In the 1950s, talking over the music was big, especially on slow songs. The question is, what qualifies as a spoken segment in a song? The answer is, any of the following: a good poetry or dramatic reading, some idle chatter or everyday speech. Shout outs and cheering instructions to the crowd or band do not qualify.
The goal of the spoken segment of a song is to give the singer a chance to take a step back and offer a type of director's commentary on proceedings.
Quite a few Elvis songs feature spoken segments. Obvious ones are That's When Your Heartaches Begin, Are You Lonesome Tonight and I'm Yours.
Let's have a closer look another few Elvis songs with spoken parts:
1. U.S. MALE
In 1965 Elvis recorded movie songs ONLY. In 1966 he recorded a Grammy Award-winning gospel album. In my opinion that's when his "comeback" started. From 1966-1968 it seems Elvis experimented different ways to go musically, but no one took notice. This talking blues was one of those early "comeback" songs. I bet Elvis was eager to cut his teeth on this one.
2. MAMA LIKED THE ROSES
This one was recorded early in 1969 at the American Sound Studio in Memphis. According to accounts, Elvis loved this song but had laryngitis, so a backing track was laid down and Elvis overdubbed his vocal at a later stage.
3. ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVED
Another one recorded at American. One time during the sessions they had to stop as the engineer heard a strange buzzing sound on the tape. Turns out it was a car idling outside. It seems Elvis found the song difficult to record as he reprimanded himself throughout but he prevailed and did 29 takes, of which the last take was seemingly used.
4. POLK SALAD ANNIE
This song, only recorded live on stage, is about the lifestyle of a poor girl and her family. Elvis introduced the showstopper at his 2nd Vegas season in Jan/Feb 1970.
5. ARE YOU SINCERE
The July 1973 Stax Studio recording session had sound problems. One evening after noticing that his mic was gone, Elvis left and the band laid down tracks to be later overdubbed at Elvis' home in Palm Springs via RCA mobile truck.
Also present at the dubbing session was VOICE, Elvis' new personal backing group. Elvis, excited to get the group on record, allocated most of his recording time to their demos. Resultantly, Elvis overdubbed only 1 of his required backing tracks and recorded 2 VOICE suggested songs, of which this was one. Parker was furious and ordered these tracks to be released as is, with no strings and horns overdubs.
