About the song
Absolutely, let’s delve into the infectious energy of Elvis Presley’s “Got A Lot O’ Livin’ To Do”. This rock and roll gem originated from the 1957 film Loving You, propelling Elvis further into superstardom and showcasing his undeniable charisma.
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Loving You marked a significant turning point in Presley’s career. It was his second feature film, following the success of Love Me Tender the previous year. This time, however, the movie was built entirely around him and his music. The soundtrack became a blockbuster in its own right, featuring iconic tracks like “Teddy Bear” and “Lonesome Cowboy”. But it’s “Got A Lot O’ Livin’ To Do” that truly stands out, capturing the exhilarating spirit of rock and roll in its prime.
Composed by songwriting duo Aaron Schroeder and Ben Weisman, the song perfectly encapsulates the youthful exuberance that Elvis embodied. It opens with a driving backbeat courtesy of legendary drummer D.J. Fontana, instantly setting the mood for a foot-stomping good time. Scotty Moore’s characteristic guitar twang weaves throughout the song, perfectly complementing Elvis’s signature rhythmic strumming.
“Got A Lot O’ Livin’ To Do” doesn’t waste a single note. The lyrics are simple yet bursting with infectious optimism. Elvis proclaims his desire to experience life to the fullest, singing lines like “The world’s a stage and I’m ready for my scene” and “Gonna grab ahold of a rainbow.” It’s a youthful manifesto, urging listeners to seize the day and embrace all that life has to offer.
The song’s brilliance lies in its seamless blend of rock and roll urgency with a touch of country twang. This reflects Elvis’s own musical background, where he drew inspiration from both genres. “Got A Lot O’ Livin’ To Do” showcases his versatility, his ability to deliver a powerful rock and roll vocal while retaining the charm of his Southern roots.
The impact of “Got A Lot O’ Livin’ To Do” transcended the silver screen. It became a staple of Elvis’s live performances, electrifying audiences with its high-octane energy. The song remains an enduring classic, a testament to the power of rock and roll and the undeniable charisma of the King himself. Even today, “Got A Lot O’ Livin’ To Do” continues to inspire and energize, a reminder to embrace life’s opportunities with unbridled enthusiasm.
Video
Lyrics
“Got A Lot O’ Livin’ To Do”
(from “Loving You” soundtrack)
A whole lot o’ loving to do
Come on baby, to make it fun it takes two
Oh yes I’ve got a lot o’ living to do
A whole lot o’ loving to do
And there’s no one who I’d rather do it with-a than you
There’s a moon that’s big and bright in the milky way tonight
But the way you act you never would know it’s there
So baby, time’s a wasting
A lot of kisses I ain’t been tasting
I don’t know about you but I’m gonna get my share
Oh got a lot o’ living to do
A whole lot o’ loving to do
Come on baby, to make it fun it takes two
Oh yes I’ve got a lot o’ living to do
A whole lot o’ loving to do
And there’s no one who I’d rather do it with-a than you
There’s a balmy little breeze
That’s whistling through the trees
And it’s telling you to pitch a little woo with me
Why don’t you take a listen
You’ll never know what you’ve been missing
Cuddle up a little closer and be my little honey bee
Oh got a lot o’ living to do
A whole lot o’ loving to do
Come on baby, to make it fun it takes two
Oh yes I’ve got a lot o’ living to do
A whole lot o’ loving to do
And there’s no one who I’d rather do it with-a than you
You’re the prettiest thing I’ve seen
But you treat me so doggone mean
Ain’t you got no heart, I’m dying to hold you near
Why do you keep me waiting
Why don’t you start co-operating
And the things I say are things you want to hear
Oh got a lot o’ living to do
A whole lot o’ loving to do
Come on baby, to make it fun it takes two
Oh yes I’ve got a lot o’ living to do
A whole lot o’ loving to do
And there’s no one who I’d rather do it with-a than you