Introduction t£ “Clean Up Your Own Backyard” by Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley, the “King of Rock and Roll,” is a name synonymous with American music. His iconic voice, magnetic stage presence, and innovative blend of genres have solidified his status as one of the most influential musicians of all time.
Background
Released in 1967 as a single from the album “Elvis Sings Country, Gospel & Blues,” “Clean Up Your Own Backyard” showcases Presley’s versatility and his ability to tackle a variety of musical styles.
The song is a country ballad with a strong blues influence, featuring Presley’s soulful vocals and a driving rhythm section.
The lyrics of “Clean Up Your Own Backyard” delve into themes of social commentary and personal responsibility. The song’s title itself serves as a powerful metaphor, urging listeners to confront their own shortcomings and avoid casting blame on others.
The song’s arrangement is both simple and effective, allowing Presley’s vocals to take center stage. The acoustic guitar provides a gentle accompaniment, while the bassline and drums create a steady, driving rhythm. The addition of a subtle organ adds a touch of gospel-inspired harmony, further enhancing the song’s emotional impact.
“Clean Up Your Own Backyard” was a commercial success, reaching number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s popularity can be attributed to its relatable lyrics, Presley’s powerful performance, and the timeless appeal of its musical style.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Back porch preacher preaching at meActing like he wrote the golden rulesShaking his fist and speeching at meShouting from his soap box like a foolCome Sunday morning he’s lying in bedWith his eye all red, with the wine in his headWishing he was dead when he oughta beHeading for Sunday schoolClean up your own backyardOh don’t you hand me none of your linesClean up your own backyardYou tend to your business, I’ll tend to mineDrugstore cowboy criticizingActing like he’s better than you and meStanding on the sidewalk supervisingTelling everybody how they ought to beCome closing time ‘most every nightHe locks up tight and out go the lightsAnd he ducks out of sight and he cheats on his wifeWith his employeeClean up your own backyardOh don’t you hand me none of your linesClean up your own backyardYou tend to your business, I’ll tend to mineArmchair quarterback’s always moanin’Second guessing people all day longPushing, fooling and hanging on inAlways messing where they don’t belongWhen you get right down to the nitty-grittyIsn’t it a pity that in this big cityNot a one a’little bitty man’ll admitHe could have been a little bit wrongClean up your own backyardOh don’t you hand me, don’t you hand me none of your linesClean up your own backyardYou tend to your business, I’ll tend to mineClean up your own backyardYou tend to your business, I’ll tend to mine