Shock Naue Entertainment News delves into the King’s discography to explore the story behind “Rubberneckin‘”, a track that captures the vibrant energy of a pivotal era in Elvis Presley’s career. Released in 1969, the song is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a snapshot of Elvis’s return to form and his groundbreaking recording sessions in Memphis. Understanding “Rubberneckin” involves looking back at the context of its creation and release, tying together his work in the studio and on screen.
“Rubberneckin’” Lyrics
Words & Music by Jones / Warren
Stop, look and listen baby that’s my philosophy
If your rubberneckin’ baby well that’s all right with me
Stop, look and listen baby that’s my philosophy
It’s called rubberneckin’ baby but that’s all right with me
Some people say I’m wasting time yeh, but they don’t really know
I like what I see I see what I like yeh, it gives me such a glow
First thing in the morning, last thing at night
I look, stare everywhere and see everything inside
Stop, look and listen baby that’s my philosophy
If your rubberneckin’ baby well that’s all right with me
Stop, look and listen baby that’s my philosophy
It’s called rubberneckin’ baby but that’s all right with me
Some people say I’m wasting time yeh, but I don’t really care
I like what I see I see what I like yeh, it gives me such a glow
Sittin’ on the back porch all by myself
Along came Mary Jane with somebody else
Well, stop, look and listen baby that’s my philosophy
It’s called rubberneckin’ baby but that’s all right with me
Some people say I’m wasting time yeh, but I don’t really care
I like what I see, I see what I like yeh, it gives me such a glow
Sittin’ on the back porch all by myself
Along came Mary Jane with somebody else
Well, stop, look and listen baby that’s my philosophy
It’s called rubberneckin’ baby but that’s all right with me
Stop, look and listen baby that’s my philosophy
Stop, look and listen baby that’s my philosophy
Stop, look and listen baby that’s my philosophy
Stop
Song Information and Origin
“Rubberneckin’” was recorded by Elvis Presley on January 20, 1969, and was first released as a single. The song holds a unique place in Elvis’s catalog as it originated from the soundtrack of his thirty-first film, Change Of Habit.
The track was a product of Elvis’s highly productive and critically acclaimed recording sessions held at American Sound Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. This period marked a significant return for Elvis, who had primarily recorded in Nashville or Hollywood since signing with RCA. The decision to record again in his hometown for the first time since 1955 proved to be creatively invigorating.
The Pivotal 1969 Memphis Sessions
Inspired and energized by the success of his 1968 comeback television special, Elvis stepped into the small American Sound Studio in January 1969. His goal was to create high-quality music that would yield chart-topping hits, moving away from the often formulaic soundtracks of his movie years. The musical environment in Nashville had grown somewhat stagnant for him, and friends encouraged the move to the thriving Memphis scene.
American Sound Studios, under the operation and production of Chips Moman, provided a fresh and dynamic setting. Elvis worked intensely during these all-night marathon sessions, collaborating with a host of talented Memphis musicians. The resulting sound was fresh, gritty, and authentic, reminiscent of his innovative early days at Sun Records. This period is widely regarded as producing some of the finest music of his career, revitalizing his recording output after years focused on films.
Album cover for Elvis Back in Memphis FTD Special Edition 2 CD set
These sessions were incredibly fruitful, yielding material for two major albums: From Elvis In Memphis and Back In Memphis. Furthermore, they produced four hugely successful singles released starting in late 1969 and continuing into 1970: “In the Ghetto,” “Suspicious Minds,” “Don’t Cry, Daddy,” and “Kentucky Rain,” solidifying his presence back at the top of the charts. For fans interested in the breadth of Elvis’s recorded output, exploring songs elvis presley list often highlights the diversity and quality of tracks from this pivotal year.
Recording Log: January-February 1969 at American Sound
Below is a list of notable songs recorded during the main American Sound sessions that contributed to the rich catalog of Elvis’s late 60s work. “Rubberneckin’” was recorded on January 20th within this prolific period.
January 13, 1969 American Sound – Memphis, Tennessee
- Long Black Limousine
- This Is The Story
January 14, 1969 American Sound – Memphis, Tennessee
- Come Out Come Out (Wherever You Are)
- Memory Revival (Slow)
- Wearin’ That Loved On Look
- You’ll Think Of Me
- A Little Bit Of Green
January 15, 1969 American Sound – Memphis, Tennessee
- Gentle On My Mind
- I’m Movin’ On
- Don’t Cry Daddy
- Poor Man’s Gold
January 16, 1969 American Sound – Memphis, Tennessee
- Inherit The Wind
- Mama Liked The Roses
- My Little Friend
January 20, 1969 American Sound – Memphis, Tennessee
- Gentle On My Mind (Vocal Replacement)
- Gentle On My Mind (Harmony Vocal Overdub)
- Rubberneckin’
January 21, 1969 American Sound – Memphis, Tennessee
- In The Ghetto
- My Little Friend (Vocal Overdub)
- Inherit The Wind (Vocal Overdub)
- Mama Liked The Roses (Vocal Overdub)
- Mama Liked The Roses (Harmony – Vocal Overdub)
- I’m Movin’ On (Vocal Replacement)
- Long Black Limousine (Vocal Repair)
- Don’t Cry Daddy (Vocal Overdub)
- Don’t Cry Daddy (Harmony – Vocal Overdub)
- Poor Man’s Gold (Vocal Overdub)
- Wearin’ That Loved On Look (Vocal Repair)
- You’ll Think Of Me (Vocal Replacement)
- This Is The Story (Vocal Replacement)
- From A Jack To A King
Elvis Presley looking thoughtful in a posed photo from 1969
January 22, 1969 American Sound – Memphis, Tennessee
- Hey Jude
- In The Ghetto (Vocal Replacement)
January 23, 1969 American Sound – Memphis, Tennessee
- Without Love
- I’ll Hold You In My Heart
- I’ll Be There
- Suspicious Minds
- Suspicious Minds (Harmony – Vocal Overdub)
February 17, 1969 American Sound – Memphis, Tennessee
- Stranger In My Own Home Town
- True Love Travels On A Gravel Road
- This Time / I Can’t Stop Loving You (Informal Jam)
- True Love Travels On A Gravel Road
February 18, 1969 American Sound – Memphis, Tennessee
- And The Grass Won’t Pay No Mind
- Power Of My Love
- After Loving You
February 19, 1969 American Sound – Memphis, Tennessee
- Do You Know Who I Am?
- Do You Know Who I Am? (Vocal Repair)
- Kentucky Rain
- Kentucky Rain (Remake)
February 20, 1969 American Sound – Memphis, Tennessee
- Only The Strong Survive
- It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin’
February 21, 1969 American Sound – Memphis, Tennessee
- Any Day Now
- If I’m A Fool (For Loving You)
- The Fair Is Moving On
- Memory Revival (Fast)
February 22, 1969 American Sound – Memphis, Tennessee
- Any Day Now (Vocal Repair)
- True Love Travels On A Gravel Road (Harmony – V.O.)
- Power Of My Love (Harmony – Vocal Overdub)
- Do You Know Who I Am? (Harmony – Vocal Overdub)
- Who Am I?
The productivity at American Sound Studio in early 1969 laid the foundation for a creative resurgence that would define the latter part of Elvis’s career, influencing his live performances and future recordings. Among the many gems recorded, “Rubberneckin’” stands out, especially when considering its interesting journey from a movie song to a later popular remix. The elvis presley rubberneckin paul oakenfold remix brought the track to a new generation of listeners years later.
Elvis Presley with musicians and producer Chips Moman at American Sound Studio in Memphis during the 1969 recording sessions“Change of Habit”: Elvis’s Last Movie Role
In March 1969, fresh off the impactful Memphis sessions, Elvis returned to Hollywood for his final acting role in a motion picture, Change of Habit. Co-starring with Mary Tyler Moore, Elvis played a doctor in an urban ghetto, while Moore and two other actresses portrayed nuns working undercover to assist the community.
While the movie tackled serious, timely themes, its execution and script have been debated by critics. However, Elvis himself delivered a natural, understated performance that many found refreshing after the more formulaic roles he’d taken on throughout the 1960s. The film featured a few songs, including “Rubberneckin’,” integrated more naturally into the plot than in many of his previous musical films. For those curious about the full extent of his work in cinema, a elvis presley movie songs list can reveal just how prolific he was in combining music and film. Exploring the dynamics between Elvis and his co-stars, especially in his later films, is also a fascinating topic, and fans often search for details about the [movie with elvis presley and mary tyler moore](https://shocknaue.com/movie-with-elvis-presley and mary tyler moore/). Similarly, specific searches for the mary tyler moore and elvis presley movie highlight the lasting interest in this particular pairing and film.
Recording for the Change of Habit soundtrack took place shortly after the main Memphis sessions:
March 5, 1969 Decca Universal Studio – Universal City, California
- Let Us Pray (Track)
- Change Of Habit
- Let’s Be Friends
- Let’s Be Friends (Work Part – Ending)
- Let’s Be Friends (Composite)
- Have A Happy (Track)
March 6, 1969 Decca Universal Studio – Universal City, California
- Let Us Pray (Vocal Overdub)
- Have A Happy (Vocal Overdub)
Vegas Residency and Live Triumph
The year 1969 continued to be transformative for Elvis. Starting July 31st, he embarked on a hugely successful four-week, fifty-seven-show engagement at the newly built International Hotel in Las Vegas. This marked his return to live performances after years focused on movies.
Elvis assembled a stellar band, including rock musicians, an orchestra, and gospel backup groups (both male and female), rehearsing extensively. The show was a masterclass, blending refreshed arrangements of his classic hits, exciting new material from the Memphis sessions (like “Suspicious Minds” and “In the Ghetto”), covers of contemporary songs, and engaging personal anecdotes. Opening night was a massive triumph, breaking all existing attendance records for Las Vegas and earning rave reviews from both the public and critics. The live album Elvis in Person at the International Hotel, recorded during this residency, captured the excitement of these shows. Elvis, in peak physical condition, wore custom karate-inspired two-piece suits (designed by Bill Belew, also responsible for his ’68 special look), precursors to the iconic jumpsuits that would define his future stage presence.
Tupelo’s Own: A Glimpse into the 50s
Complementing insights into Elvis’s career peaks like 1969, resources like the Tupelo’s Own Elvis Presley DVD offer a look back at his formative years.
DVD cover for Tupelo’s Own Elvis Presley featuring rare 1950s concert footage
This DVD includes previously unreleased film of Elvis performing six songs live in Tupelo, Mississippi, in 1956, notably featuring “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Don’t Be Cruel.” It also contains a live performance of the elusive “Long Tall Sally,” seen here for the first time ever with sound. The release provides a rare audio-visual window into Elvis’s electrifying early concerts, including parade footage and interviews with his parents, offering valuable context to his rise to fame.
Conclusion
The song “Rubberneckin’” serves as a fascinating entry point into understanding the year 1969, a period of immense creativity and renewed success for Elvis Presley. From the fertile ground of the American Sound Studio sessions in Memphis, which produced some of his most enduring work, to its inclusion in his final narrative film and the triumphant return to the live stage in Las Vegas, “Rubberneckin’” is linked to a pivotal chapter in the King’s legacy. It reminds us of his ability to adapt, collaborate with top talent like Chips Moman, and consistently deliver music that resonates across generations.
