Introduction:
The King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, delivered a surprising hit in 1968 with the energetic disco-tinged track “A Little Less Conversation”. Produced by his longtime collaborator Tom Parker, the song became a unexpected success, charting on both the pop and R&B charts.
While many associate Presley with rockabilly and early rock and roll, “A Little Less Conversation” showcased his adaptability and willingness to embrace new sounds. The song’s origins lie outside of Presley’s usual musical wheelhouse. Originally intended for the soundtrack of the animated film “Jack and the Beanstalk,” the song was ultimately cut. Despite not making the film, “A Little Less Conversation” found its way onto the soundtrack album for Presley’s 1968 film “Live a Little, Love a Little.”
The song itself is a burst of infectious energy. The driving beat and prominent horns are classic elements of disco, a genre that was just beginning to gain mainstream popularity at the time. Elvis’s iconic vocals deliver the catchy lyrics, urging the listener for “A little less conversation, a little more action please.” The song’s simple yet effective message of action over talk resonated with audiences, and it became a staple on radio stations across the country.
“A Little Less Conversation” achieved a level of success that likely surprised even Presley himself. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming his first number one hit in seven years. The song also crossed over to the R&B charts, peaking at number three. This dual-chart success solidified Presley’s status as a musical force who could transcend genre limitations.
The legacy of “A Little Less Conversation” extends beyond its initial 1968 success. The song enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in popularity in 2001 after it was featured in the heist comedy film “Ocean’s Eleven.” Dutch musician Tom Holkenborg, better known by his stage name Junkie XL, created a remix of the song that incorporated elements of electronic music. This modern update introduced “A Little Less Conversation” to a new generation of listeners, further solidifying the song’s place in pop culture history.
Today, “A Little Less Conversation” remains an instantly recognizable tune. Its infectious rhythm and timeless message continue to resonate with audiences, making it a true testament to Presley’s enduring legacy and his ability to adapt to new musical trends.
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Lyrics:
A little less conversation, a little more action, pleaseAll this aggravation ain’t satisfactioning meA little more bite and a little less barkA little less fight and a little more sparkClose your mouth and open up your heart and, baby, satisfy meSatisfy me, babyBaby, close your eyes and listen to the musicDrifting through a summer breezeIt’s a groovy night and I can show you how to use itCome along with me and put your mind at easeA little less conversation, a little more action, pleaseAll this aggravation ain’t satisfactioning meA little more bite and a little less barkA little less fight and a little more sparkClose your mouth and open up your heart and, baby, satisfy me(Satisfy me) Satisfy me baby (satisfy me)Come on, baby, I’m tired of talkingGrab your coat and let’s start walkingCome on, come on (come on, come on)Come on, come on (come on, come on)Come on, come on (come on, come on)Don’t procrastinate, don’t articulateGirl, it’s getting late, gettin’ upset waitin’ aroundA little less conversation, a little more action, pleaseAll this aggravation ain’t satisfactioning meA little more bite and a little less barkA little less fight and a little more sparkClose your mouth and open up your heart and, baby, satisfy me(Satisfy me) Satisfy me baby (satisfy me)Come on, baby, I’m tired of talkingGrab your coat and let’s start walkingCome on, come on (come on, come on)Come on, come on (come on, come on)Come on, come on (come on, come on)Don’t procrastinate, don’t articulateGirl, it’s getting late, gettin’ upset waitin’ aroundA little less conversation, a little more action, pleaseAll this aggravation ain’t satisfactioning meA little more bite and a little less barkA little less fight and a little more sparkClose your mouth and open up your heart and, baby, satisfy me(Satisfy me) Satisfy me (satisfy me)