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“Bossa Nova Baby” is a lively and iconic song performed by the legendary American singer Elvis Presley. Released in 1963 as a single, it became one of the highlights of Elvis’s music career and a notable contribution to the Bossa Nova genre’s popularity in the United States during the early 1960s.

Background: Elvis Presley recorded “Bossa Nova Baby” on January 22, 1963, during a recording session at Radio Recorders Studio in Hollywood, California. The song was written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, a famous songwriting duo known for their contributions to rock and roll music. The song was intended to capitalize on the growing popularity of Bossa Nova music, which was gaining traction in the United States at the time, thanks in part to artists like Stan Getz and João Gilberto.

Musical Style: “Bossa Nova Baby” is a fusion of rock and roll and Bossa Nova styles. The song features the rhythmic and melodic elements typical of Bossa Nova, including the distinctive percussion, syncopated guitar chords, and a laid-back groove. Elvis’s energetic vocal performance adds a unique touch to the song, blending the American rock and roll sound with the Brazilian Bossa Nova flavor.

Lyrics: The lyrics of “Bossa Nova Baby” tell the story of a playful and flirtatious encounter with a captivating woman. The narrator expresses his excitement and infatuation with the titular “Bossa Nova Baby,” describing her as a dancer who can move and groove with the best of them. The lyrics are light-hearted and reflect the carefree spirit of the Bossa Nova genre.

Reception and Legacy: “Bossa Nova Baby” was a commercial success upon its release, peaking at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It further solidified Elvis Presley’s status as a versatile and influential artist who could adapt to different musical styles. The song remains popular to this day and is often associated with Elvis’s ability to embrace various genres and experiment with his music.

The song has been featured in various films, television shows, and commercials over the years, contributing to its enduring legacy. It continues to be a favorite among Elvis fans and is often included in retrospectives and compilations of his work.

In conclusion, “Bossa Nova Baby” by Elvis Presley is a classic example of how this iconic artist could successfully incorporate different musical influences into his repertoire. With its catchy melody, rhythmic Bossa Nova beat, and Elvis’s charismatic vocals, the song remains a beloved and timeless addition to the world of popular music.

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Lyrics

I said, “Take it easy, baby
I worked all day and my feet feel just like lead
You got my shirt tails flyin’ all over the place
And the sweat poppin’ out of my head”

She said, “Hey, bossa nova baby
Keep on workin’ for this ain’t no time to quit”
She said, “Go, bossa nova baby keep on dancin’
I’m about to have myself a fit”
Bossa nova, bossa nova

I said, “Hey little mama, let’s sit down
Have a drink and dig the band”
She said, “Drink, drink, drink oh, fiddle-de-dink
I can dance with a drink in my hand”

She said, “Hey bossa nova baby
Keep on workin’ for this ain’t no time to drink”
She said, “Go bossa nova baby
Keep on dancin’, ’cause I ain’t got time to think”
Bossa nova, bossa nova

I said, “Come on baby, it’s hot in here
And it’s oh so cool outside
If you lend me a dollar, I can buy some gas
And we can go for a little ride”

She said, “Hey bossa nova baby
Keep on workin’ for I ain’t got time for that”
She said, “Go bossa nova baby
Keep on dancin’ or I’ll find myself another cat”
Bossa nova, bossa nova
Bossa nova, bossa nova
Bossa nova, bossa nova