King Creole
Elvis Presley and the Jordanaires Lyrics
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There's a man in New Orleans
Who plays rock and roll
He's a guitar man
With a great big soul
He lays down a beat
Like a ton of coal
He goes by the name of King Creole
You know he's gone, gone, gone
Jumpin' like a catfish on a pole
You know he's gone, gone, gone
Hip-shaking King Creole
When the king starts to do it
It's as good as done
He holds his guitar
like a Tommy gun
He starts to growl
From way down his throat
He bends a string
And that's all she wrote
You know he's gone, gone, gone
Jumpin' like a catfish on a pole
You know he's gone, gone, gone
Hip-shaking King Creole
Well, he sings a song about a crawdad hole
He sings a song about a jelly roll
He sings a song about meat and greens
He sings some blues about New Orleans
You know he's gone, gone, gone
Jumpin' like a catfish on a pole
You know he's gone, gone, gone
Hip-shaking King Creole
Well, he plays something evil
Then he plays something sweet
No matter what he plays
You got to get up on your feet
When he gets the rockin' fever
Baby, heaven sakes
He don't stop playin'
'Till his guitar breaks
You know he's gone, gone, gone
Jumpin' like a catfish on a pole
You know he's gone, gone, gone
Hip-shaking King Creole
You know he's gone, gone, gone
Hip-shaking King Creole
In Elvis Presley's song "King Creole," the lyrics introduce a rock and roll artist in New Orleans called King Creole. The song describes King Creole's style and ability to create a sound that hearkens back to the roots of the genre- using his guitar to lay down a beat like a ton of coal while growling from deep in his throat, with a great big soul that shakes the hips of his listeners. King Creole even seems to have a gun-like grip on his guitar, as he wields it with precision and passion.
The song takes listeners on a journey through King Creole's setlist, highlighting the songs he sings about the culture of the city, from a "crawdad hole" to "meat and greens." As the track progresses, Elvis's staccato delivery of "gone, gone, gone" punctuates King Creole's thunderous performance.
Although Elvis never performed the song live, the track became the title track for his fourth movie, "King Creole," enhancing the song's reputation and lasting legacy. The song is an ode to the vibrant and unique music scene of New Orleans, with Kin Creole as the city's ambassador, and is still an iconic piece of rock and roll history.
Line by Line Meaning
King Creole
Introducing the subject of the song, a rock and roll musician in New Orleans with a guitar and a big soul.
There's a man in New Orleans
Describing the location of King Creole - New Orleans.
Who plays rock and roll
Specifying King Creole's genre of music - rock and roll.
He's a guitar man
Describing King Creole's primary instrument - the guitar.
With a great big soul
Emphasizing the depth and passion in King Creole's music.
He lays down a beat
Describing King Creole's role as the rhythm-setter in the band.
Like a ton of coal
Comparing the forcefulness of King Creole's beat to a heavy weight.
He goes by the name of King Creole
Providing King Creole's stage name.
You know he's gone, gone, gone
Expressing the speed and intensity of King Creole's musical style.
Jumpin' like a catfish on a pole
Comparing King Creole's movements on stage to a lively fish.
Hip-shaking King Creole
Repeating and emphasizing King Creole's name and defining characteristic.
When the king starts to do it
Highlighting King Creole's prowess as a performer.
It's as good as done
Implying that King Creole always delivers on stage.
He holds his guitar
Describing King Creole's physicality while playing.
like a Tommy gun
Comparing the way King Creole holds his guitar to the way a gangster would hold a firearm.
He starts to growl
Describing King Creole's vocal style as aggressive and expressive.
From way down his throat
Emphasizing the depth and power of King Creole's voice.
He bends a string
Illustrating King Creole's technical expertise on the guitar.
And that's all she wrote
Suggesting that King Creole's performance is complete and impressive.
Well, he sings a song about a crawdad hole
Introducing the subject of one of King Creole's songs.
He sings a song about a jelly roll
Introducing the subject of another one of King Creole's songs.
He sings a song about meat and greens
Introducing the subject of yet another one of King Creole's songs.
He sings some blues about New Orleans
Introducing the subject of one of King Creole's songs which expresses his connection to his hometown.
Well, he plays something evil
Describing one aspect of King Creole's versatility as a musician.
Then he plays something sweet
Describing another aspect of King Creole's versatility as a musician.
No matter what he plays
Highlighting King Creole's ability to excel at any style of music.
You got to get up on your feet
Suggesting that King Creole's music is so good, it will compel listeners to dance.
When he gets the rockin' fever
Describing the intense energy and passion of King Creole's performance.
Baby, heaven sakes
Expressions of excitement and enthusiasm.
He don't stop playin'
Emphasizing King Creole's commitment to his craft.
'Till his guitar breaks
Illustrating the extent and intensity of King Creole's musical passion and dedication.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind