I Got a Woman – Elvis Presley – 1956

About The Song

“I Got a Woman” is a dynamic rhythm and blues song famously covered by Elvis Presley in 1956. Originally recorded by Ray Charles, Elvis’s rendition infuses the track with his signature energy and style. The song showcases Presley’s ability to bridge musical genres and played a significant role in his rise to prominence in the mid-1950s.

Five Facts:

1. Ray Charles Original: “I Got a Woman” was originally recorded by Ray Charles in 1954. Charles’s version is a blend of gospel, R&B, and jazz elements and is considered a pioneering work in the development of soul music.
2. Elvis Presley’s Cover: Elvis Presley covered “I Got a Woman” during his early career at Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1956. His rendition brought a more rock and roll flavor to the song, contributing to the genre’s evolution.
3. Live Performances: Elvis often included “I Got a Woman” in his live performances, showcasing his dynamic stage presence. The song became a staple in his setlists during the mid-1950s, helping to establish his reputation as a captivating live performer.
4. Influence on Rock and Roll: Elvis Presley’s cover of “I Got a Woman” exemplifies the influence of rhythm and blues on the early development of rock and roll. The fusion of gospel-inspired vocals and a driving rhythm laid the groundwork for the energetic and diverse sound that characterized the emerging genre.
5. Crossover Success: Elvis’s cover of “I Got a Woman” contributed to his crossover success, appealing to both black and white audiences. His ability to incorporate diverse musical elements into his repertoire played a crucial role in breaking down racial barriers in the music industry during a time of segregation.

Video

Lyrics

Well, I got a woman way across town
She’s good to me, oh-oh yeah
Say, I got a woman way across town
She’s good to me, ooh yeah

She’s here in the morning, loving me
Yeah, she’s a kind of friend to me
I got a woman way across town
She’s good to me, oh-oh yeah

She saves her loving, early in the morning
Just for me, oh-oh yeah
She saves her loving, early in the morning
Just for me, ooh yeah

She saves her loving
Just for me, yeah
You know she loves me so tenderly
I got a woman way across town
She’s good to me, oh-oh, yeah

She’s there to love me both day and night
No groans or fusses, just treats me right
Never running in the streets, leaving me alone
She knows a woman’s place is right there, now, in her home

I got a woman way across town
She’s good to me, oh-oh, yeah
Say, I got a woman way across town
She’s good to me, ooh yeah

Well, she’s my baby, oh, don’t you understand
And I’m her loving man
I got a woman way across town
She’s good to me, oh-oh, yeah

But, don’t you know she’s alright
She’s alright, she’s alright
I got a woman way over town – good to me