Introduction:
“Bossa Nova Baby”: A Taste of Brazil in Elvis’ Repertoire
Singer: Elvis Presley Genre: Pop with Bossa Nova influences Year of Release: 1963 Movie: Fun in Acapulco Producer: Bob Ferguson
In 1963, the ever-evolving King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, dipped his toes into the world of Bossa Nova with the release of “Bossa Nova Baby”. This playful tune, featured in the movie Fun in Acapulco, showcased Presley’s willingness to experiment with new sounds and rhythms throughout his career.
Bossa Nova, a Brazilian genre that emerged in the late 1950s, was known for its cool, laid-back groove, characterized by a distinctive syncopated guitar picking pattern and a focus on melody over strong percussion. “Bossa Nova Baby” incorporated these elements, featuring a mellow guitar and a gentle samba-like beat that provided a backdrop for Presley’s smooth vocals.
The song’s lyrics, written by songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, playfully addressed a “Bossa Nova Baby”, urging her to keep dancing and not give up. The lighthearted and flirtatious tone perfectly complemented the breezy Bossa Nova style.
“Bossa Nova Baby” was a success, reaching the top ten on the charts in the United States. It demonstrated Presley’s ability to connect with new trends and broaden his appeal. While not a core part of his repertoire, the song became a memorable example of his adaptability and willingness to explore different musical territories.
The inclusion of “Bossa Nova Baby” in Fun in Acapulco further solidified the song’s connection to Latin American culture. The film itself was a beach-themed comedy capitalizing on Presley’s heartthrob status, and “Bossa Nova Baby” added a touch of exotic flair to the soundtrack.
Even though “Bossa Nova Baby” wasn’t a groundbreaking hit for Presley, it stands as a testament to his artistic curiosity and his enduring influence. The song continues to be enjoyed by fans for its unique blend of Rock and Roll swagger and Bossa Nova cool, making it a captivating footnote in the illustrious career of the King.
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Lyrics:
I said, “Take it easy, babyI worked all day and my feet feel just like leadYou got my shirt tails flyin’ all over the placeAnd the sweat poppin’ out of my head”She said, “Hey, bossa nova babyKeep on workin’ for this ain’t no time to quit”She said, “Go, bossa nova baby keep on dancin’I’m about to have myself a fit”Bossa nova, bossa novaI said, “Hey little mama, let’s sit downHave a drink and dig the band”She said, “Drink, drink, drink oh, fiddle-de-dinkI can dance with a drink in my hand”She said, “Hey bossa nova babyKeep on workin’ for this ain’t no time to drink”She said, “Go bossa nova babyKeep on dancin’, ’cause I ain’t got time to think”Bossa nova, bossa novaI said, “Come on baby, it’s hot in hereAnd it’s oh so cool outsideIf you lend me a dollar, I can buy some gasAnd we can go for a little ride”She said, “Hey bossa nova babyKeep on workin’ for I ain’t got time for that”She said, “Go bossa nova babyKeep on dancin’ or I’ll find myself another cat”Bossa nova, bossa novaBossa nova, bossa novaBossa nova, bossa nova