Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, left an indelible mark on the music industry with his powerful voice, charismatic stage presence, and an eclectic repertoire that transcended genres. Among his vast catalog of hits, “Polk Salad Annie” stands out as a testament to Presley’s ability to breathe life into songs that encapsulated the essence of Southern culture.
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Released in 1970 as part of his album “Elvis: That’s the Way It Is,” “Polk Salad Annie” quickly became a fan favorite, showcasing Presley’s mastery of rhythm and blues infused with a touch of country soul. Written by Tony Joe White, the song narrates the story of a girl named Annie who hails from the Louisiana bayou, where polk salad grows wild and life is tough.
Did you know
- Written by Tony Joe White: “Polk Salad Annie” was written and originally recorded by singer-songwriter Tony Joe White in 1968. However, it was Elvis Presley’s electrifying cover version that brought the song to widespread attention.
- Inspired by Southern Life: Tony Joe White drew inspiration for “Polk Salad Annie” from his own experiences growing up in the rural South. The song vividly portrays the struggles and resilience of Southern life, capturing the essence of the bayou culture.
- Elvis’ Live Performances: While “Polk Salad Annie” was not released as a single by Elvis Presley, it became a staple of his live performances in the early 1970s. His dynamic stage presence and soulful rendition of the song made it a highlight of his concerts.
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Lyrics
If some of ya’ll never been down south too muchSome y’all never been down s-I’m gonna tell you a little story so’s you’ll understand what I’m talkin’ aboutDown there we have a plant that grows out in the woods, and the fieldsAnd it looks somethin’ like a turnip greenEverybody calls it polk saladNow that’s polk saladUsed to know a girl lived down there and she’d go out in the evenings andPick her a mess of itCarry it home and cook it for supperBecause that’s about all they had to eatBut they did all rightDown in Louisiana, where the alligators grow so meanLived a girl, that I swear to the worldMade the alligators look tamePolk salad Annie, gators got your grannyEverybody said it was a shameBecause her momma was a workin’ on the chain gangA mean vicious womanEveryday before supper time, she’d go down by the truck patchAnd pick her a mess of polk salad, and carry it home in a tow sackPolk salad Annie, the gators got your grannyEverybody says it was a shameBecause her momma was a workin’ on the chain gangA wretched, spiteful, straight-razor totin’ womanLord have Mercy, pick a mess of itSock a little polk salad to meHer daddy was lazy and no-count, claimed he had a bad backAll her brothers were fit forWas stealin’ watermelons out of my truck patchPolk salad Annie, the gators got your grannyEverybody said it was a shameBecause her momma was a workin’ on the chain gangYeah, sock a little polk salad to me, you know I need me a mess of itSock a littleSock a little polk salad to me, you know I need a real mess of it (chick-a-boom)Sock a little polk salad, you know I need a real (chick-a-boom)Ching-ching-ching-ching-a-ling (chick-a-boom)Ching-ching-ching-ching-a-ling (chick-a-boom)Ching-ching-ching-ching-a-ling (chick-a-boom)Ching-ching-ching-ching-a-ling (chick-a-boom)Ching-ching-ching-ching-a-ling (chick-a-boom)Ching-ching-ching-ching-a-ling (chick-a-boom)Ching-ching-ching-ching-a-ling (chick-a-boom)Ching-ching-ching-ching-a-ling (chick-a-boom)
