“Tiger Man” is a song famously associated with Elvis Presley, often considered one of the most memorable live tracks from his post-comeback period in the late 1960s. The song was recorded by Presley during his 1968 NBC television special, commonly referred to as the “’68 Comeback Special.” This special marked a pivotal moment in Presley’s career, as it saw the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll returning to live performance after years of focusing primarily on movie roles. The special aired on December 3, 1968, and it featured Elvis performing a mixture of his greatest hits, along with a few new and rare tracks, in a dynamic and intimate setting.
Originally written by Joe Hill Louis and Sam Burns, “Tiger Man” was first recorded by blues musician Rufus Thomas in 1953. The song is a blues-based rock number characterized by its raw, energetic feel and driving rhythm. Elvis Presley, known for his ability to blend different genres, took “Tiger Man” and infused it with his unique style, making it a standout track of the “’68 Comeback Special.” While the original recording by Rufus Thomas is more rooted in the traditional blues style, Elvis’s version leans more towards rock ‘n’ roll, demonstrating his dynamic vocal range and his charisma as a performer.
While “Tiger Man” was not released as a studio single by Elvis Presley, its live rendition quickly became a fan favorite. The song did not appear on any of Elvis’s regular studio albums, but it was included in the soundtrack for the 1968 television special, which was later released as an album titled “Elvis” in December 1968. This album was a commercial success, reaching number 8 on the Billboard 200 chart and reestablishing Presley as a major musical force.
“Tiger Man” has since been considered a testament to Elvis’s ability to reinvent himself and captivate audiences, embodying the raw energy and spirit of his live performances. It also highlights his deep appreciation for rhythm and blues, a genre that heavily influenced his early career. The song continues to be celebrated as a key part of the “’68 Comeback Special,” which is often credited with revitalizing his career during a period when his popularity had begun to wane.
Lyrics:
“Tiger Man”
They call me Tiger Man
I am the king of the jungle
They call me Tiger Man
If you cross my path
You take your own life in your handsYeah, I get up on a mountain
And I call my black cat back
Yeah, I get up on a mountain
And I call my black cat back
My black cat comes runnin’
And the hound dogs get way back
Way back, way back, way back
Trace their way backYeah, well, I get up on a mountain
And I call my black cat back
Yeah, well, I get up on a mountain
And I call my black cat back
My black cat comes runnin’
But the hound dogs trace their way back
Way back, way back, way back
Yeah, well, I get up on a mountain
And I call my black cat back
Yeah, well, I get up on a mountain
And I call my black cat back
But the hound dogs trace their way back
Way back, way back, way back