Song Draft 2021 – Pick 9 – Steamroller Blues
We are heading into the final two rounds of the 2021 Song Draft. Early on, one of the participants stated that no one had picked a Beatles song, which led to a couple of them entering the draft. I have noticed the absence of another artist that needs to be in the draft – The King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley.
Elvis influenced SO many artists, including the Beatles. He stormed on the scene in the mid-1950’s and continued to be a presence on the music scene until his untimely death in 1977. Elvis had his share of original songs, but was also known for many cover songs. Blue Suede Shoes, The Wonder of You, You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me, and many other songs were all covers by Elvis.
With hundreds of Elvis songs to choose from, I narrowed my choice down to a few. I love his version of Promised Land (a Chuck Berry cover) and Way Down, but ultimately chose Steamroller Blues.
Steamroller Blues
The song was orginally written in the mid-1960’s by James Taylor. From Songfacts: This song is a parody of sorts, taking aim at overtly sexual blues metaphors. Taylor has “the steamroller blues” and compares his love machine to a cement mixer, a demolition derby, and even a napalm bomb. Taylor came up with the song after seeing lots of white college kids playing blues songs by the likes of Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf – he noticed a disconnect there.
Sweet Baby James was Taylor’s second album, and his first on the Warner Bros. label.
Elvis Presley added this song to his live set, and performed it on the Aloha from Hawaii special. This live version was released as a single (as “Steamroller Blues”) and made it to #17 in the US. Notably, this song resulted in Elvis’ last 3 entries at number 1 on a major charting format. The “Aloha From Hawaii” double LP peaked at number 1 on the Billboard and Cash Box Albums Charts. The single, “Steamroller Blues”, taken from the “Aloha From Hawaii” LP, peaked at number 1 on Record World Single Chart.
I’ve heard the James Taylor version, but I really feel like Elvis’ version is better. I love he orchestration, the feel, and everything about it. Here is the concert version:https://youtu.be/4vAuXP4hIoo
IN 1988, the rehearsal of the concert was released on an album called The Alternate Aloha. This version is just as good, and Elvis’ vocals are not interrupted by kissing fans in the audience.https://youtu.be/p4y7sc0xUeY
A newly-orchestrated version was included on the 2015 album If I Can Dream with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.https://youtu.be/YLcZU_snkqA
Steamroller Blues – Lyrics
I’m a steamroller baby
I’m ’bout to roll all over you
I’m a steamroller baby
I’m ’bout to roll all over you
I’m gonna inject your soul
With sweet rock’n’roll, poor heaven
I’m a cement mixer
A churning urn of burning funk
I’m a cement mixer
A churning urn of burning funk
I’m a demolition derby
A hefty hunk, steaming junk
I’m a steamroller baby
I’m ’bout to roll over you
I’m a steamroller baby
I’m ’bout to roll over you
I’m gonna inject your soul
With some sweet rock’n’roll
And shoot you full of rhythm and blues
I’m a napalm-bomb
Guaranteed to blow your mind
I’m a napalm-bomb
Guaranteed to blow your mind
If I can’t have your love now baby
There won’t be nothing left behind
Long live the King of Rock and Roll!
slicethelife 
under-the-radar pick from an over-the-radar star… you’re right, it’s good that Elvis finally showed up here!
He needed to be represented
Glad the big E got in…It’s been a while since I heard this one…by James or Elvis… great pick Keith.
One of my favorites
You stole my thunder with the Elvis choice but that is ok. This sounds really good. I like the cleaned up version. I think I’ll stick with my plan. Elvis gets a lot of love around my pad. Even a cut like this from his later years shows when he stripped it down he still killed it. Fantastic choice by someone that kinda had a hand in shaping music and a lot of people who play it. Jerry Lee is still the King. He’ll even tell you that.
Didn’t mean to steal your thunder, CBH. By all means, if you had an Elvis pick….I anxiously await it!
Im still leaning heavy that way but it was nice to see him get his due in my opinion. Forget about his impact on so much of what we listen to but just his music (especially the early recordings) are musts.
You’re right, Keith, The King deserves a place at the table. I’ve always loved his smooth voice and sultry look. Gone too soon from this world, I know he’s still making music in heaven. I like Baby James’ version but Elvis does it up right also.
He often said he mimicked the style of Dean Martin. I can hear that on his slower songs.
I can see that “lazy, dreaminess” to both of their voices as well.
Great to see The King get selected! And a great write up as usual.
Thanks, Hans! I’m sure this one is a “odd” pick and others would have picked more popular Elvis songs. I just really dig this one.
Elvis *nailed* this song … and yes, made it sound just as naughty as it should have.
He really did. It’s like it was written just for him.
Grew up with Elvis music in the house. I lean more towards his early stuff but, this is a good bluesy piece.
Yeah, I loved his early stuff, too, but there are a handful of later stuff that I dig. This one is just great. He had some great blues influences and this reflects that.
This is awesome! It’s so…’Elvis’. Great draft pick.
I think this song is more Elvis than James Taylor….
I agree with you.
I never saw Elvis in concert, but this performance in 1973 showed he was still a musical force to be reckoned with.
I never did either. I was only 7 when he died.
I was just shy of my 11th birthday.
I know the Taylor one well, and I knew Elvis covered it, but first time hearing Elvis’ cover.
Great pick. First of all, Elvis, my big child idol. So that’s cool in and of itself. I also like that particular tune from “Aloha From Hawaii”. I got the double LP in my early teens and still proudly own that copy!