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.

Paradise Hawaiian Style
Elvis Presley Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Hawaii, U.S.A., Hawaii..U.S.A.
We're flyin', comin' your way
Aloha, Hawaii U.S.A.

Gee, it's great to be in that fiftieth state
The land of enchanted dreams
What an isle, where it's heaven tropical style
Where love weaves a spell, it seems

Hawaii, U.S.A., Hawaii, U.S.A.
We're flyin', comin' your way
Aloha, Hawaii U.S.A.

Gee, what fun just to swim and surf in the sun
While the trade winds caress the sea
What a sight, those exotic scenes of delight
Are waiting for you and me

Hawaii, U.S.A.

Hawaii, U.S.A.
Hawaii, U.S.A.

Overall Meaning

In the song "Paradise Hawaiian Style", Elvis Presley sings about his excitement to be flying to Hawaii, the fiftieth state. He describes Hawaii as a land of enchanted dreams, with a tropical style of heaven and a love that weaves a spell. The singer is thrilled to swim and surf in the sun, while feeling the trade winds caress the sea. The exotic scenes of delight are waiting for him and his companion.

The song is a celebration of Hawaii and its beauty, which Elvis Presley experienced firsthand during his time filming "Paradise Hawaiian Style" in 1966. The film was his fifth and final movie based in Hawaii, and the song was part of the movie's soundtrack. Elvis Presley was known for his love of Hawaii, and he often visited the islands throughout his life. The song captures the joy and excitement of exploring Hawaii's beauty and enjoying its unique culture.

Line by Line Meaning

Hawaii, U.S.A., Hawaii..U.S.A.
Excitedly stating the destination of their journey.

We're flyin', comin' your way
Announcing their arrival in Hawaii.

Aloha, Hawaii U.S.A.
Welcoming the travelers to Hawaii.

Gee, it's great to be in that fiftieth state
Expressing joy at being in the fiftieth state of the US.

The land of enchanted dreams
Describing Hawaii as a magical place.

What an isle, where it's heaven tropical style
Marveling at Hawaii's tropical paradise-like qualities.

Where love weaves a spell, it seems
Suggesting that Hawaii's beauty creates romantic feelings.

Gee, what fun just to swim and surf in the sun
Expressing excitement at the prospect of swimming and surfing under the sun in Hawaii.

While the trade winds caress the sea
Noticing the gentle winds blowing over Hawaii's seas.

What a sight, those exotic scenes of delight
Commenting on the breathtaking and unique scenes that Hawaii provides.

Are waiting for you and me
Encouraging all to experience the majesty of visiting Hawaii.