About The Song
“Polk Salad Annie” is a 1968 song written and performed by Tony Joe White, known for its swamp rock style and catchy guitar riff. “Polk Salad Annie” was featured on Tony Joe White’s 1969 album, “Black and White”. Tony Joe White’s original version of “Polk Salad Annie” inspired many cover versions by other artists. The song became famous after Elvis Presley covered it, but some prefer White’s original version.
Tony Joe White’s “Polk Salad Annie” paints a picture of a girl, Annie, living in rural Southern poverty. The song describes the lifestyle of a poor rural Southern family and mentions a plant called polk salad, resembling turnip greens, which grows in the woods and fields of the region. The song reflects the cultural and culinary traditions of the region, where polk salad was a staple for some impoverished communities.