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.

Your Groovy Self
Elvis Presley Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Don't talk to strangers on the bus
You know that could be dangerous
Don't walk on stick or stones
Don't answer ringing phones
You know I got to worry
Til you bring your groovy self on home to me

Don't take up with no alley cats

They really don't know where it's at
Don't fall or trip on things
Stay away from happenings
You know I got to worry
Til you bring your groovy self on home to me

Be careful walking down the street
You never know what you might meet
Don't change a thing or two
I'm hung up child on you
You know I got to worry
Til you bring your groovy self on home to me

Get your groovy self on home

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in Elvis Presley's song "Your Groovy Self" is a warning to his beloved to not take any risks while he is not around. Throughout the song, he mentions things that could be harmful or dangerous such as talking to strangers on the bus or walking on sticks and stones. He expresses his concern for her safety until she comes back to him. The use of the term "groovy self" is a nod to the popular slang of the time, emphasizing the importance of her being her unique and authentic self. Presley's delivery of the lyrics is playful and light-hearted, showcasing his ability to make even a warning sound catchy and lighthearted.

Overall, the message in the song is as relevant today as it was when it was first released in the 1960s. Parents, partners, or loved ones are always going to worry when someone is out of their sight, and the risks and distractions that surround us are increasingly prevalent. Elvis Presley, in his characteristic style, delivers an entertaining and memorable message about staying safe and taking care when he is not around.

Line by Line Meaning

Don't talk to strangers on the bus
Do not engage in conversation with unfamiliar people while travelling on public transportation

You know that could be dangerous
There is a possibility that talking to strangers on the bus can lead to harm

Don't walk on stick or stones
Avoid walking on obstacles like sticks or stones as it may cause you to fall

Don't answer ringing phones
Do not answer the phone if the call is unexpected or if you do not recognize the number

You know I got to worry
I get really anxious and concerned about your safety

Til you bring your groovy self on home to me
I will only feel relieved and relaxed when you come back home safely

Don't take up with no alley cats
Do not associate with people who are morally questionable or who may lead you astray

They really don't know where it's at
Those people are not knowledgeable or experienced in the ways of the world

Don't fall or trip on things
Be careful not to fall or trip over objects that are lying in your path

Stay away from happenings
Avoid getting involved in events or situations that may be risky or unsafe

Be careful walking down the street
Exercise caution while walking on the streets as there may be unforeseen hazards

You never know what you might meet
There could be unexpected or unpredictable encounters while walking on the street

Don't change a thing or two
Do not alter anything about yourself as I appreciate you just the way you are

I'm hung up child on you
I am deeply infatuated and attached to you

You know I got to worry
I really worry about your safety and wellbeing

Til you bring your groovy self on home to me
I will only feel relieved and relaxed when you come back home safely

Get your groovy self on home
Please come back home soon

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, RALEIGH MUSIC PUBLISHING, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: LEE HAZLEWOOD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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