Introduction
Elvis and Trouble: A Rock and Roll Rumble
Elvis Presley’s 1958 rendition of “Trouble” isn’t just a song, it’s a snapshot of the King at a pivotal moment in his career. While not one of his biggest hits, “Trouble” offers a glimpse into the evolution of his sound and the controversies swirling around him.
There are actually two “Trouble” songs to consider. The 1958 version we’re focusing on was written by songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. This bluesy, swaggering tune was written specifically for the movie “King Creole,” Presley’s third film. In the movie, “Trouble” plays during a barroom brawl, perfectly capturing the song’s raw energy and rebellious spirit. This fit Presley’s on-screen persona perfectly – a brooding young man with a hint of danger.
However, “Trouble” wasn’t the only song by that name in Presley’s repertoire. He also recorded a different “Trouble” earlier in 1958, a rockabilly number that never saw the light of day. This highlights a key aspect of Presley’s early career: experimentation. He was constantly pushing boundaries, blending genres like country, blues, and gospel into the rock and roll sound that was taking America by storm.
“Trouble” also reflected the social anxieties of the time. Presley’s energetic performances and suggestive stage presence were seen by some as a threat to traditional values. The song’s lyrics, with lines like “I was born standing up and talking back” and “I don’t take no orders from no kind of man,” fueled this perception. “Trouble” became an anthem for teenagers yearning for independence, but also a target for critics who saw rock and roll as a corrupting influence.
So, when you hear “Trouble,” you’re not just listening to a song. You’re experiencing a moment in American pop culture history. It’s Elvis at his most electrifying, a young artist challenging conventions and captivating audiences. It’s the sound of rebellion wrapped in a bluesy melody, a rock and roll rumble waiting to erupt.