Introduction:
“Stay Away” is a song performed by Elvis Presley, released in 1968. The song is notable for being one of the many tracks Presley recorded during a prolific period in his career, which was marked by both his return to live performances and his continued dominance in the recording studio.
The song was specifically written for the 1968 MGM film Stay Away, Joe, in which Presley starred. The film, a comedy-drama, portrays Presley as Joe Lightcloud, a Native American rodeo rider who tries to help his family’s struggling cattle business. While the movie itself didn’t achieve critical acclaim, the song “Stay Away” remains a distinctive part of Presley’s musical legacy.
Musically, “Stay Away” is based on the traditional folk tune “Greensleeves,” which dates back to the 16th century. The melody of “Greensleeves” has been adapted many times over the centuries, but in this case, the songwriting duo Sid Tepper and Roy C. Bennett reworked it into a contemporary piece for Presley. The lyrics, however, have no relation to the original “Greensleeves,” instead focusing on themes relevant to the movie’s storyline.
The recording session for “Stay Away” took place in October 1967 at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee, a familiar and significant location for Presley’s music production. This period in Presley’s career was a turning point, as he was transitioning from his earlier movie-focused phase to a more performance-oriented one, which would soon culminate in his famous 1968 “Comeback Special.”
Although “Stay Away” was not released as a single, it was included on the soundtrack album for Stay Away, Joe. The song eventually found a place in various compilations of Elvis’s work, appreciated by fans for its unique connection to the folk tradition and its reflection of Presley’s versatility as a performer.
“Stay Away” is an example of how Elvis Presley was able to adapt his musical style to fit different contexts, from rock and roll to gospel, and in this case, a folk-inspired piece for a film soundtrack. The song continues to be a part of Presley’s extensive catalog, showcasing his ability to take on diverse musical challenges throughout his career.