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.
Never Say Yes
Elvis Presley Lyrics
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There ain't no holding back this child
I guess you'd say I'm a son of a gun
Livin' just for a life of fun
Here's the secret of my success
Never say yes. No, no, never say yes
Life has taught me one big lesson
Tell 'em that you love them so
You hate to leave but you gotta go
That's the secret of my success
Never say yes. No, no, never say yes
It's the oldest scheme in the world
And you gotta know how to play it
Tell her yes in so many ways
And never ever say it
That's how I keep goin' on
Here today tomorrow gone
That's the kind of life for me
Being free like I want to be
Here's the secret of my success
Never say yes. No, no, never say yes
It's the oldest scheme in the world
And you gotta know how to play it
Tell her yes in so many ways
And never ever say it
That's how I keep goin' on
Here today tomorrow gone
That's the kind of life for me
Being free like I want to be
Here's the secret of my success
Never say yes. No, no, never say yes
No, no, never say yes
Elvis Presley's song "Never Say Yes" is a classic rock and roll song that speaks to the wild, free-spirited nature of many young men who want to live life on their own terms. The lyrics describe a man who is a "son of a gun" who is "livin' just for a life of fun." He reveals the secret to his success: "Never say yes." He has learned that in order to keep the girlies guessing, he needs to tell them he loves them, but always leave them wanting more. He is an expert in the oldest scheme in the world, and he knows how to play it: he tells them "yes" in so many ways, but never actually says it.
The song is a celebration of the free-spirited nature of rock and roll culture, and the lyrics suggest that if you live your life with an attitude of "never say yes," you'll be able to stay young and free forever. The song is filled with energy and enthusiasm, and it captures the rebellious spirit of the early rock and roll era. It's also a reminder that while love may be complicated, life should be simple and fun.
Line by Line Meaning
Look out now I'm runnin' wild
I'm untamed and unrestrained, living life on my own terms.
There ain't no holding back this child
I cannot be contained or constrained in any way.
I guess you'd say I'm a son of a gun
I'm a real character, a bit of a wild card.
Livin' just for a life of fun
I live for the enjoyment of the moment, without much regard for the future.
Here's the secret of my success
The key to my accomplishments.
Never say yes. No, no, never say yes
I never give a direct answer in order to keep people guessing and maintain control of the situation.
Life has taught me one big lesson
I've learned a valuable life lesson.
Always keep the girlies guessin'
It's important to keep women wondering and interested in you.
Tell 'em that you love them so
Tell women what they want to hear to keep them interested and invested in you.
You hate to leave but you gotta go
I don't like leaving, but I'm always on the move.
It's the oldest scheme in the world
This is a classic tactic that's been used for ages.
And you gotta know how to play it
It takes skill to execute this scheme effectively.
Tell her yes in so many ways
Give the impression that the answer is yes, but never commit to it directly.
And never ever say it
Avoid giving a direct answer at all times.
That's how I keep goin' on
This is how I maintain control and keep my freedom.
Here today tomorrow gone
I live in the moment and move on quickly.
That's the kind of life for me
This is the kind of lifestyle that suits me best.
Being free like I want to be
I value my freedom and the ability to do what I want.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, O/B/O CAPASSO
Written by: DOC POMUS, MORT SHUMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jari Heikkilä
Spinout soundtrack is very good 🎤
Ken Vail
It's almost like Elvis does 60's garage rock
chasjohn57
Did Ray Davies get ripped off?