Elvis Songs: Bossa Nova Baby

Written by: Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller

Recorded: January 22, 1963, RCA Radio Recorders, Hollywood.

Single: w/ "Witchcraft", RCA 47-8243, October 1, 1963 (million-seller)
re-released as Gold Standard Series, 447-0642, August 1964

Highest U.S. Charts Positions:
#8 on Billboard's Hot 100
#20 on Billboard's Rhythm & Blues chart (Elvis' last single to appear on this chart)

1st LP release: Fun in Acapulco, December 1963

Fans and critics seem to agree that "Bossa Nova Baby" stands out pretty strongly from the rest of the soundtrack of Fun in Acapulco. But then again Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller didn't write too many bad songs! Tippie and the Clovers first recorded "Bossa Nova Baby" and released the single in 1962 on the Tiger label, and although it didn't chart, Mike Stoller prefers it: "I like the original version of Bossa Nova Baby done by Tippie and the Clovers better than Elvis' version. It's got a Latin feel and it had certain elements of bossa nova, but it wasn't the real thing. The Clovers' version was much cooler than Elvis' version." I can't completely attest to the coolness of the Clovers, not having heard anything but this short sample, but have a listen for yourself, and maybe you'll agree with Mike!



Elvis' version, of course, had to make some concessions to the setting of the film, and ended up having a Hollywood-Mexican-Mariachi-band instrumental break complete with some not-quite-south-of-the-border whoops and shouts. The brass then gives way to an electric guitar solo just to remind us that this is an American version of a Mexican version of a Brazilian style of dance music and by the time Elvis and the boys get through with it, there's very little Bossa Nova left (for better or worse)!




It's pretty strong latin-tinged pop-rock for 1963, though, and with "Witchcraft" as a B-side, it made for a solid single! I tend to hear "Bossa Nova Baby" as a musical precursor to "Viva Las Vegas": a little pinch of Latino, a little Hollywood schmaltz, and a whole lotta Elvis' fast-paced vocal bravado. Maybe silly by later standards, but as an early-Sixties Elvis movie song, "Bossa Nova Baby" is pretty spicy!



I published this opinion first on Associated Content:
Elvis Songs: Bossa Nova Baby.

'Bossa Nova Baby' is something like the old Presley, and contrasts with the inferior material he had previously used in his films. This is a fast, modern record, notably because of its use of organ. There is a touch of rock about the song, together with a Bossa Nova feel which is magical. In spite of the fast pace, every word is crystal-clear and in its way this is a classic recording.

Robert Matthew-Walker, Elvis Presley - A Study In Music, 1979

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Check out other Elvis fans' opinions on the Elvis News page for Bossa Nova Baby

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 a workin' child
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' child
This ain't no time to drink'
She said 'Go, Bossa nova, baby
Keep on dancin'
'Cause I ain't got time to think'

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' child
I ain't got time for that'
She said, 'Go Bossa nova, baby
Keep on dancin'
Or I'll find myself another cat'