Elvis Presley

Released: January 2, 1971

Songwriter: Joe Babcock

Producer: Felton Jarvis

[Verse 1]
I was born in Macon Georgia
They kept my daddy over in Macon jail
He told me if you keep your hands clean
You won't hear them bloodhounds on your trail

Well I fell in with bad companions
Robbed a man, oh up in Tennessee
They caught me way up in Nashville
They locked me up and threw away the key

[Chorus]
I washed my hands in muddy water
Washed my hands, but they didn't come clean
Tried to do what my daddy told me
But I must have washed my hands in a muddy stream

[Verse 2]
Well I asked the judge now when's my time up
He said son, oh you know we won't forget
If you try just to keep your hands clean
We might just make a good man of you yet

Oh I couldn't wait to get my time up
I broke out, broke out of Nashville jail
I just crossed the state-line of Georgia
Well I can hear those bloodhounds on my trail

[Chorus]

Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was an American performer that spanned all media—music, film, and historic live concerts—with a vehement passion that earned him the moniker, “The King of Rock and Roll.”

Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi to Gladys and Vernon Presley. At the age of 13, he moved with his family to Memphis, Tennessee. Elvis began to explore the blues scene prevalent in Memphis and the culture it encompassed.

In August 1953, he walked into Sun Records to record a song for his mother’s birthday. Manager of Sun Records Sam Phillips took note of his unique voice and persona, and invited Elvis back to the studio in July 1954, where he ultimately recorded his first true single, “That’s All Right,” with “Blue Moon of Kentucky” as the B-side.

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