Elvis Presley – Viva Las Vegas

Introduction

Elvis Presley, often referred to as the “King of Rock and Roll,” left an indelible mark on the music industry with his iconic song, “Viva Las Vegas.” Released in 1964, this toe-tapping classic captures the essence of the vibrant city of Las Vegas and the excitement that it has to offer. In this article, we’ll explore the magic of this timeless song, along with some fascinating insights in our ‘Did You Know?’ section.

Did You Know?

1. The Song’s Connection to Las Vegas:

“Viva Las Vegas” is not just a catchy tune; it’s also synonymous with the city itself. Elvis Presley and the song played a significant role in promoting Las Vegas as the ultimate entertainment destination. The city embraced the song, making it a part of its cultural identity.

2. Iconic Collaborators:

Elvis Presley, with his electrifying vocals, was not the only star behind the song. Ann-Margret, a renowned actress and singer, co-starred with Elvis in the film of the same name, “Viva Las Vegas.” Their on-screen chemistry and duets in the movie made the song even more legendary.

3. Chart-Topping Success:

“Viva Las Vegas” wasn’t just a hit; it soared to the top of the charts. The song climbed the Billboard Hot 100 chart, showcasing Elvis’s enduring popularity.

4. Vegas Residency:

In 1969, Elvis Presley embarked on a historic Las Vegas residency. “Viva Las Vegas” was a staple of his live performances, contributing to the city’s allure as an entertainment hub.

5. Pop Culture Impact:

Over the years, “Viva Las Vegas” has been featured in countless movies, commercials, and television shows, solidifying its status as a pop culture phenomenon. Its infectious melody and lyrics continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Video

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 Vegas

How 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 Vegas

Viva 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 again

I’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