About the song
“Around and Around,” originally penned and recorded by Chuck Berry in 1958, has carved out a lasting legacy in the annals of rock music, inspiring numerous artists and interpretations over the decades.
Chuck Berry’s original rendition, released as the B-side to his iconic single “Johnny B. Goode,” set the stage for its enduring popularity. Its energetic blend of rock and roll, driven by Berry’s distinctive guitar riffs and dynamic vocals, established it as a quintessential track of the era.
The Rolling Stones, in their EP “Five by Five” and subsequent U.S. album “12 X 5” released in 1964, paid homage to Berry by covering “Around and Around.” Featuring Ian Stewart on piano, their rendition showcased Mick Jagger’s electrifying vocals and Keith Richards’ guitar prowess, becoming a staple of their early performances. Notably, they debuted the song on The Ed Sullivan Show in October 1964, marking a pivotal moment in their career. The Stones’ rendition also charted in Sweden, highlighting its international appeal and influence.
David Bowie, known for his eclectic style, recorded a version titled “Round and Round” in 1971. Originally intended for his album “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars,” it was later released as the B-side to “Drive-In Saturday” in 1973. Bowie’s interpretation, produced by Ken Scott, infused the song with his own artistic flair, incorporating elements of glam rock and theatricality that characterized his Ziggy Stardust persona. Bowie’s live performances of “Round and Round,” notably with Jeff Beck on guitar during his Ziggy Stardust Tour, further underscored its significance in his repertoire.
Beyond these iconic covers, “Around and Around” has been embraced by a diverse array of artists across genres. The Swinging Blue Jeans included it on their 1964 album “Blue Jeans a’Swinging,” while The Animals featured it on both their U.S. and UK debut albums in the same year. American punk rock band Germs and indie rockers Guided By Voices also added their own interpretations, showcasing the song’s enduring appeal and adaptability across different musical landscapes.
The Grateful Dead notably adopted “Around and Around” as a staple of their live performances, playing it over 400 times between 1970 and 1995. Its inclusion on multiple albums within the Grateful Dead family solidified its status as a cherished piece of their extensive discography.
Overall, “Around and Around” stands as a testament to Chuck Berry’s enduring influence on rock music, inspiring generations of musicians to reinterpret and celebrate its timeless energy and spirit. Whether through its original form or the myriad cover versions that followed, the song continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, perpetuating its place in rock and roll history.
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Lyrics
They said the joint was rockin’
Goin’ ’round and ’round
Oh baby
With that crazy sound
And it never stopped rockin’
Til the moon went down
You know it sounds so sweet
I gotta take me a chance
Rose out of my seat
You know I had to dance
Started movin’ my feet
Oh, clappin’ my hands
And we kept on rockin’
Goin’ ’round and ’round
Oh baby
With that crazy sound
And it never stopped rockin’
Til the moon went down
And we kept on rockin’
Goin’ ’round and ’round
Oh baby
With that crazy sound
And it never stopped rockin’
Til the moon went down
Twelve o’clock
And the place was packed
Twelve o’clock
And we kept on rockin’
Goin’ ’round and ’round
Oh baby
With that crazy sound
And it never stopped rockin’
Til the moon went down
And we kept on rockin’
Goin’ ’round and ’round
Oh baby
With that crazy sound
And it never stopped rockin’
Til the moon went down