About the song
Elvis Presley’s “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” offers a fascinating glimpse into the King’s enduring musical curiosity and his ability to embrace contemporary sounds even in the later stages of his career. While Freddie Mercury and Queen’s 1979 original is the definitive version for many, Elvis’s rendition, recorded shortly before his passing in 1977, showcases his inherent musicality and his lifelong connection to the roots of rock and roll. This cover isn’t simply a retread; it’s an energetic and heartfelt interpretation that reveals how Presley might have continued to evolve within the changing musical landscape of the late 1970s.
The song itself is a vibrant and infectious tribute to the rockabilly and early rock and roll era, a style that was, of course, foundational to Elvis’s own groundbreaking career. The straightforward and joyful lyrics celebrate the exhilarating and unpredictable nature of falling in love – that “crazy little thing called love.” In his version, Presley channels the spirit of his early performances, injecting the track with a playful energy and a sense of genuine enjoyment. While perhaps lacking the polished studio sheen of Queen’s recording, Elvis’s take possesses a raw, live-in-the-studio feel that underscores his enduring vitality as a performer. His vocal delivery, while unmistakably his, adopts a more direct and less ornamented style, allowing the rockabilly undercurrent of the song to shine through.
The instrumentation in Elvis Presley’s “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” likely echoes the original’s rockabilly-infused arrangement, featuring prominent electric guitars, a driving rhythm section, and perhaps some honky-tonk piano, all elements that were familiar and comfortable within Elvis’s musical vocabulary. However, filtered through the seasoned musicianship of his late-era backing band, the sound takes on a slightly different character, a blend of his classic energy with a more contemporary sonic palette. This recording offers a unique opportunity to hear Elvis engaging with a song that was current at the time, demonstrating his continued relevance and his willingness to explore new musical avenues.
Ultimately, Elvis Presley’s “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” serves as a testament to his enduring passion for music and his ability to connect with a wide range of material. It’s a reminder that even a well-established icon can find inspiration in contemporary sounds and reinterpret them through their own unique lens. While it might not be his most famous or critically acclaimed work, this energetic cover provides a valuable insight into the King’s artistic spirit in his final years and offers a spirited take on a beloved rock and roll tune.
Video
Lyrics
Once I stood in the night
With my head bowed low
In the darkness as black as could be
And my heart felt alone and I cried, “Oh Lord
Don’t hide your face from me”
Like a king, I may live in a palace so tall
With great riches to call my own
But I don’t know a thing
In this whole wide world
That’s worse than being alone
Hold my hand all the way, every hour, every day
Come here to the great unknown
Take my hand, let me stand
Where no-one stands alone
Take my hand, let me stand
Where no-one stands alone
