About the song
“All Shook Up” is one of Elvis Presley’s most iconic and energetic tracks, released in 1957. The song became a defining moment in his career, capturing the wild, carefree energy of rock and roll at its peak. It was part of his album “For LP Fans Only”, and although it was not originally included on one of his major studio albums, its success on the charts and its enduring place in popular culture make it one of Presley’s most beloved hits.
Released as a single on January 22, 1957, “All Shook Up” went on to become a massive commercial success. The song reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for a total of eight weeks, marking another milestone in Elvis Presley’s legendary chart career. Its fast tempo, catchy melody, and irresistible rhythm helped it become an anthem of the 1950s and a song that would go on to influence generations of musicians.
The lyrics of “All Shook Up” are simple but effective, capturing the feeling of being completely overwhelmed by love and desire. The song’s narrator describes the feeling of being “shook up,” a colloquialism for being physically and emotionally affected by a romantic relationship. With lyrics like “I’m all shook up, ooh, ooh, yeah,” the song expresses the thrilling and disorienting sensations that come with infatuation and love, which was a perfect fit for the youthful exuberance of the era. The song’s blend of cheeky romance and rock-and-roll energy struck a chord with both young and old listeners, further cementing Elvis as the King of Rock.
“All Shook Up” also played an important role in shaping the social and cultural landscape of the 1950s. At a time when the world was undergoing significant social change, particularly in America, Presley’s music helped give voice to a generation that was rebelling against tradition. The song’s infectious beat and carefree vibe were a perfect expression of the burgeoning youth culture of the 1950s, which was becoming more attuned to the rebellious, independent spirit that would later define the rock and roll movement.
Musically, “All Shook Up” features a catchy, upbeat piano riff, driving drums, and of course, Elvis’s unmistakable vocal delivery. His voice, which combined the raw energy of rock and roll with the smoothness of blues and gospel, was perfectly suited to the song’s playful and infectious nature. The track was produced by Presley’s longtime collaborator Sam Phillips at Sun Records, and it has since become a quintessential example of the sound that propelled Elvis Presley to superstardom.
In the years since its release, “All Shook Up” has continued to resonate with fans and musicians alike. Its influence can be heard in countless rock and pop songs, and its carefree energy and irrepressible rhythm remain as powerful today as they were in the 1950s. The song also remains a staple of Elvis Presley’s live performances and has been featured in several films and television shows, further solidifying its status as a cultural touchstone.
“All Shook Up” is a perfect example of how Elvis Presley revolutionized music and popular culture in the 1950s. His blend of rock, rhythm and blues, and gospel music changed the sound of popular music and helped set the stage for the explosion of rock and roll in the decades to follow. This song, with its energetic tempo and infectious chorus, captures the very essence of what made Elvis Presley not just a performer but a cultural icon whose impact is still felt today. The track stands as a testament to his enduring legacy in music, capturing the electrifying, restless spirit of the time while making an indelible mark on the history of rock and roll.
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Lyrics
Oh, well, a-bless my soul, but what’s wrong with me?I’m itchin’ like a man on a fuzzy tree My friends say I’m actin’ wild as a bug I’m in love I’m all shook up Hmm, ooh, yeah, yeah, yeahOh, well, my hands are shaky, and my knees are weakI can’t seem to stand on my own two feet Who do you thank when you have such luck? I’m in love I’m all shook up Hmm, ooh, yeah, yeah, yeahWell, please, don’t ask me what’s upon my mindI’m a little mixed up, but I feel fine When I’m near the girl that I love best My heart beats, so it scares me to deathWhen she touched my hand, what a chill I gotHer lips are like a volcano that’s hot I’m proud to say that she’s my buttercup I’m in love I’m all shook up Hmm, ooh, yeah, yeah, yeahMy tongue gets tied when I try to speakMy insides shake like a leaf on a tree There’s only one cure for this body of mine That’s to have that girl that I love so fineWhen she touched my hand, a-what a chill I gotHer lips are like a volcano that’s hot I’m proud to say that she’s my buttercup I’m in love I’m all shook up Hmm, ooh, yeah, yeah, yeahHmm, ooh, yeah, yeah, I’m all shook up