Introduction:
Nestled within the vibrant soundtrack of Elvis Presley’s 1962 musical film, “Girls! Girls! Girls!”, lies a playful and energetic number titled “Earth Boy”. Released in November 1962 alongside the film, the song falls under the umbrella of pop rock and rock and roll, genres Elvis had become synonymous with by this point in his career.
The driving force behind “Earth Boy” was, of course, the legendary Elvis Presley. Having already established himself as a global icon by the early 1960s, Elvis continued to push boundaries with his electrifying stage presence and smooth baritone vocals. “Earth Boy” offered a glimpse into a lighter side of Elvis, showcasing his playful charisma and ability to deliver a catchy tune.
While the exact songwriting credits remain debated, “Earth Boy” is most often attributed to Sid Tepper and Roy C. Bennett, a prolific songwriting duo who penned numerous tracks for Elvis throughout his career. Their work on “Earth Boy” resulted in a song that perfectly complemented Elvis’s vibrant stage persona.
“Earth Boy” may not have reached the stratospheric heights of some of Elvis’s other chart-topping hits. However, it did find a dedicated audience, particularly among fans who enjoyed the lighthearted and playful side of the King of Rock and Roll. The song’s catchy melody and Elvis’s charismatic delivery ensured its place on the “Girls! Girls! Girls!” soundtrack, adding another layer of musical diversity to the film.
Interestingly, the version of “Earth Boy” on the soundtrack differs slightly from the one featured in the movie itself. In the film, a duo of female singers, the Tiu Sisters, perform the first part of the song in Cantonese, followed by Elvis taking over with the English lyrics. This unique bilingual rendition added an extra layer of cultural intrigue to “Earth Boy”.
Despite not becoming a chart-topping smash, “Earth Boy” remains a beloved track among Elvis fans. Its inclusion on the “Girls! Girls! Girls!” soundtrack cemented its place in Elvis’s extensive discography, showcasing his versatility and ability to deliver a fun and energetic performance, even within the context of a film soundtrack.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Earth Boy”
(from “Girls! Girls! Girls!” soundtrack)Earth boy dream of angel
Angel she be sweet and make him have happy heart
In land of love
Angel dream of earth boy, earth boy who’ll be true
And love her till sun grow cold in land of loveAngel walk on street
Earth boy walking too
All at once they meet
Oo-oo-oo dreams come true
Now best part of story
Like two doves in land of love we will always be
Happy angel is you
Happy earth boy is meAngel walk on street
Earth boy walking too
All at once they meet
Oo-oo-oo dreams come true
Now best part of story
Like two doves in land of love we will always be
Happy angel is you
Happy earth boy is meEarth boy dream of angel
Angel dream of earth boy
Earth boy dream of angel
Angel dream of earth boy
Earth boy dream of angel