Elvis Presley: A Rebellious Jester in “Poison Ivy League”
Elvis Presley’s “Poison Ivy League” is a playful yet incisive commentary on the trappings of higher education, a departure from the typically romantic or soulful ballads that often defined his repertoire. Released in 1964 as part of the soundtrack for the film Roustabout, the song showcases Presley’s versatility as an artist, demonstrating his ability to effortlessly shift between genres and styles.
Background
With “Poison Ivy League,” Presley adopts the persona of a rebellious outsider, mocking the perceived elitism and superficiality of Ivy League institutions. The song’s lyrics are a witty and satirical take on the academic world, filled with clever wordplay and humorous observations.
Presley’s charismatic delivery transforms what could have been a merely satirical piece into a dynamic and engaging performance.
While “Poison Ivy League” may not be as deeply emotional as some of Presley’s other work, it is a testament to his enduring appeal as an entertainer. The song’s lighthearted tone and clever lyrics offer a refreshing contrast to the more serious fare that often dominated the charts.
In the grand scheme of Presley’s discography, “Poison Ivy League” stands as a reminder of his ability to experiment with different musical styles and to engage with his audience on multiple levels.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Hail to thee old ivy leaguePoison ivy leagueThe ra-ra boys are sitting round the table tonightThe ra-ra boys have lots of plans in viewThey’re gonna have panty raidsAnd make their own lemonadeThey’ll live it up just like the big boys doPoison ivy league, boys in that ivy leagueGive me an itch, those sons of the richThat poison ivy leagueThe ra-ra boys will go to bed so early tonightBefore exams they need a lot of restThey gotta make good for dadThey gotta make good so badThey’ll even pay someone to take that testPoison ivy league, boys in that ivy leagueHow can they flunk, they’re so full of bunkThat poison ivy league