Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was an American sin… Read Full Bio ↴Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was an American singer and actor. Regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century, he is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King".

Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, and relocated to Memphis, Tennessee, with his family when he was 13 years old. His music career began there in 1954, recording at Sun Records with producer Sam Phillips, who wanted to bring the sound of African American music to a wider audience. Accompanied by guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black, Presley was a pioneer of rockabilly, an uptempo, backbeat-driven fusion of country music and rhythm and blues. In 1955, drummer D. J. Fontana joined to complete the lineup of Presley's classic quartet and RCA Victor acquired his contract in a deal arranged by Colonel Tom Parker, who would manage the singer for more than two decades. Presley's first RCA single, "Heartbreak Hotel", was released in January 1956 and became a number one hit in the United States. With a series of successful network television appearances and chart-topping records, he became the leading figure of the newly popular sound of rock and roll. His energized interpretations of songs and sexually provocative performance style, combined with a singularly potent mix of influences across color lines during a transformative era in race relations, made him enormously popular—and controversial.

In November 1956, Presley made his film debut in Love Me Tender. Drafted into military service in 1958, Presley relaunched his recording career two years later with some of his most commercially successful work. He held few concerts however, and guided by Parker, proceeded to devote much of the 1960s to making Hollywood movies and soundtrack albums, most of them critically derided. In 1968, following a seven-year break from live performances, he returned to the stage in the acclaimed television comeback special Elvis, which led to an extended Las Vegas concert residency and a string of highly profitable tours. In 1973, Presley gave the first concert by a solo artist to be broadcast around the world, Aloha from Hawaii. Years of prescription drug abuse severely compromised his health, and he died suddenly in 1977 at his Graceland estate, just 42 years of age.

Presley is one of the most celebrated and influential musicians of the 20th century. Commercially successful in many genres, including pop, country, blues, and gospel, he is the best-selling solo artist in the history of recorded music. He won three competitive Grammys, received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at age 36, and has been inducted into multiple music halls of fame.

Big Boots
Elvis Presley Lyrics

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They call your daddy Big Boots
Big Boots is his name
It takes a big man to wear big boots
That's your daddy's claim to fame
They know your daddy big boots
Wherever soldiers are
'Cause he can handle an armored tank
Just like a kiddy can

So sleep little soldier
Don't you cry
Loo loo loo loo loo

General sandman's soon coming by
Loo loo loo loo loo
I'm gonna tell you a little secret
You won't believe it's true

Did you know your daddy big boots
Once wore little boots like you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Elvis Presley's song 'Big Boots' are centered around a child's admiration and pride for their father, who is referred to as 'Big Boots'. The child remarks that their father's title is fitting, as it takes a big man to wear big boots. It is also noted that soldiers recognize the father's name, as he is capable of handling an armored tank effortlessly, like a child handling a toy.

The child is then reassured by the soothing melody and encouraged to sleep, indicating that the father is not only fearless but also gentle with his children. The song concludes with a revelation that the father, despite being known for his big boots, also once wore little boots like his child. This revelation emphasizes the idea that everyone must start small and work their way up to becoming big, just like the father did.

The song highlights the importance of having a strong and capable father figure, as well as the pride a child feels for their father's accomplishments. It also touches on the idea that a tough and powerful adult can still be gentle and caring towards their children.

Line by Line Meaning

They call your daddy Big Boots
People refer to your father as Big Boots

Big Boots is his name
That is the name your father goes by

It takes a big man to wear big boots
Wearing large boots requires a person of substantial proportions

That's your daddy's claim to fame
The fact that your father wears big boots is what sets him apart from others

They know your daddy big boots
Everyone is aware of your father's ability to wear big boots

Wherever soldiers are
In every place where fighters gather

'Cause he can handle an armored tank
Your father is capable of controlling a military vehicle that is well-armored

Just like a kiddy can
Controlling an armored tank is as easy for him as for children with toys

So sleep little soldier
Rest, little fighter

Don't you cry
Do not lament your current situation

Loo loo loo loo loo
Laughter