About The Song
“Little Sister” is a cover of the 1961 Elvis Presley song written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, reinterpreted by American country music artist Dwight Yoakam. It was released in March 1987 as the lead single from his second studio album, Hillbilly Deluxe, on Reprise Records. The track peaked at No. 20 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and reached No. 7 on the Canadian RPM country singles chart, marking a strong debut for the album.
The song was recorded in Los Angeles and Nashville, produced by Pete Anderson, with Yoakam’s twangy vocals leading the track. The recording featured a vibrant honky-tonk arrangement, with Anderson’s guitar work and a rockabilly-infused rhythm section, adapting the original rock-and-roll hit into Yoakam’s neotraditional country style. The track runs 3:32.
The lyrics depict a man’s playful pursuit of his “little sister,” with lines like “Little sister, don’t you do what your big sister done.” Yoakam infused the song with a country twist, reflecting his admiration for the Bakersfield sound and early rockabilly, making it a natural fit for his catalog while honoring Presley’s classic.
The music video, directed by Jim Shea, premiered in March 1987 and features Yoakam performing with a retro aesthetic, enhancing the song’s upbeat energy. The video’s lively tone complemented the track’s playful narrative, contributing to its airplay success and setting the stage for the album’s popularity.
Upon release, “Little Sister” achieved solid success, spending several weeks on the charts and contributing to Hillbilly Deluxe’s platinum certification. The album, released in April 1987, hit No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, establishing Yoakam as a key figure in the neotraditional country movement.
Yoakam, born on October 23, 1956, in Pikeville, Kentucky, promoted the single with live performances and TV appearances. His early career in Los Angeles, blending country with rockabilly influences, shone through, and the song was later reprised on his live album Dwight Live and the acoustic album dwightyoakamacoustic.net.
The song remains a fan favorite, appreciated for its spirited reinterpretation and Yoakam’s vocal delivery. It continues to be featured in country music retrospectives, reflecting his enduring impact on the genre.
Video
Lyric
Well, I’ve been away now, oh, for a while
How’s your new love, baby, treatin’ you today?
I hear he’s doin’ you the way I used to do
Oh, I’m a little jealous, darlin’, don’t you know?Little sister, don’t you do what your big sister done
Well, little sister, don’t you kiss that boy, now, just for fun
Oh, little sister, let me tell you how I care
Little sister, don’t you do what your big sister doneWell, I remember way back when, sister
How you used to look at me and smile
Oh, I know you think I’m too old for you
But one of these days I’ll make you mineLittle sister, don’t you do what your big sister done
Well, little sister, don’t you kiss that boy, now, just for fun
Oh, little sister, let me tell you how I care
Little sister, don’t you do what your big sister done(Instrumental break)
Well, I’ve been away now, oh, for a while
How’s your new love, baby, treatin’ you today?
I hear he’s doin’ you the way I used to do
Oh, I’m a little jealous, darlin’, don’t you know?Little sister, don’t you do what your big sister done
Well, little sister, don’t you kiss that boy, now, just for fun
Oh, little sister, let me tell you how I care
Little sister, don’t you do what your big sister done