Released in 1973 on the album Raised on Rock, “Three Corn Patches” might not be a chart-topping ballad or a heart-stopping rock and roll anthem, but it holds a certain charm for those who appreciate Elvis’s versatility and his enduring ability to connect with a song’s core energy.
Composed by the legendary songwriting duo of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, “Three Corn Patches” falls under the umbrella of rock and roll, though it incorporates some interesting stylistic elements. The prominent feature is the gospel influence. Now, Elvis, of course, had a long and fruitful relationship with gospel music throughout his career.
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This track, however, isn’t a soaring, soulful ballad like “How Great Thou Art.” Instead, it injects a playful, almost jubilant gospel spirit into a rock and roll framework.
Imagine a sunny day down south, a gentle breeze rustling through the cornfields. The song evokes that kind of relaxed, good-natured vibe. The instrumentation is light and upbeat, with a prominent rhythm section laying the foundation.
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Electric guitars weave in and out, adding flickers of energy, but never overwhelming the easygoing mood. Backing vocals, including the iconic J.D. Sumner & The Stamps, provide a layer of gospel-tinged harmony that underscores the joyful spirit of the song.
Lyrically, “Three Corn Patches” is a simple tale. It tells the story of a farmer, Jed, who plants his corn in three distinct patches. One patch thrives under the watchful eye of a scarecrow, another suffers from a lack of rain, and the third, well, let’s just say some unexpected visitors partake in a little pre-harvest sampling. There’s a touch of humor here, a bit of folksy charm, all delivered in Elvis’s unmistakably charismatic voice.
While “Three Corn Patches” might not be the first Elvis song that springs to mind, it serves as a reminder of the King’s adaptability and his ability to infuse even a seemingly lighthearted song with his signature swagger and charm.
So, put on your blue suede shoes, metaphorical or otherwise, and prepare to be transported to a simpler time, a sunny cornfield, and a tale of a farmer named Jed, all soundtracked by the one and only Elvis Presley.
“Three Corn Patches”
I said, “Three corn patches about four cotton fields away
Lives the prettiest girl in the whole darn U.S.A”, I said aShe’s got big brown eyes and long black wavy hair
She’s got big brown eyes and long black wavy hair
She’s so beautiful, people, it don’t seem fairWell, I’ve been to Chicago, been to New Orleans
Yes, I’ve been to Chicago, been to New Orleans
But I’d rather see my baby, workin’ in her old blue jeans
I said, “Three corn patches about four cotton fields away”
I said, “Three corn patches about four cotton fields away
Lives the prettiest girl in the whole darn U.S.A”, I said a
She keeps a big bulldog out in the yard all night
She keeps a big bulldog out in the yard all night
Well he barks like he’s bare, but he don’t bite
I said, “Three corn patches about four cotton fields away”
I said, “Three corn patches about four cotton fields away
Lives the prettiest girl in the whole darn U.S.A”, I said a
I said, “Three corn patches about four cotton fields away”
I said, “Three corn patches about four cotton fields away”
I said, “Three”