About the song
Elvis Presley, often hailed as the “King of Rock and Roll,” needs no introduction. His influence on music and popular culture is unparalleled. One of his intriguing ventures was the song “Bossa Nova Baby,” a delightful blend of his signature style with the infectious rhythms of Brazilian bossa nova.
“Bossa Nova Baby” was penned by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, a legendary songwriting duo known for their significant contributions to rock and roll and pop music. Leiber and Stoller had previously collaborated with Elvis on numerous hits, making their partnership a proven formula for success. The song was first introduced to the world in 1963 as part of the soundtrack for the film “Fun in Acapulco,” where Elvis starred as Mike Windgren, a former trapeze artist turned lifeguard and singer.
The album “Fun in Acapulco” features a collection of lively tracks that capture the spirit of the movie’s Mexican setting. “Bossa Nova Baby” stands out with its energetic tempo and catchy melody, which perfectly complement Elvis’s dynamic vocal delivery. The song showcases a fascinating fusion of rock and bossa nova, a genre that was relatively new to American audiences at the time but quickly gained popularity due to its smooth, jazzy feel.
Upon its release, “Bossa Nova Baby” achieved significant success, reflecting Elvis’s ability to adapt to different musical styles while still maintaining his unique sound. The single reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, demonstrating its widespread appeal and the enduring popularity of Elvis Presley.
In addition to its chart success, “Bossa Nova Baby” has remained a favorite among Elvis fans and music enthusiasts alike. Its lively rhythm, combined with Elvis’s charismatic performance, makes it a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by new generations of listeners. The song’s inclusion in various compilations and its frequent airplay on oldies radio stations further cement its place in the annals of music history.
Elvis Presley’s “Bossa Nova Baby” is a testament to his versatility as an artist and his willingness to explore new musical landscapes. It remains a vibrant and joyful piece, encapsulating the spirit of an era and the enduring charm of the King of Rock and Roll.
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Lyrics
I said, “Take it easy, baby
I worked all day and my feet feel just like lead
You got my shirt tails flyin’ all over the place
And the sweat poppin’ out of my head”
She said, “Hey, bossa nova baby
Keep on workin’ for this ain’t no time to quit”
She said, “Go, bossa nova baby keep on dancin’
I’m about to have myself a fit”
Bossa nova, bossa nova
I said, “Hey little mama, let’s sit down
Have a drink and dig the band”
She said, “Drink, drink, drink oh, fiddle-de-dink
I can dance with a drink in my hand”
She said, “Hey bossa nova baby
Keep on workin’ for this ain’t no time to drink”
She said, “Go bossa nova baby
Keep on dancin’, ’cause I ain’t got time to think”
Bossa nova, bossa nova
I said, “Come on baby, it’s hot in here
And it’s oh so cool outside
If you lend me a dollar, I can buy some gas
And we can go for a little ride”
She said, “Hey bossa nova baby
Keep on workin’ for I ain’t got time for that”
She said, “Go bossa nova baby
Keep on dancin’ or I’ll find myself another cat”
Bossa nova, bossa nova
Bossa nova, bossa nova
Bossa nova, bossa nova