Elvis Is Dead
Forgotten Rebels Lyrics


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Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead
The big fat guy is dead, dead, dead
Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead
The big fat goof is dead, dead, dead
Millions of assholes mourned his death
I'm gonna steal his body from the place of rest (x2)
Give him back in pieces when the ransom's paid
Leave his hypodermics where the moneys laid
Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead
The big fat goof is dead, dead, dead




Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead
Spend your money on our records instead

Overall Meaning

The song "Elvis Is Dead" by the Forgotten Rebels is a satirical take on the cultural phenomenon and idolization of Elvis Presley at the time of his death. The lyrics are a direct mockery of the way in which so many people mourned and revered the popular singer after he died. The chorus is a catchy repetition of the phrase "Elvis is dead, the big fat guy is dead, dead, dead," which is a humorous play on the stereotypes that surrounded Presley's image, particularly in his later years when he struggled with weight issues.


The verses of the song provide a more specific commentary on the absurdity of the reaction to Presley's death. The line "millions of assholes mourned his death" directly critiques the idea that so many people could be so deeply affected by the passing of a celebrity who they had never even met. The subsequent lines suggest a more violent and insulting response, with the singer insisting that he will "steal [Elvis's] body from the place of rest" and leave his "hypodermics where the moneys laid." This is a direct attack on the rumors that Presley had suffered from drug addiction in his later years, and it is meant to further undermine his reputation and the way in which he was being artificially elevated by his fans.


Overall, "Elvis Is Dead" is a scathing critique of the way in which celebrity culture can lead to irrationality and absurdity, with people becoming so obsessed with an image or persona that they lose all sense of reality. The song is also a reflection of the countercultural and punk movements of the time, which sought to challenge the mainstream and offer alternative perspectives on the world.


Line by Line Meaning

Elvis is dead, Elvis is dead
The iconic Elvis Presley has passed away


The big fat guy is dead, dead, dead
Elvis Presley, who was once overweight, has died and is unresponsive to resuscitation


The big fat goof is dead, dead, dead
A derogatory remark towards the late Elvis Presley, insinuating he had acted foolishly in the past


Millions of assholes mourned his death
Many people were saddened by the death of Elvis Presley, though the artist views them negatively and as being uncaring or foolish


I'm gonna steal his body from the place of rest (x2)
The artist plans to illegally remove Presley's remains from his burial site


Give him back in pieces when the ransom's paid
The singer intends to issue a ransom in exchange for Presley's body, but will only return it if their demands are met


Leave his hypodermics where the moneys laid
The singer plans to leave syringes at the ransom drop-off location, possibly as a means of emphasizing Presley's history of drug use


Spend your money on our records instead
The artist encourages listeners to support their music by purchasing their records, rather than continuing to idolize and mourn the deceased Presley




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: VERNON REID

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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