About The Song
Ah, those lazy afternoons spent cruising down the highway, windows down, and the wind in your hair. Sometimes, the scenery itself isn’t enough to hold your attention. A flash of red and blue lights in the distance, a plume of smoke rising in the air – our natural curiosity kicks in, and we find ourselves “Rubberneckin'”. This playful tune by Elvis Presley perfectly captures that lighthearted human tendency, transforming a simple act of looking into a toe-tapping, good-natured romp.
Released in 1970 as the B-side to “Don’t Cry Daddy,” “Rubberneckin'” might not be one of Elvis’s biggest hits, but it’s a delightful snapshot of his playful persona. The song, written by Dory Jones and Bunny Warren, is a simple rockabilly number that thrives on Elvis’s infectious charisma and his ability to deliver even the most mundane topic with a wink and a smile.
“Rubberneckin'” isn’t a profound social commentary or a philosophical treatise. It’s a good-natured look at the human tendency to be drawn to a bit of commotion. Elvis sings of “sitting on the back porch all by myself” when “along came Mary Jane with somebody else.” But instead of jealousy, his focus shifts to the commotion caused by their arrival. He declares, “Well, stop, look and listen baby, that’s my philosophy, it’s called rubbernecking baby but that’s alright with me!”
There’s a sense of lighthearted fun in his voice, a mischievous glint in his eye as he sings about slowing down to see what’s going on. It’s a relatable sentiment, a reminder of those times we find ourselves slowing down on the highway just to catch a glimpse of an accident scene, even though we know we probably shouldn’t.
The melody itself is a perfect blend of rockabilly and blues influences. A driving beat keeps the energy high, while the playful guitar licks and a simple piano melody create a light and breezy atmosphere. It’s a song that makes you want to tap your foot, sing along, and maybe even admit to your own occasional bouts of harmless “Rubberneckin'”.
“Rubberneckin'” by Elvis Presley is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a reminder to embrace life’s little quirks and eccentricities. It’s a celebration of our natural curiosity and the simple joy of taking a moment to see what’s going on around us, even if it means slowing down a bit and indulging in a little harmless “Rubberneckin'”. So, put on this classic tune, roll down the windows, and let The King take you on a lighthearted cruise down memory lane.
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