Introduction:
Viva Las Vegas, a high-octane rock and roll anthem, was released by the King of Rock and Roll himself, Elvis Presley, in 1964. The song was not only a musical triumph but also became an integral part of the film of the same name, Viva Las Vegas. Presley starred alongside actress Ann-Margret in this romantic comedy centered around the glitzy world of Las Vegas. While the film itself garnered positive reviews, Viva Las Vegas the song truly catapulted to iconic status.
The songwriting duo of Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman crafted the music for Viva Las Vegas. Interestingly, the lyrics originally belonged to a different song title, “A Mess of Blues.” Billy Strange and Sid Tepper, another songwriting team, reworked the lyrics to perfectly capture the vibrant energy of Las Vegas. Their efforts proved immensely successful.
Viva Las Vegas perfectly encapsulates the allure of Las Vegas in the 1960s. The song opens with a driving guitar riff and Presley’s instantly recognizable vocals, setting the scene for a city that never sleeps. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of bright lights, beautiful women, and the thrill of gambling. Lines like “Got a whole lot of money that’s ready to burn, So get those stakes up higher” and “There’s a thousand pretty women waitin’ out there And they’re all livin’ devil may care” capture the spirit of risk-taking and excitement that Las Vegas thrives on. Presley’s charismatic delivery and the infectiously energetic music make it impossible not to tap your foot or sing along.
Viva Las Vegas was a resounding success. While it only reached number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, it has endured as a timeless classic. The song continues to be recognized for its cultural impact. In 2004, it was ranked number 69 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Viva Las Vegas has also been featured in countless movies, television shows, and commercials, further solidifying its place in pop culture history.
Even today, Viva Las Vegas conjures up images of flashing lights, clinking casino chips, and electrifying entertainment – the very essence of Las Vegas. The song is a testament to the enduring power of Elvis Presley’s music and his undeniable charisma.
Video:
Lyrics:
Bright light city gonna set my soulGonna set my soul on fireGot a whole lot of money that’s ready to burnSo get those stakes up higherThere’s a thousand pretty women waitin’ out thereAnd they’re all livin’ devil may careAnd I’m just the devil with love to spareSo Viva Las Vegas, Viva Las VegasHow I wish that there were moreThan the 24 hours in the dayAnd even if there were 40 moreI wouldn’t sleep a minute awayOh, there’s black jack, and poker, and the roulette wheelA fortune won and lost on every dealAll you need’s a strong heart and a nerve of steelViva Las Vegas, Viva Las VegasViva Las Vegas with your neon flashin’And your one arm bandits crashin’All those hopes down the drainViva Las Vegas turnin’ day into nighttimeAnd turnin’ night into daytimeIf you see it once, you’ll never be the same againI’m gonna keep on the run, I’m gonna have me some funIf it costs me my very last dimeIf I wind up broke up wellI’ll always remember that I had a swingin’ timeI’m gonna give it everything I’ve gotLady luck, please, let the dice stay hotAnd let me shoot a seven with every shotViva Las Vegas, Viva Las VegasViva Las Vega, Viva, Viva Las Vegas