A Soldier’s Dream Girl: Unveiling the Mystery of Elvis Presley’s “What’s She Really Like?”

About The Song

Step back in time to 1960, amidst the backdrop of the Cold War and the throes of Elvis Presley’s military service. Stationed in West Germany, the King of Rock and Roll found solace in music, and one particular song emerged from this period that captured the yearning of a soldier far from home: “What’s She Really Like?”

This ballad, featured in the film “G.I. Blues,” is more than just a catchy tune. It’s a poignant exploration of longing, a soldier’s daydream of the girl he left behind. We never meet her, this enigmatic “she,” but through Elvis’s heartfelt vocals, we feel the depth of his affection and the uncertainty that gnaws at him.

The lyrics, penned by Sid Wayne and Abner Silver, are deceptively simple. Each verse paints a picture of the girl through fragmented memories: her laughter, the way she dances, the warmth of her touch. But the refrain, “What’s she really like when I’m not near?” hangs heavy in the air, echoing the soldier’s fear of being forgotten.

Elvis delivers the song with a raw vulnerability that transcends his usual playful persona. His voice cracks with emotion as he asks, “Does she think of me in the dead of night?” The vulnerability is palpable, a stark contrast to the hyper-masculine image often associated with rock and roll stars of the era.

“What’s She Really Like?” is not just a love song; it’s a reflection on the anxieties of separation and the power of idealized love. The girl, though unseen, becomes a symbol of home, of normalcy, of everything the soldier is fighting for. The song’s enduring popularity speaks to its ability to tap into a universal human experience: the fear of losing connection with those we love, the uncertainty of distance, and the hope that love can bridge even the widest of gaps.

So, the next time you hear “What’s She Really Like?” remember the young Elvis Presley in his army fatigues, his heart heavy with longing. Let the song transport you to a simpler time, when love letters were exchanged across oceans and a soldier’s daydream could inspire a melody that would echo through the ages.

Video

Lyrics

“What’s She Really Like”
(from “G.I. Blues” soundtrack)