About the song
Background:
- Released in 1961, “Rock-A-Hula Baby” was featured in the Elvis Presley movie “Blue Hawaii”.
- It was the first song published by songwriter Winfield Scott Fuller, who would go on to collaborate with Presley on many more tunes.
- The song is a prime example of the Hawaiian-themed music that was popular during this era.
Lyrics:
The lyrics are light and playful, revolving around a captivating hula dancer who rocks (“Rock-a-hula baby”). The chorus is catchy and repetitive:
Rock-a-hula baby Rock-a-hula baby Got a hula lulu from Honolulu That rock-a-hula baby of mine Rock-a-hula baby Rock-a-hula baby Rock-a-hula baby Rock, rock, rock, rock
Themes:
- Tropical Paradise: The song evokes a carefree island atmosphere with its references to Hawaii and hula dancing.
- Romance: The lyrics express the singer’s infatuation with the hula dancer.
- Rock and Roll: Despite the Hawaiian theme, the song still incorporates a rock and roll beat, blending the two genres.
Legacy:
“Rock-A-Hula Baby” remains a fun and recognizable tune from Presley’s extensive catalog. It’s a reminder of his movie career and the era’s fascination with tropical themes.
Video
Lyrics
Rock-a-hula, rock-rock-a-hulaRock-a-hula, rock-rock-a-hulaRock-a-hula, rock-rock-a-hulaRock-a-hula, rock-rock-a-hulaRock-a-hula, rock-rock-a-hulaRock-a-hula, rock
Rock-a-hula, rockA-hula, rockA-hula, rock, a-hula, rock
The way she moves her hips to her fingertipsI feel I’m heaven boundAnd when she starts to sway, I’ve gotta sayShe really move the grass around
Rock-a-hula babyRock-a-hula babyGot a hula lulu from HonoluluThat rock-a-hula baby of mine
Rock-a-hula, rock-rock-a-hulaRock-a-hula, rock
Although I love to kiss my little hula missI never get the chanceI want to hold her tight all through the nightBut all she wants to do is dance
Rock-a-hula babyRock-a-hula babyGot a hula lulu from HonoluluThat rock-a-hula baby of mine
Rock-a-hula babyRock-a-hula babyRock-a-hula babyRock, rock, rock, rock
Rock-a-hula babyRock-a-hula babyRock-a-hula babyRock, rock, rock, rock
Rock-a-hula babyRock-a-hula babyGot a hula lulu from HonoluluThat rock-a-hula baby of mine
Oh well, that rock-a-hula baby of mine