About the song
If you had the chance to see Elvis Presley perform live during the 1970s, or have seen any of his famous concert films from that era, you know that the experience was about more than just the hits. It was a spectacle, a theatrical event, and every moment was carefully orchestrated. For a significant portion of that decade, the opening number wasn’t a nostalgic hit; it was a powerful, bluesy declaration of intent: “See See Rider.”
While this song wasn’t a major single for Elvis Presley, it became a pivotal part of his live show, serving as the definitive opener for hundreds of his concerts. By the early 70s, Elvis had transitioned from the youthful rockabilly rebel into the commanding Las Vegas showman. He needed a song that could fill the room, command the audience’s attention from the very first note, and announce the arrival of the King with an unmatched swagger. “See See Rider” was the perfect vehicle for this. Its fast-paced, gospel-infused blues rhythm was a sonic a-lert, a signal that the lights were up, the drums were pounding, and the show was officially on.
The song itself has a long history, with roots deep in early 20th-century blues, made famous by artists like Ma Rainey. But Elvis Presley’s version takes the traditional blues framework and supercharges it with the full might of his TCB Band. The arrangement is a masterclass in controlled chaos: a full horn section punctuates every line, a driving rhythm section pushes the tempo forward relentlessly, and the backing vocalists add a powerful, almost spiritual feel to the chorus. It’s a full-throttle performance that is as much a workout for the musicians as it is a joy for the audience.
And then there’s Elvis’s vocal performance. His voice on “See See Rider” is a magnificent instrument, powerful and confident. He belts out the lines with a commanding presence that leaves no doubt as to who is in charge. His delivery is a blend of his famous rock and roll growl with the soulful sincerity of the blues. He uses every note to build energy and anticipation, setting the stage for the rest of the show. For many fans, the opening riff of “See See Rider” is a cherished memory, a moment that perfectly captures the larger-than-life essence of his live performances. It remains a testament to his unparalleled stage presence and his ability to take a classic and make it entirely his own.
Video
Lyrics
I said see, see see rider
Oh, see what you have done (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
I said see (see, see rider) see see rider (see, see rider)
Oh, see, (see, see rider) what you have done
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Oh girl, you made me love you
Now, now, now, your loving man has gone
(See see rider) Girl what’d I say (see see rider)
Well, I’m going away, baby
And I won’t be back till fall
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)
And I’m going away baby
And I won’t be back till fall
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Well, if I find me a good girl
I won’t, I won’t, I won’t be back at all
Girl what’d I say
I said see, (see see rider)
See, see rider (see see rider)
Oh, see (see see rider) what you have done
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)
I said see (see see rider) see, see rider (see see rider)
Oh, see, (see see rider) what you have done
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Oh girl, you made me love you
Now, now, now, your loving man has gone
Play it JB, (see, see rider) (see, see rider)
Whoo, hear what I say
I said see (see, see rider) see, see rider (see, see rider)
Oh see, (see, see rider) what you have done (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
I said see (see see rider) see see rider (see, see rider)
Oh see, (see, see rider) what you have done (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Oh girl, you made me love you
Now, now, now, your loving man has gone
Well what I say
Now I said see, (see, see rider) see see rider (see, see rider)
I said see, (see, see rider) see, see rider (see, see rider)
I said see, (see, see rider) see, see rider (see, see rider)
I said see, (see, see rider) see see rider (see, see rider)
I said see, (see, see rider) see see rider (see, see rider)
I said see, (see, see rider) see see rider (see, see rider)
I said see, (see, see rider) see see rider (see, see rider)
I said see, (see, see rider)
