About the song
“Polk Salad Annie: A Slice of Southern Charm”
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to Elvis Presley’s more lighthearted and playful tunes, then Polk Salad Annie is a song that’s sure to bring a smile to your face. Released in the early 1970s, this track offers a delightful glimpse into the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s ability to transcend genres and connect with audiences on a deeply personal level.
At first listen, Polk Salad Annie might seem like a simple, upbeat country-flavored number. However, there’s a rich tapestry of storytelling and cultural references woven into its lyrics. The song paints a vivid picture of rural Southern life, with its references to alligators, chain gangs, and the humble polk salad plant. Elvis’s playful delivery and infectious energy bring these vivid images to life, transporting listeners to a simpler time and place.
But what truly sets Polk Salad Annie apart is its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing. The song taps into a collective memory of simpler times, when life moved at a slower pace and communities were tightly knit. For many listeners, Polk Salad Annie serves as a reminder of their own childhoods and the carefree days of youth.
Beyond its nostalgic appeal, Polk Salad Annie also offers a glimpse into the complex social and economic issues that were prevalent in the American South during the era. The song’s references to chain gangs and poverty highlight the hardships faced by many rural communities. However, it does so with a sense of humor and a touch of irony, avoiding the heavy-handedness that often characterizes social commentary.
Elvis Presley’s performance on Polk Salad Annie is nothing short of masterful. His voice is full of warmth and character, and his delivery is both playful and heartfelt. The backing band provides a solid foundation for the song, with their tight harmonies and driving rhythm section.
In conclusion, Elvis Presley’s Polk Salad Annie is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the King or simply appreciate great music, this song is sure to leave you feeling entertained and uplifted. So, the next time you find yourself in need of a dose of nostalgia or a pick-me-up, be sure to give Polk Salad Annie a listen.
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)
