Tough & Tender (Gender Bending Boy)

Tough & Tender (Gender Bending Boy)

Memphis, segregated south, high July, 1954
Down at Charlie’s Record store
The boy who would be king
Dared to dream and opened up that door

It was there in the music and in the rhythm when he’d sing
In the lessons learned both obvious and coy
And with no disrespect intended
He was a tough and tender gender bending boy

Beal Street, soulful southern stew
Integrating fascinating, raw
Transforming the boy who would be king
Into a music man like no one ever saw

He had outrageous looks hair, heart dare, charm flair, clothes and poses
And he made music man like no one ever heard
And Little Richard said, "Thank god for Elvis Presley"
Maybe we should we take him at his word

Graceland, 1958
Eight miles south on Highway 51
Mama, his little mama she’s had her chickens in her coop
And a heavy heart to welcome home her son

And it was all because of the music
And the rhythm when he’d sing
And in the lessons learned both obvious and coy
And with absolutely no disrespect intended
He was his mama’s precious child her pride and joy
And one tough and tender gender bending boy