Timeless Wisdom in Melody: Exploring the Lyrics of ‘Clean Up Your Own Backyard’

Introduction

When it comes to musical treasures that transcend time, “Clean Up Your Own Backyard” stands as a testament to the enduring power of soulful tunes. Sung by the legendary Elvis Presley, this song not only captivates with its melodious notes but also carries a poignant message that resonates through the years.

Elvis Presley – Clean Up Your Own Back Yard / The Fair Is Moving On (1969, Vinyl) - Discogs

Did You Know?

The Origins

“Clean Up Your Own Backyard” was recorded by Elvis Presley for the soundtrack of the 1969 film The Trouble with Girls. The film may not have been a blockbuster, but the song became a hidden gem in Presley’s extensive discography.

The Message

With lyrics that encourage personal responsibility and self-reflection, the song’s message remains relevant today. It nudges listeners to look inward before pointing fingers elsewhere—a timeless advice wrapped in a musical masterpiece.

Elvis Presley: The Icon

Elvis Presley, often hailed as the “King of Rock and Roll,” showcased his versatile talent by seamlessly embracing soulful melodies like “Clean Up Your Own Backyard.” Beyond his musical prowess, Presley’s impact on popular culture is immeasurable, making him a global icon.

Recognition

Despite being relatively underrated compared to some of Presley’s more famous hits, the song has garnered appreciation from fans and critics alike for its soulful arrangement and meaningful lyrics.

Influence on Later Works

“Clean Up Your Own Backyard” has inspired countless artists across genres, showcasing the song’s enduring influence on the music landscape.

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Lyrics

Back porch preacher preaching at meActing like he wrote the golden rulesShaking his fist and speeching at meShouting from his soap box like a foolCome Sunday morning he’s lying in bedWith his eye all red, with the wine in his headWishing he was dead when he oughta beHeading for Sunday schoolClean up your own backyardOh don’t you hand me none of your linesClean up your own backyardYou tend to your business, I’ll tend to mineDrugstore cowboy criticizingActing like he’s better than you and meStanding on the sidewalk supervisingTelling everybody how they ought to beCome closing time ‘most every nightHe locks up tight and out go the lightsAnd he ducks out of sight and he cheats on his wifeWith his employeeClean up your own backyardOh don’t you hand me none of your linesClean up your own backyardYou tend to your business, I’ll tend to mineArmchair quarterback’s always moanin’Second guessing people all day longPushing, fooling and hanging on inAlways messing where they don’t belongWhen you get right down to the nitty-grittyIsn’t it a pity that in this big cityNot a one a’little bitty man’ll admitHe could have been a little bit wrongClean up your own backyardOh don’t you hand me, don’t you hand me none of your linesClean up your own backyardYou tend to your business, I’ll tend to mineClean up your own backyardYou tend to your business, I’ll tend to mine

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