About the song
**Polk Salad Annie** by Elvis Presley is a lively and infectious tune that showcases the King of Rock and Roll’s versatility and flair for storytelling. Written by Tony Joe White, this swamp rock anthem was included on Presley’s album *Elvis Country (I’m 10,000 Years Old)*, released in 1970.
The song’s narrative revolves around the character of Polk Salad Annie, a colorful figure from the southern United States who gathers and sells pokeweed greens to make a living. Through Presley’s dynamic vocals and energetic performance, “Polk Salad Annie” brings to life the vibrant imagery of rural Southern culture.
Despite not achieving the same commercial success as some of Presley’s other hits, “Polk Salad Annie” still managed to make its mark on the music charts, peaking at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its unique blend of rock, blues, and country elements resonated with audiences, earning it a dedicated fan base and cementing its status as a cult favorite.
What sets “Polk Salad Annie” apart is its infectious rhythm and infectious energy, which captures the essence of Southern charm and hospitality. Its rollicking melody and catchy chorus make it impossible not to tap your feet and sing along, showcasing Presley’s ability to connect with listeners on a visceral level.
As one of Elvis Presley’s lesser-known gems, “Polk Salad Annie” remains a testament to his musical prowess and enduring appeal. Its timeless charm and infectious spirit ensure that it will continue to be cherished by fans old and new, preserving its legacy as a quintessential slice of Southern Americana.
Video
Lyrics
If some of ya’ll never been down south too much
Some y’all never been down s-
I’m gonna tell you a little story so’s you’ll understand what I’m talkin’ about
Down there we have a plant that grows out in the woods, and the fields
And it looks somethin’ like a turnip green
Everybody calls it polk salad
Now that’s polk salad
Used to know a girl lived down there and she’d go out in the evenings and
Pick her a mess of it
Carry it home and cook it for supper
Because that’s about all they had to eat
But they did all right
Down in Louisiana, where the alligators grow so mean
Lived a girl, that I swear to the world
Made the alligators look tame
Polk salad Annie, gators got your granny
Everybody said it was a shame
Because her momma was a workin’ on the chain gang
A mean vicious woman
Everyday before supper time, she’d go down by the truck patch
And pick her a mess of polk salad, and carry it home in a tow sack
Polk salad Annie, the gators got your granny
Everybody says it was a shame
Because her momma was a workin’ on the chain gang
A wretched, spiteful, straight-razor totin’ woman
Lord have Mercy, pick a mess of it
Sock a little polk salad to me
Her daddy was lazy and no-count, claimed he had a bad back
All her brothers were fit for
Was stealin’ watermelons out of my truck patch
Polk salad Annie, the gators got your granny
Everybody said it was a shame
Because her momma was a workin’ on the chain gang
Yeah, sock a little polk salad to me, you know I need me a mess of it
Sock a little
Sock a little polk salad to me, you know I need a real mess of it (chick-a-boom)
Sock a little polk salad, you know I need a real (chick-a-boom)
Ching-ching-ching-ching-a-ling (chick-a-boom)
Ching-ching-ching-ching-a-ling (chick-a-boom)
Ching-ching-ching-ching-a-ling (chick-a-boom)
Ching-ching-ching-ching-a-ling (chick-a-boom)
Ching-ching-ching-ching-a-ling (chick-a-boom)
Ching-ching-ching-ching-a-ling (chick-a-boom)
Ching-ching-ching-ching-a-ling (chick-a-boom)
Ching-ching-ching-ching-a-ling (chick-a-boom)