I Got Stung
Elvis Presley and the Jordanaires Lyrics

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Holy smoke
A land sakes alive
I never thought this could happen to me
Mm, yeah, mm, yeah

I got stung by a sweet honey bee
Oh, what a feeling come over me
It started in my eyes
Crept up to my head
Flew to my heart
Till I was stung dead

I'm done, uh-uh
I got stung
Mm, yeah, mm, yeah

She had all that I wanted and more
And I've seen honey bees before
Started buzzin' in my ear
Buzzin' in my brain
Got stung all over
But I feel no pain

I'm done, uh-uh
I got stung

Now, don't think I'm complainin'
I'm mighty pleased we met
'Cause you gimme just one little peck
On the back of my neck
And I break out in a cold cold sweat

If I live to a hundred and two
I won't let nobody sting me but you
I'll be buzzin' 'round your hive
Every day at five
And I'm never gonna leave once I arrive

'Cause I'm done
Uh-uh, I got stung

Overall Meaning

The song I Got Stung by Elvis Presley & The Jordanaires is about falling in love with someone but being stung by the experience much like a bee sting. The lyrics talk about how this person had everything that the singer wanted and they had seen "honey bees" before, meaning they had fallen in love before. However, this time was different and the singer was stung in the eyes, head, and heart. The feeling was so intense that it left the singer feeling "dead". The lyrics also mention that the singer is not complaining about the experience and, in fact, is happy that they met. The love interest gave the singer a single peck on the back of the neck causing the singer to have a physical reaction and sweat profusely. The love interest stung the singer emotionally but, in the end, the singer is still in love and won't let anyone else sting them but the love interest.

The song uses the metaphor of being stung by bees to describe falling in love. The lyrics use the specific imagery of a honey bee to convey the idea of a sweet and irresistible attraction. The reference to breaking out in a cold sweat after being stung is also not literal but is being used to express the powerful emotions associated with falling head over heels in love. The singer's reaction to being stung is an extreme one but it is fitting with the intensity of the lyrics and the idea that love can be a powerful and all-consuming emotion.

Line by Line Meaning

Holy smoke
expressing surprise or excitement

A land sakes alive
an exclamation of surprise or shock

I never thought this could happen to me
expressing surprise about a desirable situation

Mm, yeah, mm, yeah
an expression of agreement or enthusiasm

I got stung by a sweet honey bee
I fell in love with someone I found irresistible

Oh, what a feeling come over me
I experienced strong romantic and physical feelings

It started in my eyes
I was immediately attracted to their appearance

Crept up to my head
My feelings developed into infatuation

Flew to my heart
I fell deeply in love

Till I was stung dead
I was completely consumed by my feelings for them

I'm done, uh-uh
I am finished or complete