About the song
Elvis Presley’s Iconic Live Performance of “Polk Salad Annie”
In the vast catalogue of Elvis Presley’s unforgettable performances, few stand out with the raw power, charisma, and sheer entertainment value of his live rendition of “Polk Salad Annie.” This swamp-rock anthem, with its funky bass line, playful storytelling, and explosive energy, became one of Elvis’ signature showpieces during his legendary Las Vegas concert years.
Originally written and recorded by Tony Joe White in 1968, “Polk Salad Annie” tells a colorful tale of life in the rural South — a mix of humor, hardship, and grit. The song’s quirky narrative and swampy groove made it a natural fit for Elvis, whose Southern roots and magnetic stage presence could bring such a story vividly to life. By the early 1970s, Elvis had adopted the song into his live set, transforming it into a theatrical, crowd-pleasing spectacle.
One of the most celebrated versions came during his 1970 engagement at the International Hotel in Las Vegas, immortalized in the concert film Elvis: That’s the Way It Is. Backed by the legendary TCB Band, with James Burton’s razor-sharp guitar work and Jerry Scheff’s driving bass, Elvis attacked the song with a mix of playful swagger and powerhouse vocals. The performance was a perfect blend of music and showmanship — complete with karate-inspired moves, playful banter, and a rhythm so infectious it had audiences clapping along within seconds.
What made Elvis’ “Polk Salad Annie” so iconic wasn’t just the song itself, but the way he made it his own. Every performance was slightly different — sometimes stretching the intro into a comedic storytelling moment about “a girl named Annie,” other times ramping up the energy with extended instrumental breaks. He treated the song like a living, breathing part of the show, allowing it to evolve and surprise audiences night after night.
The song became a staple of his early- to mid-1970s concerts, often serving as a high-energy highlight in the middle of the setlist. For fans seeing Elvis live, “Polk Salad Annie” was a reminder of his ability to transcend genres, effortlessly moving from rock ’n’ roll classics to soulful ballads to funky Southern rock — all while keeping the crowd in the palm of his hand.
Over the years, footage of these performances has become fan favorites on YouTube and in Elvis documentaries. The combination of his tight band, the electric Vegas atmosphere, and Elvis’ unshakable charisma made “Polk Salad Annie” more than a cover — it was a masterclass in live entertainment.
Even decades after his passing, Elvis’ “Polk Salad Annie” remains a shining example of why he was more than just the King of Rock and Roll. He was a storyteller, a showman, and an entertainer who could take a song about a humble Southern vegetable dish and turn it into a thunderous, unforgettable experience.
For Elvis fans, revisiting this performance is not just about hearing a great song — it’s about remembering the energy, the laughter, and the magic that only Elvis could bring to the stage.
Video
https://youtu.be/bmbaTqM7Lnw?list=RDbmbaTqM7Lnw
Lyrics
Down in Louisiana
Where the alligators grew 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
For the Mama was a working on the Chain Gang
What a mean, straight-razor totin’ woman
Lord have mercy
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 tote sack
Polk salad, Annie
‘Gators got you granny
Everybody said it was a shame
For the Mama was a working on the Chain Gang
But daddy was a lazy and a no count
Claimed he had a bad back
All her brothers were fit for
Stealing watermelons out of my truck
For once Polk salad, Annie
‘Gators got your granny
Everybody said it was a shame
For the Mama was a working on the Chain Gang
Sock a little Polk salad to him
You know what meets a meal mention
Chic a bon, chic a bon
Chic a bon, bon, bon, bon
Chic a bon, chic a bon
Chic a bon, bon, bon, bon
Sock a little Polk salad to him
Chic a bon, chic a bon
Chic a bon, bon, bon, bon
Chic a bon, chic a bon
Chic a bon, bon, bon, bon
Chic a bon, chic a bon
Chic a bon, bon, bon, bon
Chic a bon, chic a bon
Chic a bon, bon, bon, bon
Chic a bon, chic a bon
Chic a bon, bon, bon, bon
Sock a little Polk salad to him
(Chic a bon, chic a bon) You know what meets a meal mention
(Chic a bon, chic a bon) Sock a little
(Chic a bon, bon, bon, bon)
(Chic a bon, chic a bon)
(Chic a bon, bon, bon, bon) Sock a little, suck a
(Chic a bon, chic a bon)
(Chic a bon, bon, bon, bon)
(Chic a bon, chic a bon)
(Chic a bon, bon, bon, bon)
(Chic a bon, chic a bon)
(Chic a bon, bon, bon, bon)
(Chic a bon, chic a bon)
(Chic a bon, bon, bon, bon)
(Chic a bon, chic a bon)
(Chic a bon, bon, bon, bon)
(Chic a bon, chic a bon)
