About the Song
In the realm of rock and roll anthems, Elvis Presley’s “Viva Las Vegas” stands as an electrifying celebration of the neon-lit city of dreams. Released in 1964, this song perfectly captures the vibrant energy and unrestrained excitement of Las Vegas, painting a sonic portrait of a place where fortunes are won and lost, and every night is a chance for adventure.
“Viva Las Vegas” explodes from the speakers with a contagious rhythm, driven by a pulsating beat and a lively guitar riff. Presley’s vocals are at their peak, infused with an infectious enthusiasm that mirrors the song’s subject matter. He sings with unrestrained joy, painting a picture of a city where anything is possible and every night is a chance to let loose:
“Bright light city gonna set my soul on fire Got a whole lot of money that’s ready to burn So get those stakes up higher”
The lyrics, penned by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, capture the essence of Las Vegas in its prime. They describe a city of endless possibilities, where fortunes can be made or lost in a single roll of the dice, and where every night is a chance for new experiences and encounters. Lines like:
“There’s a thousand pretty women waitin’ out there And they’re all livin’ devil may care And I’m just the devil with love to spare”
perfectly encapsulate the city’s allure and its reputation for risk-taking and indulgence.
“Viva Las Vegas” is not just a song about a city; it’s an embodiment of the rock and roll spirit. It’s a celebration of freedom, rebellion, and the pursuit of pleasure, all set against the backdrop of the most electrifying city in the world. Presley’s performance is electrifying, perfectly capturing the song’s message of unrestrained fun and unbridled excitement.
The song’s impact extends far beyond its initial release. “Viva Las Vegas” has become an iconic anthem for the city itself, and it is often used in movies, television shows, and commercials that depict Las Vegas. The song has also been covered by countless artists across genres, each adding their own interpretation to the timeless melody.
“Viva Las Vegas” is a testament to Elvis Presley’s enduring legacy as the King of Rock and Roll. It’s a song that captures the essence of Las Vegas and the spirit of rock and roll, making it a true classic that will continue to energize and excite audiences for generations to come.
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Lyrics: “Viva Las Vegas”
Bright light city gonna set my soul
Gonna set my soul on fire
Got a whole lot of money that’s ready to burn
So get those stakes up higher
There’s a thousand pretty women waitin’ out there
And they’re all livin’ devil may care
And I’m just the devil with love to spare
Viva Las Vegas, Viva Las VegasHow I wish that there were more
Than the twenty-four hours in the day
‘Cause even if there were forty more
I wouldn’t sleep a minute away
Oh, there’s black jack and poker and the roulette wheel
A fortune won and lost on ev’ry deal
All you need’s a strong heart and a nerve of steel
Viva Las Vegas, Viva Las VegasViva Las Vegas with you neon flashin’
And your one armbandits crashin’
All those hopes down the drain
Viva Las Vegas turnin’ day into nighttime
Turnin’ night into daytime
If you see it once
You’ll never be the same againI’m gonna keep on the run
I’m gonna have me some fun
If it costs me my very last dime
If I wind up broke up well
I’ll always remember that I had a swingin’ time
I’m gonna give it ev’rything I’ve got
Lady luck please let the dice stay hot
Let me shoot a seven with ev’ry shot
Viva Las Vegas, Viva Las Vegas
Viva, Viva Las Vegas