Hound Dog – Elvis Presley

Introduction

“Hound Dog” is a blues-based rock and roll song written by Leiber and Stoller and recorded by Big Mama Thornton in 1952. It was covered by Elvis Presley in 1956, and his version became one of the most popular and iconic songs of all time.

Presley’s version of “Hound Dog” was released as a single in July 1956 and quickly reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it stayed for 11 weeks. The song was also a hit in the United Kingdom, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart.

“Hound Dog” is considered one of the most important songs in rock and roll history. It was one of the first songs to break down racial barriers in popular music, and it helped to popularize rock and roll among white audiences. The song is also notable for its use of blues elements and its raw, emotional sound.

Presley’s performance of “Hound Dog” on The Milton Berle Show in June 1956 is one of the most famous moments in television history. Presley’s gyrating hips and suggestive movements shocked many viewers, but they also helped to cement his status as a rock and roll icon.

“Hound Dog” has been covered by many other artists over the years, including The Beatles, Aretha Franklin, and Jimi Hendrix. It has also been featured in numerous films and television shows. The song is a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by fans of all ages.

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Lyrics

You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog
Cryin’ all the time
You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog
Cryin’ all the time
Well, you ain’t never caught a rabbit
And you ain’t no friend of mine

When they said you was high-classed
Well, that was just a lie
When they said you was high-classed
Well, that was just a lie
You ain’t never caught a rabbit
And you ain’t no friend of mine

You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog
Cryin’ all the time
You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog
Cryin’ all the time
Well, you ain’t never caught a rabbit
And you ain’t no friend of mine

When they said you was high-classed
Well, that was just a lie
When they said you was high-classed
Well, that was just a lie
Well, you ain’t never caught a rabbit
And you ain’t no friend of mine

When they said you was high-classed
Well, that was just a lie
You know they said you was high-classed
Well, that was just a lie
Well, you ain’t never caught a rabbit
And you ain’t no friend of mine

You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog
Cryin’ all the time
You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog
Cryin’ all the time
Well, you ain’t never caught a rabbit
You ain’t no friend of mine