Introduction
“Hard Headed Woman” is a rock and roll song recorded by Elvis Presley and published by Gladys Music, his publishing company, in 1958. Originally written by African American songwriter Claude Demetrius, it is an American 12-bar blues. Elvis Presley recorded it as a rock and roll song for the soundtrack of his 1958 motion picture “King Creole” and included it on the album of the same name. The song was released as a single in both 78 RPM and 45 RPM formats, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard charts in 1958 and holding the No. 2 spot for two weeks on the R&B chart. It notably became the first rock and roll single to earn the RIAA designation of Gold Record.
Wanda Jackson later recorded “Hard Headed Woman” on her album “Live at Town Hall Party 1958.” Her version was also released as a 45 rpm and received significant airplay in the late 1950s. Jackson’s rendition is notable for incorporating an extreme use of vocal fry, making it challenging to discern the gender of the singer.
The lyrics of the song revolve around the theme that “women have been trouble for men since the beginning of the world.” This idea is illustrated through examples of biblical figures such as Adam and Eve, Samson and Delilah, and Jezebel. The song captures the timeless sentiment that relationships between men and women have been complex and challenging throughout history.
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Lyrics
Well, a hard headed womanA soft hearted manBeen the cause of troubleEver since the world beganOh yeah (oh yeah)Ever since the world beganA hard headed womanBeen a thorn in the side of manAdam told Eve“Listen here to meDon’t you let me catch youMessing ’round that apple tree”Oh yeah (oh yeah)Ever since the world beganA hard headed womanBeen a thorn in the side of manOh yeah (oh yeah)Ever since the world beganA hard headed womanBeen a thorn in the side of manSamson told DelilahLoud and clear“Keep your cotton picking fingersOut my curly hair”Oh yeah (oh yeah)Ever since the world beganA hard headed womanBeen a thorn in the side of manI heard about a kingWho was doing swell‘Til he started playingWith that evil JezebelOh yeah (oh yeah)Ever since the world beganA hard headed womanBeen a thorn in the side of manI got a womanA head like a rockIf she ever went awayI’d cry around the clockOh yeah (oh yeah)Ever since the world beganA hard headed womanBeen a thorn in the side of manA hard headed womanBeen a thorn in the side of man