– The song “The Lady Loves Me” is a duet performed by Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret for the 1964 film “Viva Las Vegas.”

– Ann-Margret was the most important woman in the entertainer’s life. Playing opposite Elvis in 1963’s Viva Las Vegas, she became the most memorable of Presley’s leading ladies during his Hollywood career. The Swedish immigrant first met Elvis in early July 1963 on a soundstage at Radio Recorders studios in Hollywood. That day they were introduced to each other and the press as the stars of MGM’s upcoming film, Viva Las Vegas. It was 28-year-old Presley’s 14th film, while, at age 22, Ann-Margret’s career was just starting to explode. Her previous film, Bye Bye Birdie, released just three months before she reported for work on Viva Las Vegas, made her an instant star.

– Before filming began, the two had to record their musical numbers. On July 9-10 they each recorded their separate songs at Radio Recorders. Then, on July 11, they entered the studio together to work on three duets—“The Lady Loves Me,” “You’re the Boss,” and “Today, Tomorrow, and Forever.”

– Ann-Margret says at the start, “What do I do?” to which Elvis replies, “You give me a cue”. This is missing from this release and the audio mix is also different with Elvis centre channel this time. A classic cool duet but the real delight is discovering Ann-Margret leaning very close to Elvis as she sings, “I’d rather kiss a rattlesnake.” Her voice obviously bleeds into his microphone. Now why would she be making a point of that lyric to Elvis!? I hope that Priscilla never listened that closely on headphones!

Video

Lyric

Let’s sing along with the lyrics!

She loves me, she loves me not
She loves me, she loves me not
She loves me, she loves me, she loves me
The lady loves me and it shows
In spite of the way she turns up her nose
I’m her ideal, her heart’s desire
Under that ice she’s burning like fire
She’d like to cuddle up to me
She’s playing hard to get
The lady loves me
But she doesn’t know it yet
The gentleman has savoir-faire
As much as an elephant or a bear
I’d like to take him for a spin
Back to the zoo to visit his kin
He’s got about as much appeal
As a soggy cigarette
The lady loathes him
But he doesn’t know it yet
The lady’s got a crush on me
The gentleman’s crazy obviously
The lady’s dying to be kissed
The gentleman needs a psychiatrist
I’d rather kiss a rattlesnake
Or play Russian roulette
The lady loves me
But she doesn’t know it yet
She’s falling fast, she’s on the skids
Both of his heads are flipping their lids
Tonight she’ll hold me in her arms
I’d rather be holding hydrogen bombs
Will someone tell this Romeo
I’m not his Juliet
The lady loves me
But she doesn’t know it yet
She wants me like poison ivy
Needs me like a hole in the head
Everyone can see she’s got it bad
He’s mad!
The gentleman is an egotist
I’m simply aware, I’m hard to resist
He’s one man I could learn to hate
How’s about having dinner at eight
I’d rather dine with Frankenstein
In a moonlight
The lady loves me
But she doesn’t know it yet
Oh yes, she loves me
Dig that shrinking violet
Oh, she really loves me
Here’s one gal you’ll never get
She love, love, loves me
Would you like to make a bet?
I said, “The lady loves me”
The gentleman’s all wet

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