Song meaning of A Cane and a High Starched Collar by Elvis Presley

"A Cane and a High Starched Collar" by Elvis Presley is a playful and humorous song that explores the theme of commitment and marriage through the lens of a cowboy's interactions with various women. The lyrics depict a series of conversations between the cowboy and different women who express their desire to marry him, each offering something different in exchange for his hand in marriage.

The cowboy's responses to the women's proposals reveal his reluctance to settle down and his preference for staying single and enjoying his freedom. In the lines, "Cowboy, cowboy marry me, I'll bake you a cherry pie, Well thank you very kindly mam, But I'm too young to die," the cowboy politely declines the offer of marriage, indicating that he values his independence and is not ready to commit.

The repeated refrain of "Hi-lo-do-si-dosy-do, Stay single and save a dollar, Come Saturday night I'll court a pretty girl, With a cane and a high starched collar" reinforces the cowboy's carefree attitude and his enjoyment of courting different women without the constraints of a serious relationship. The imagery of the "cane and a high starched collar" suggests a sense of elegance and formality in his interactions with these women, highlighting the contrast between his playful demeanor and the traditional expectations of courtship.

The final verse, "You sleep all day and spoon all night, And eat your favorite chow, Then why should I get married mam, That's what I'm doing now," humorously captures the cowboy's contentment with his current lifestyle, further emphasizing his reluctance to settle down. Overall, "A Cane and a High Starched Collar" is a light-hearted and whimsical song that explores the themes of freedom, independence, and the reluctance to commit to a serious relationship.