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Elvis SongPedia: Puppet On A String

Puppet On A String


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Basic Stats

(Just the facts, ma'am!)

Written by: Sid Tepper, Roy C. Bennett

Recorded: June 10, 1964, Radio Recorders, Hollywood
Released master is take 11.

Single:w/ "Wooden Heart", Gold Standard original release 447-0650, October 26, 1965
Also released w/ "(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear", on PB-11320, August 1978

RIAA Certified: Gold (as of 03/27/1992)

Highest U.S. Charts Positions:
#14 on Billboard's Hot 100
#15 on Cash Box's Top 100
#3 on Easy Listening chart

1st LP release: Girl Happy - April 1965
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"Puppet On a String"
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For other versions, see
Lyrics and Downloads section below.


My Spin

(Just my opinion. Give us yours!)

If the melody to "Puppet On A String" sounds familiar when you first hear it, you're probably just getting nostalgic for your childhood, 'cause Tepper and Bennett swiped the tune from the old lullaby "Hush Little Baby" (OK, technically not swiped, it was in the public domain). Elvis puts it to good use in Girl Happy while wooing Shelley Fabares on a sailboat. The single managed to make the top 20 on the pop chart, and went all the way to #3 on the Easy Listening chart. Not too shabby for a lullaby. (Not to be confused with the Sandie Shaw hit of the same title from 1967)

Other Spins

(What did the critics and fans say?)



In "Puppet On A String", the Floyd Cramer-like piano introduction is atmospheric, but the song is average.

Robert Matthew-Walker, Elvis Presley: A Study in Music, 1979



...a straightforward ballad with Elvis in a husky voice, backed up by the Jordanaires.

The Complete Elvis, edited by Martin Torgoff, 1982




Check out other Elvis fans' opinions on the Elvis News page for Puppet On A String



Check out other opinions at Rate Your Music



"Puppet On A String" Links

"Puppet On A String" Lyrics and Downloads

Every time you look at me
I'm as helpless as can be
I become a puppet on a string
You can do 'most anything to me

All you do is touch my hand
And your wish is my command
I become a puppet on a string
You can do 'most anything to me

If you really love me
Darling please be kind
I offer you the truest love
That you will ever find

Take my heart and please be fair
Handle it with loving care
For I'm just a puppet on a string
You can do 'most anything to me

If you really love me
Darling please be kind
I offer you the truest love
That you will ever find

Take my heart and please be fair
Handle it with loving care
For I'm just a puppet on a string
You can do 'most anything to me
You can do 'most anything to me
Download the Karaoke Version!

Puppet On A String karaoke - Elvis PresleyPuppet On A String
Elvis Presley


Download or just listen to different versions from Amazon!



What's YOUR Spin on "Puppet On A String"?
Yea or Nay?

Yea! Great '60s Movie Ballad!

Nay! This Puppet's Kinda Lifeless!


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Elvis song reference books on Amazon!

Ernst Jorgensen's complete chronicle of Elvis' recording sessions, with loads of detailed information about each session and each song.
This is the definitive encyclopedia on Elvis' life details, as well as all the background and trivia you need for all the songs, movies, and TV appearances. Authors are Fred L. Worth and Steve D. Tamerius.
The subtitle of Ace Collins' book says it all: "The stories behind Elvis' #1 hits"!
"Elvis The #1 Hits: The Secret History of the Classics". Another self-explanatory book title. :)