Introduction
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Though often credited solely to Elvis, “The Lady Loves Me” is a captivating duet shared with the vivacious Ann-Margret in the 1964 musical comedy “Viva Las Vegas.” More than just a catchy tune, the song embodies the movie’s playful energy and encapsulates the push-and-pull of attraction while hinting at a deeper longing beneath the surface.
Composed by Roy C. Bennett and Sid Tepper, the lyrics playfully mock a love triangle. Elvis, portraying race car driver Lucky Jackson, boasts about his undeniable charm, convinced the “lady” loves him despite her aloof facade. Ann-Margret, as Rusty Martin, counters with sassy retorts, insisting she wants nothing to do with him. Meanwhile, Rusty’s jealous beau, a bumbling millionaire, fuels the comedic rivalry.
While the song is brimming with Elvis’s signature swagger and Ann-Margret’s sassy vibrancy, there’s a subtle vulnerability woven into the playful banter. Elvis yearns for genuine connection, singing, “She’s falling fast, she’s on the skids.” Ann-Margret’s hidden desire peeks through when she declares, “Everyone can see she’s got it bad.” This underlying yearning adds depth to the seemingly lighthearted song, hinting at a missed opportunity for true love in the midst of the comedic chaos.
“The Lady Loves Me” became an instant classic, thanks to its infectious melody, witty lyrics, and the undeniable chemistry between Elvis and Ann-Margret. So, when you hear the first notes, prepare to be swept away by a whirlwind of fun, playful teasing, and a touch of melancholy, all wrapped up in a song that perfectly captures the vibrant spirit of “Viva Las Vegas.”
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Lyrics
She loves me, she loves me notShe loves me, she loves me notShe loves me, she loves me, she loves meThe lady loves me and it showsIn spite of the way she turns up her noseI’m her ideal, her hearts desireUnder that ice she’s burning like fireShe’d like to cuddle up to meShe’s playing hard to getThe lady loves me, but she doesn’t know it yetThe gentleman has savoir-faireAs much as an elephant or a bearI’d like to take him for a spinBack to the zoo to visit his kinHe’s got about as much appeal as a soggy cigaretteThe lady loathes him but he doesn’t know it yetThe lady’s got a crush on meThe gentleman’s crazy obviouslyThe lady’s dying to be kissedThe gentleman needs a psychiatristI’d rather kiss a rattlesnakeOr play Russian rouletteThe lady loves me, but she doesn’t know it yetShe’s falling fast she’s on the skidsBoth of his heads are flipping their lidsTonight she’ll hold me in her armsI’d rather be holding hydrogen bombsWill someone tell this RomeoI’m not his JulietThe lady loves me, but she doesn’t know it yetShe wants meLike poison ivyNeeds meLike a hole in the headEveryone can see she’s got it badHe’s mad!The gentleman is an egotistI’m simply aware I’m hard to resistHe’s one man I could learn to hateHow’s about having dinner at eightI’d rather dine with FrankensteinIn a moonlight tete-a-teteThe lady loves me, but she doesn’t know it yetOh yes she loves meDig that shrinking violetOh she really loves meHere’s one gal you’ll never getShe loves meWould you like to make a betI said the lady loves meThe gentleman’s all wet