energy and a more overtly passionate vocal delivery. He embraces the bluesy groove of the song while imbuing it with his characteristic rock and roll swagger and vocal power. His performances often feature a more prominent and driving rhythm section, with his band locking into a tight, infectious groove that compels the listener to move.
Elvis Presley’s vocal style in “Baby, What You Want Me to Do” demonstrates his deep understanding and appreciation for the blues idiom. He delivers the lyrics with a confident and often playful tone, engaging with the audience and the band in a way that highlights the song’s inherent energy and call-and-response dynamic. His vocalizations, including his signature growls and shouts, add to the raw and visceral feel of the performance. The instrumentation in Presley’s versions typically features a prominent electric guitar, often delivering bluesy solos, a strong walking bass line, and energetic drumming that propels the song forward. The overall feel is one of spontaneous energy and a deep connection to the blues tradition.
The enduring appeal of “Baby, What You Want Me to Do” lies in its simple yet powerful expression of desire and the undeniable groove of its blues foundation. Whether delivered with Jimmy Reed’s cool swagger or Elvis Presley’s more energetic and commanding presence, the song’s raw energy and its timeless theme of wanting to please a loved one continue to resonate with audiences. Presley’s various live performances of this song are particularly electrifying, capturing his dynamic stage presence and his ability to connect with the blues on a visceral level.
“Baby, What You Want Me to Do” as performed by Elvis Presley is more than just a blues cover; it’s a dynamic and passionate interpretation that showcases his versatility and his deep connection to the roots of American music. His energetic delivery and his commanding vocal presence bring a renewed vitality to this blues classic, making it a standout in his extensive live repertoire and a testament to his enduring power as a performer.
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Lyrics
Well, I’ve got a woman
Way cross town
She’s good to me oh, yeah
Say. I’ve got a woman
Way cross town
She’s good to me oh, yeah
She’s here in the morning
Loving me
Yeah, she’s a kind of friend to me
Well, I’ve got a woman
Way cross town
She’s good to me oh, yeah
She says she love me early in the morning
Just for me
Oh, yeah she says she love me early in the morning
Just for me
Oh, yeah, she says she love me, just for me
yeah you know she loves …
I’ve got a woman
Way cross town
She’s good to me oh, yeah
She’s there to love me both day and night
No groans or fusses, treats me right
Never running in the street
Leaving me alone
She knows a woman’s place is around home at night
I’ve got a woman
Way cross town
She’s good to me oh, yeah
Say. I’ve got a woman
Way cross town
She’s good to me oh, yeah
Well, she’s my baby
And I’m her loving man
I’ve got a woman
Way cross town
She’s good to me oh, yeah
