Did You Know That Elvis Presley Song "DOMINIC" Was The Most Hated Song

Did You Know That Elvis Presley Song "DOMINIC" Was The Most Hated Song

Elvis Presley, the "King of Rock and Roll," recorded hundreds of songs throughout his legendary career. While most of his music is beloved, a few tracks have been criticized or disliked by fans and even Elvis himself. One of the most notorious is **“Dominic”**, a song from the 1968 film *Stay Away, Joe*.  

### **Why Is "Dominic" Hated?**  

“Dominic” is widely considered one of the worst songs in Elvis’s catalog. It was written for *Stay Away, Joe*, a lighthearted Western comedy where Elvis played a Native American rodeo rider. The song is about a donkey named Dominic, and its goofy, repetitive lyrics and playful melody made it feel more like a children’s tune than a rock and roll song.  

Fans and critics alike found “Dominic” embarrassing, especially considering that Elvis had already released some of the most iconic songs in rock history. The song’s lyrics—*“Dominic, Dominic, why are you stallin’? / Don’t you hear love callin’?”*—felt out of place for an artist known for hits like “Jailhouse Rock” and “Suspicious Minds.” The background music, which included honking horns and a circus-like melody, only added to its cheesiness.  

### **Elvis’s Own Dislike for the Song**  

Elvis himself reportedly hated “Dominic.” By the late 1960s, he was frustrated with the quality of the songs he was being asked to record for his movie soundtracks. Many of these songs were far below the standards of his earlier work, and he felt they damaged his reputation as a serious artist. “Dominic” was one of the most blatant examples of this problem.  

In fact, Elvis was so unhappy with the song that he allegedly refused to record it properly. Instead, he half-heartedly sang through the track, showing little enthusiasm. Some reports even suggest that he laughed or showed signs of irritation during the recording session.  

### **Legacy of "Dominic"**  

Unlike many of Elvis’s songs, “Dominic” has largely faded into obscurity. It was never performed live, and it rarely appears on compilation albums. Even devoted Elvis fans tend to avoid it, preferring to celebrate his more respected work.  

While Elvis recorded many brilliant songs, “Dominic” stands out as a rare misstep in his career. It symbolizes the frustrations he faced with his movie contracts, where he often had little control over his musical choices. Fortunately, he later reclaimed his artistic credibility with his 1968 Comeback Special and legendary hits like “If I Can Dream” and “Burning Love.”