About the song
When one thinks of rock and roll’s golden era, Elvis Presley’s name inevitably comes to mind. The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, as he was so aptly nicknamed, revolutionized popular music with his electrifying performances and charismatic stage presence. And among his vast discography, one song stands out as a timeless classic: “Jailhouse Rock.”
Released in 1957, “Jailhouse Rock” was more than just a hit single; it was a cultural phenomenon. The song served as the title track for Presley’s film of the same name, a musical that showcased his dancing abilities and rebellious spirit. The film, as well as the song, captured the essence of the youthful rebellion and energy that was sweeping the nation.
A Deeper Dive into “Jailhouse Rock”
What makes “Jailhouse Rock” so enduring? Part of its appeal lies in the song’s infectious rhythm and catchy melody. The lyrics, while simple, paint a vivid picture of a lively prison scene where inmates are dancing and enjoying themselves. This juxtaposition of a serious setting with a playful tone was a hallmark of rock and roll at the time.
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the songwriting duo behind “Jailhouse Rock,” were masters of creating catchy tunes with clever lyrics. Their ability to capture the zeitgeist of the 1950s is evident in this song. The lyrics, with their references to “shakin’ all night long” and “the whole cell block,” evoke images of youthful exuberance and a desire to break free from societal constraints.
Presley’s performance on “Jailhouse Rock” is nothing short of electrifying. His powerful vocals and energetic dance moves perfectly complement the song’s upbeat tempo. The iconic dance sequence in the film, where Presley performs a series of intricate moves while clad in a black leather jacket, has been imitated countless times and remains a staple of pop culture.
The Song’s Legacy
“Jailhouse Rock” is more than just a popular song; it’s a cultural touchstone. It represents a time when music was a powerful force for social change and when young people were eager to challenge the status quo. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its quality and its ability to connect with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Today, “Jailhouse Rock” continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest rock and roll songs of all time. It’s a song that has been covered by countless artists and sampled in countless recordings. And while the world has changed dramatically since 1957, the spirit of “Jailhouse Rock” remains as vibrant as ever.
Video
Lyrics
The warden threw a party in the county jail
The prison band was there and they began to wail
The band was jumpin’ and the joint began to swing
You should’ve heard those knocked out jailbirds sing
Let’s rock
Everybody, let’s rock
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock
Spider Murphy played the tenor saxophone
Little Joe was blowin’ on the slide trombone
The drummer boy from Illinois went crash, boom, bang
The whole rhythm section was a purple gang
Let’s rock
Everybody, let’s rock
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock
Number 47 said to number three
“You’re the cutest jailbird I ever did see
I sure would be delighted with your company
Come on and do the Jailhouse Rock with me”
Let’s rock
Everybody, let’s rock
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock, Rock, Rock
Sad Sack was sittin’ on a block of stone
Way over in the corner weepin’ all alone
The warden said, “Hey, buddy, don’t you be no square
If you can’t find a partner, use a wooden chair”
Let’s rock
Everybody, let’s rock
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock
Shifty Henry said to Bugs, “For Heaven’s sake
No one’s lookin’, now’s the chance to make a break”
Bugsy turned to Shifty and he said, “Nix nix
I wanna stick around a while and get my kicks”
Let’s rock
Everybody, let’s rock
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock
Dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock, dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock
Dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock, dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock
Dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock-