Elvis Presley’s “Kissin’ Cousins”: Exploring the Lighthearted Side of the King

Elvis Presley, often hailed as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, left an indelible mark on music history with his powerful voice, charismatic stage presence, and groundbreaking performances. While he is widely celebrated for iconic hits like “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Jailhouse Rock,” Elvis also ventured into the realm of light-hearted, romantic tunes, exemplified by songs like “Kissin’ Cousins.”

Released in 1964 as both the title track and the soundtrack for the film of the same name, “Kissin’ Cousins” showcased Elvis’s versatility as an artist. The song’s catchy melody, coupled with its playful lyrics, captured the essence of youthful romance, presenting a departure from the more intense themes prevalent in some of his earlier works.

Did you know

1. Dual Roles: In the film “Kissin’ Cousins,” Elvis Presley actually played dual roles. He portrayed both the main character, Army officer Josh Morgan, and Josh’s look-alike cousin, Jodie Tatum. This dual role added an extra layer of intrigue to the movie’s plot and showcased Elvis’s versatility as an actor.
2. Commercial Success: Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, “Kissin’ Cousins” was a commercial success. The single reached number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became one of Elvis’s top 20 hits in the United States. Its popularity was further boosted by the release of the film, which attracted audiences eager to see Elvis’s on-screen performances.
3. Title Inspiration: The title “Kissin’ Cousins” refers to the slang term used to describe distant relatives who engage in romantic relationships. While the concept may seem taboo to some, it provided a humorous and lighthearted premise for the film’s storyline. The song itself explores the complexities of love amidst familial ties, adding a playful twist to the theme.

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Lyrics

Well I’ve got a gal, she’s as cute as she can be
She’s a distant cousin but she’s not too distant with me

We’ll kiss all night
I’ll squeeze her tight
But we’re kissin’ cousins ‘n that’s what makes it all right
All right, all right, all right

Oh I’ve got a girl and she taught me how to live
She can give a lot and she’s got a lot to give

We’ll kiss all night
I’ll squeeze her tight
But we’re kissin’ cousins ‘n that’s what makes it all right
All right, all right, all right

Yes we’re all cousins, that’s what I believe
Because we’re children of Adam and Eve
I got a girl and she wants a lot of love
That’s the kind of trouble I need plenty of

We’ll kiss all night
I’ll squeeze her tight
But we’re kissin’ cousins ‘n that’ll make it all right
All right, all right, all right
We’ll be kissin’ cousins that’ll make it all right
All right, all right, all right

Yes we’re all cousins, that’s what I believe
Because we’re children of Adam and Eve
I got a girl and she wants a lot of love
That’s the kind of trouble I need plenty of

We’ll kiss all night
I’ll squeeze her tight
But we’ll be kissin’ cousins ‘n that’ll make it all right
All right, all right, all right
We’ll be kissin’ cousins that’ll make it all right
All right, all right, all right
We’ll be kissin’ cousins that’s what makes it all right
All right, all right, all right