Elvis Presley – “Baby, What You Want Me to Do”: The Raw Power of the King Unleashed in the ‘68 Comeback Special
By the time Elvis Presley hit the stage for his legendary ‘68 Comeback Special, he had something to prove. Years of focusing on movies had distanced him from the raw energy of live performance, and fans were eager to see if the King of Rock and Roll could still reign supreme. One of the standout moments of this electrifying show was his performance of “Baby, What You Want Me to Do,” a fiery, bluesy number that captured Elvis at his most unfiltered and magnetic.
Originally written and recorded by Jimmy Reed in 1959, “Baby, What You Want Me to Do” is a gritty blues classic that exudes frustration and longing. In Elvis’s hands, the song transforms into a showcase of charisma, vocal prowess, and sheer musical instinct. Performed as part of the sit-down sessions during the special, it was an intimate yet raucous affair, with Elvis surrounded by his band and longtime friends, playing to a small audience with an undeniable sense of spontaneity.
From the opening riff, Elvis is completely in his element, alternating between rhythm and lead guitar with a confidence that feels effortless. His vocals are raw and soulful, imbued with a playful swagger as he delivers lines like “You got me runnin’, you got me hidin’” with a wink and a growl. The song’s call-and-response structure with the band adds to its infectious energy, making it feel less like a rehearsed performance and more like a jam session among old friends.
What makes this rendition unforgettable is Elvis’s palpable joy and passion. After years of being constrained by formulaic film soundtracks, he looks and sounds like a man rediscovering his true self. His grin, his playful banter with the band, and his uninhibited energy remind the world why he became a cultural icon in the first place.
Though “Baby, What You Want Me to Do” wasn’t a charting hit for Elvis, its inclusion in the ‘68 Comeback Special solidified its place as one of the defining moments of his career. It’s a performance that distills everything we love about Elvis—his talent, his charisma, and his ability to connect with the audience in the most authentic way possible.
If you’ve never seen this performance, it’s a must-watch for understanding why the ‘68 Comeback Special was such a pivotal moment. For fans of live, gritty, and soulful music, this is Elvis Presley at his finest. What’s your favorite moment from the Comeback Special?
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