Introduction
Elvis Presley’s 1964 tune “Kissin’ Cousins” is a double-edged sword, offering two distinct flavors of rock ‘n’ roll romance within the same film. Buckle up, because this musical journey takes us through a playful family reunion and a simmering forbidden love, all under the King’s captivating vocals.
First up, the title track, a foot-stompin’ anthem for country cousins. Written by Fred Wise and Randy Starr, it bursts with playful energy, banjo twangs, and Elvis’s signature swagger. It’s a lighthearted romp celebrating family ties and the joys of Southern hospitality, with lyrics like “Down in Louisiana, where the crickets softly sing, my cousins and my kinfolks gather ’round to play and swing.”
But amidst the family fun, a secret yearning takes root. Enter “Kissin’ Cousins (No. 2),” a sultry ballad penned by Bill Giant, Bernie Baum, and Florence Kaye. This version simmers with longing as Elvis croons about a forbidden love blossoming between him and his beautiful cousin, Betsy. The lyrics whisper of stolen glances, hidden kisses, and the bittersweet ache of a love that cannot be.
These contrasting versions of “Kissin’ Cousins” perfectly encapsulate the film’s own dual nature. On the surface, it’s a slapstick comedy voller Elvis in a double role, navigating family chaos and romantic entanglements. But beneath the laughter, a deeper story unfolds, exploring themes of forbidden desires and the complexities of family bonds.
So, whether you’re swept away by the infectious energy of the first “Kissin’ Cousins” or captivated by the forbidden passion of the second, one thing’s for sure: Elvis Presley’s musical magic adds a timeless touch to this charming and complex tale of love, laughter, and family.