Elvis Presley – “Hard Headed Woman” (1958): A Rock ’n’ Roll Powerhouse with Attitude
Released in June 1958, “Hard Headed Woman” is one of Elvis Presley’s most energetic and fiery hits of the 1950s—a rock ’n’ roll anthem packed with swagger, rhythm, and attitude. Written by Claude Demetrius and recorded for the soundtrack of Elvis’s film King Creole, the song quickly became a smash, climbing to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and marking a historic moment as the first-ever gold record awarded for a rock and roll single.
Lyrically, “Hard Headed Woman” is playful and tongue-in-cheek, warning of the trouble a stubborn woman can bring. Elvis runs through a list of historical and biblical couples—Samson and Delilah, Adam and Eve—suggesting that even great men have been brought down by strong-willed women. Delivered with a grin and a growl, lines like:
“A hard headed woman, a soft-hearted man / Been the cause of trouble ever since the world began”
show Elvis leaning into the fun, slightly mischievous tone of the song with total confidence.
Musically, it’s a high-octane rockabilly number driven by pounding drums, a walking bassline, and searing electric guitar. The band keeps the tempo fast and hot, giving Elvis plenty of room to showcase his dynamic vocal style—jumping from raw growls to smooth shouts in a way that only he could. His phrasing is sharp, his energy infectious, and the performance crackles with rebellious youth.
“Hard Headed Woman” came during a transitional period in Elvis’s career. Recorded just before he was drafted into the U.S. Army, it stands as one of his last great pre-Army hits. It also showcased his increasing presence in Hollywood, as part of the King Creole soundtrack—a film often cited as one of his finest performances as an actor.
Though the song has a humorous edge, it also reflects the rebellious spirit of early rock and roll. It’s bold, rhythmic, and unfiltered—an unapologetic burst of 1950s attitude delivered by the man who helped define the era.
To this day, “Hard Headed Woman” remains a fan favorite for its sheer drive and personality. It’s a reminder of Elvis Presley at his most youthful and electrifying—when the King ruled the charts and rock and roll was still wild, new, and thrilling.
Video
Lyrics
Well, a hard headed woman
A soft hearted man
Been the cause of trouble
Ever since the world began
Oh yeah (oh yeah)
Ever since the world began
A hard headed woman
Been a thorn in the side of man
Adam told Eve
“Listen here to me
Don’t you let me catch you
Messing ’round that apple tree”
Oh yeah (oh yeah)
Ever since the world began
A hard headed woman
Been a thorn in the side of man
Oh yeah (oh yeah)
Ever since the world began
A hard headed woman
Been a thorn in the side of man
Samson told Delilah
Loud and clear
“Keep your cotton picking fingers
Out my curly hair”
Oh yeah (oh yeah)
Ever since the world began
A hard headed woman
Been a thorn in the side of man
I heard about a king
Who was doing swell
‘Til he started playing
With that evil Jezebel
Oh yeah (oh yeah)
Ever since the world began
A hard headed woman
Been a thorn in the side of man
I got a woman
A head like a rock
If she ever went away
I’d cry around the clock
Oh yeah (oh yeah)
Ever since the world began
A hard headed woman
Been a thorn in the side of man
A hard headed woman
Been a thorn in the side of man
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