Elvis Presley’s ‘Raised on Rock’ – A 1973 Classic!

Remember, Presley emerged in the mid-50s, a time when rock and roll was still a rebellious upstart, challenging the established order of popular music. He was a young man from Mississippi, steeped in gospel and country, who somehow channeled that raw energy into a sound that ignited a generation.

“Raised on Rock” suggests that Presley wasn’t just the king – he was also a loyal subject of this musical kingdom. The lyrics paint a picture of a young Elvis, glued to the radio, devouring the sounds of pioneers like Chuck Berry and Little Richard. He mentions specific songs, like “Johnny B. Goode” and “Hound Dog,” weaving them into the narrative like cherished memories.

There’s a touch of playful defiance too, particularly in the line, “I thought it was a fad, thought that it would pass.” It’s a wink to the critics who dismissed rock and roll as a passing fancy. Presley, of course, knew better. He knew the power of the music, the way it resonated with his own youthful spirit.

But “Raised on Rock” isn’t just about nostalgia. There’s a sense of renewal here as well. The song was recorded at Stax Studios in Memphis, a hotbed of soul and funk. The energy is infectious, the rhythm section tight, and Presley’s voice, though perhaps not at its peak, still carries a potent swagger.

“Raised on Rock” reminds us that Elvis Presley wasn’t just a rock and roll icon – he was a lifelong student of the music. It’s a song that celebrates the roots, the foundation that made him who he was, the king who, as the lyrics tell us, was truly “Raised on Rock”.