Emerging from his military service, Elvis Presley returned to the entertainment scene with a focus on movies and accompanying soundtracks. Among the notable songs from this period is “Wooden Heart,” a tune deeply rooted in German folk tradition that became a memorable part of the 1960 film G.I. Blues. This track offers insight into Elvis’s musical direction post-army and its context within his cinematic work and the broader popular music landscape of the time. The song’s connection to the movie’s narrative and its unique blend of German influence with Elvis’s signature delivery make it a fascinating piece from elvis presley 1960 songs.
The Genesis in G.I. Blues
“Wooden Heart” (original German title: “Muss i denn”) found its way into G.I. Blues through the creative process of the songwriting team. As songwriter Ben Weisman recounted, the movie was Elvis’s first after leaving the Army. Songwriters received scripts and worked to create fitting songs. For a specific scene where Elvis’s character expresses his feelings to his leading lady during a puppet show, the concept of a song about not having a “wooden heart” emerged. This literal interpretation of the puppet theme provided a unique narrative device within the film. Weisman highlights an interesting point regarding the song’s release: the major hit version in the U.S. was by Joe Dowell, not Elvis, because RCA opted not to release Elvis’s recording as a single in the United States initially, although it was a hit elsewhere.
Recording Sessions of 1960
“Wooden Heart” was officially recorded on April 28, 1960. These sessions took place at RCA Studios in Hollywood, California, as part of the extensive recording work for the G.I. Blues soundtrack. This period marked a significant moment as Elvis transitioned back into recording music for commercial release following his time in the military. The sessions in late April and early May 1960 were productive, yielding numerous tracks for the film’s soundtrack. On April 28, 1960, the following songs were recorded alongside “Wooden Heart”:
- Big Boots (Fast Tempo) WPA5 2514-07
- Big Boots (Slow Tempo) L2PB 3685-04
- What’s She Really Like ____-19
- What’s She Really Like (Insert) ____-22
- What’s She Really Like (Composite) L2PB 3679-SP
- Blue Suede Shoes L2PB 3687-01
- Wooden Heart L2PB 3681-04
- Pocketful Of Rainbows WPA5 2544-28
The song was first released on the G.I. Blues soundtrack album, accompanying the movie’s debut.
“Wooden Heart” Lyrics
The lyrics of “Wooden Heart” combine simple declarations of love with the evocative German folk refrain, reflecting the movie’s setting and Elvis’s time in Germany.
Can’t you see I love you
Please don’t break my heart in two
That’s not hard to do
‘Cause I don’t have a wooden heart
And if you say goodbye
Then I know that I would cry
Maybe I would die
‘Cause I don’t have a wooden heart
There’s no strings upon this love of mine
It was always you from the start
Treat me nice
Treat me good
Treat me like you really should
‘Cause I’m not made of wood
And I don’t have a wooden heart
Muss i denn, muss i denn
Zum Stadtele hinaus
Stadtele hinaus
Und du, mein schat, bleibst hier?
There’s no strings upon this love of mine
It was always you from the start
Sei mir gut
Sei mir gut
Sei mir wie du wirklich sollst
Wie du wirklich sollst
‘Cause I don’t have a wooden heart
The integration of the German lines, derived from the traditional “Muss i denn zum Städtele hinaus” (Must I then, must I then, go out of the little town), added a unique, authentic touch fitting for a film set in Germany. Fans often appreciate hearing elvis presley singing wooden heart for this cultural blend.
Elvis’s Return and G.I. Blues Context
Filming and recording for G.I. Blues, Elvis’s fifth film and the first after his two-year military service, commenced in late April 1960. This movie marked a strategic return to his entertainment career, presenting him in a clean-cut, soldier-friendly image. The soundtrack played a crucial role in this re-introduction to the public. The selection of songs like “Wooden Heart” helped define the musical style of this new phase of his career, often blending pop sensibilities with his rock and roll roots. Discussing this era often involves examining elvis presley rock songs in contrast to or alongside his more pop-oriented tracks.
Welcome Home Elvis: The Sinatra Special
Further cementing his return in 1960, Elvis appeared on The Frank Sinatra-Timex Special, also known as Welcome Home Elvis. This highly anticipated television event was broadcast on the ABC network on May 12, 1960, just weeks after the G.I. Blues recording sessions for song wooden heart and other tracks took place. The special garnered phenomenal ratings, attracting a 41.5 share for the network. Elvis was reportedly paid a substantial sum ($125,000) for a relatively brief appearance (six minutes), underscoring his immense popularity and the public’s eagerness to see him back.
Elvis Presley Tupelo’s Own DVD cover featuring a young Elvis performing rock and roll in the 1950s
Legacy and Compilations
While Joe Dowell’s version saw initial U.S. single success, Elvis Presley’s recording of “Wooden Heart” remains the definitive version for many fans, primarily known through the G.I. Blues soundtrack and subsequent compilations. The song has appeared on numerous albums, including sets like Elvis’ Golden Records – Volume 3, showcasing its enduring popularity. Additionally, historical documents and footage, such as the Tupelo’s Own Elvis Presley DVD, provide glimpses into earlier stages of his career, including electrifying performances from the 1950s, offering context to the evolution of his music leading up to his 1960 return and recordings like “Wooden Heart.”
In conclusion, Elvis Presley’s “Wooden Heart” from 1960 stands as a charming and historically significant track. Born from a specific scene in his first post-army movie, G.I. Blues, recorded during key sessions in Hollywood, and released as part of a successful soundtrack, it exemplifies Elvis’s musical output during this transitional period. Its blend of cultures and narrative connection ensures its place as a fondly remembered song in the King of Rock and Roll’s vast discography.
