Introduction:
While not released as a single, Baby, What You Want Me To Do holds a significant place in the meteoric rise of Elvis Presley and the cultural phenomenon of rock and roll. Recorded in 1957, the song’s raw energy and Presley’s signature charisma perfectly captured the burgeoning rock and roll sound. While information on the song’s specific producer is unavailable, it reflects the production style of RCA Records at the time, which aimed to capitalize on Presley’s burgeoning talent.
Baby, What You Want Me To Do was featured on Presley’s second studio album, “Elvis Presley”, released in 1956. The album became a commercial juggernaut, spending ten weeks at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and propelling Presley to national and international fame. Baby, What You Want Me To Do, along with other hits from the album like “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Hound Dog”, cemented Presley’s status as a rock and roll icon.
The song itself is a prime example of Presley’s early rock and roll style. Driven by a shuffling blues beat and Presley’s rhythmic guitar playing, Baby, What You Want Me To Do showcases his powerful and versatile vocals. The lyrics are simple and direct, following the call-and-response pattern common in blues music. Presley pleads with his “baby” to tell him what he can do to win her back, his voice brimming with both desperation and swagger.
Baby, What You Want Me To Do was a critical and commercial success. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, further solidifying Presley’s dominance in the music industry. It has endured as a rock and roll anthem, covered by numerous artists across genres. The song’s influence can be heard in the works of iconic musicians like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Van Halen.
Baby, What You Want Me To Do is more than just a catchy song; it’s a cultural touchstone. The song epitomizes the excitement, rebellion, and raw energy that defined early rock and roll. It showcased Elvis Presley’s unparalleled talent and charisma, propelling him to superstardom and forever changing the landscape of popular music.
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Lyrics:
We’re goin’ up, we’re goin’ downWe’re goin’ up, down down upAny way you want to let it rollYeah, yeah, yeahYou got me doin’ what you want meOh baby what you want me to doYou got me peepin’ you got me hidin’You got me peep hide hide peepAny way you want to let it rollYeah yeah yeahYou got me doin what you want meBaby what you want me to do