Introduction:
In 1958, a young Elvis Presley was already burning up the music scene with his energetic and charismatic brand of rock and roll. Hard Headed Woman, a song released that same year, stands as a prime example of this era-defining sound and Presley’s undeniable talent.
The track, written by African American songwriter Claude Demetrius, was produced by the legendary Sam Phillips at Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. Sun Studio, known as the birthplace of rock and roll, played a pivotal role in launching the careers of many early rock and roll musicians, including Presley himself. Hard Headed Woman was released not as a single, but on the soundtrack to Presley’s movie debut, King Creole. Despite not having the typical promotional push of a single release, the song became a hit in its own right.
Hard Headed Woman is a 12-bar blues built on a driving rhythm section. This rhythmic foundation provided the perfect platform for Presley’s signature vocals, a blend of soulful delivery and youthful energy that captivated audiences. The blues influence is evident not just in the structure but also in the song’s instrumentation, which likely featured a piano, stand-up bass, and drums.
Lyrically, the song depicts a common theme in early rock and roll: a young man’s woes in love. The narrator sings of his frustration with his stubborn and independent girlfriend, the “hard headed woman” of the title. While the lyrics are simple, they resonate with Presley’s impassioned delivery, creating a relatable and entertaining narrative.
Hard Headed Woman was a commercial success. While it did not top the charts like some of Presley’s other releases, it reached number two on the British charts. More importantly, Hard Headed Woman became the first rock and roll single to be certified Gold by the RIAA, a testament to its enduring popularity and influence. The song’s success helped solidify Presley’s place as a rock and roll icon and paved the way for future generations of musicians.
Hard Headed Woman continues to be recognized as a rock and roll classic. Its legacy lies in its embodiment of Presley’s early sound, its relatable theme, and its contribution to the genre’s commercial success. The song remains a favorite among fans and a touchstone for understanding the cultural impact of Elvis Presley and the birth of rock and roll.
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Lyrics:
Well, a hard headed womanA soft hearted manBeen the cause of troubleEver since the world beganOh yeah (oh yeah)Ever since the world beganA hard headed womanBeen a thorn in the side of manAdam told Eve“Listen here to meDon’t you let me catch youMessing ’round that apple tree”Oh yeah (oh yeah)Ever since the world beganA hard headed womanBeen a thorn in the side of manOh yeah (oh yeah)Ever since the world beganA hard headed womanBeen a thorn in the side of manSamson told DelilahLoud and clear“Keep your cotton picking fingersOut my curly hair”Oh yeah (oh yeah)Ever since the world beganA hard headed womanBeen a thorn in the side of manI heard about a kingWho was doing swell‘Til he started playingWith that evil JezebelOh yeah (oh yeah)Ever since the world beganA hard headed womanBeen a thorn in the side of manI got a womanA head like a rockIf she ever went awayI’d cry around the clockOh yeah (oh yeah)Ever since the world beganA hard headed womanBeen a thorn in the side of manA hard headed womanBeen a thorn in the side of man