“Baby Let’s Play House” is a song written and originally recorded by Arthur Gunter in 1954 on the Excello Records label and covered by Elvis Presley the following year on Sun Records. A line from the song (“I’d rather see you dead, little girl, than to be with another man”) was borrowed by John Lennon for his Beatles song Run for Your Life, released on Rubber Soul in 1965.
Presley’s version of the song was released as a single in February 1955, and peaked at number 5 on the Billboard Country Singles chart. It was his first single to appear on a national chart. The song is considered to be one of the earliest examples of rockabilly music, and helped to launch Presley’s career.
The song’s lyrics are about a man who is pleading with his lover to come back to him. He promises that they will have a good life together, and that he will never leave her again. However, the song also has a dark undertone, as the man suggests that he would rather see his lover dead than be with another man.
Presley’s version of the song is characterized by its upbeat tempo and driving rhythm. He sings with passion and energy, and his vocals are full of emotion. The song is also notable for its iconic guitar riff, which is played by Scotty Moore.
“Baby Let’s Play House” is one of Elvis Presley’s most popular and influential songs. It has been covered by many other artists over the years, including the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Bruce Springsteen. The song is also featured in the 2022 film Elvis.