Introduction:
By 1960, Elvis Presley, the undisputed king of Rock and Roll, had already established himself as a global phenomenon. His electrifying performances and charismatic stage presence had captivated audiences worldwide. However, with the winds of musical change beginning to stir, Presley found himself navigating a period of transition.
“Dirty, Dirty Feeling”, released in April 1960, embodies this transitional phase in Presley’s career. While still firmly rooted in the energetic rockabilly sound that propelled him to stardom, the song hints at the smoother, more soulful direction his music would soon take.
Composed by the legendary songwriting duo of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, “Dirty, Dirty Feeling” is a pulsating rocker fueled by Presley’s signature swagger. The song’s driving rhythm section, courtesy of Presley’s regular bandmates, lays the foundation for his impassioned vocals. The iconic backing group, The Jordanaires, add rich harmonies that elevate the song’s emotional core.
“Dirty, Dirty Feeling” wasn’t a chart-topping smash hit for Presley. Released as the B-side to the ballad “It Feels So Right,” the song didn’t garner the same immediate commercial success. However, its significance lies in its subtle shift away from the pure rockabilly sound that dominated Presley’s early recordings. The song showcases a burgeoning maturity in his vocal delivery, hinting at the soulful ballads and smoother pop tunes that would soon become staples of his repertoire.
Despite not being a chart-topper, “Dirty, Dirty Feeling” has endured as a fan favorite. Its infectious energy and Presley’s charismatic vocals continue to resonate with listeners. The song has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, a testament to its lasting impact.
“Dirty, Dirty Feeling” serves as a fascinating snapshot of Elvis Presley at a crossroads. It represents a bridge between the raw, energetic rockabilly of his early years and the more polished, soulful direction his music would take in the coming decade. While not his biggest commercial hit, the song stands as a testament to Presley’s ever-evolving artistry and his enduring influence on popular music.
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Lyrics:
I got a dirty, dirty feelingDirty feeling’s goin’ onYou know I almost hit the ceilin’When I woke up and you were gone (gone, gone, gone, gone)I took you in when you were hungryAnd now you’re cuttin’ out on meI’m gonna help you little darlin’That ain’t the way it’s gonna be (be, be, be, no)I hear you’re pretty good at runnin’But pretty soon you’ll slip and fallThat’s when I’ll drag you home with me, girlI’m gonna chain you to the wall (wall, wall, wall, yeah)You know I’m lookin’ for you babyI ain’t gonna take it layin’ downI heard that you were cookin’ babyWay on the other side of town (town, town, town, town)I got a dirty, dirty feelingDirty feeling’s goin’ onYou know I almost hit the ceilin’When I woke up and you were gone (gone, gone, gone, gone){Gone)