About The Song
Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock” is more than just a catchy tune. It’s a cultural phenomenon that captured the burgeoning rock and roll scene, challenged social norms, and cemented Elvis’s status as the King of Rock and Roll. This song, released in 1957, not only topped the charts but also became a cornerstone of American pop culture. Let’s delve deeper into the story behind “Jailhouse Rock.”
Background
- Songwriters: Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, a prolific songwriting duo known for crafting rhythm and blues hits for artists like Ray Charles. They saw potential in Elvis’s unique blend of country and blues and started collaborating with him in 1956.
- Inspiration: Leiber and Stoller claimed inspiration for “Jailhouse Rock” came from watching inmates exercising in a prison yard. The rhythmic movements and call-and-response chants sparked the idea of a song based on a fictional prison dance craze.
- Movie Magic: “Jailhouse Rock” was not just a song; it was the title track for Elvis’s third feature film. The movie capitalized on his growing popularity and featured him playing a construction worker wrongly accused of manslaughter. The energetic song became a central feature of the film, with a now-iconic scene showcasing Elvis’s electrifying dance moves during a prison riot.
Musical Style
- Rock and Roll Roots: “Jailhouse Rock” is a prime example of early rock and roll. It takes elements of rhythm and blues, with its driving beat and prominent piano lines, and infuses them with a rockabilly swagger. Elvis’s vocals are powerful and charismatic, perfectly capturing the rebellious spirit of the genre.
- Country Twang: The song also incorporates subtle country influences, particularly in the guitar work. This reflects Elvis’s musical background and adds a layer of depth to the sound.
- Catchy Rhythm: The song’s most defining characteristic is its infectious rhythm. The steady backbeat, punctuated by handclaps and the iconic “shoo bop bop” backing vocals, creates an irresistible energy that gets people moving.
Lyrics
- Prison Narrative: The lyrics tell the story of a fictional dance craze sweeping through prisons. The narrator, a prisoner himself, describes the Jailhouse Rock, a lively dance with specific steps like the “double turn” and the “whip.”
- Double Entendre: While the lyrics seem lighthearted and playful on the surface, there’s a subtle layer of double entendre. The suggestive dance moves and the repetitive “shoo bop bop” can be interpreted as thinly veiled references to physical intimacy, pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable at the time.
- Humor and Energy: The song doesn’t delve into the harsh realities of prison life. Instead, it focuses on the camaraderie and entertainment found within the cell block. The playful lyrics and energetic delivery add to the song’s overall fun and infectious nature.
Cultural Impact
- Rock and Roll Revolution: “Jailhouse Rock” was a major force in propelling rock and roll into the mainstream. It showcased the genre’s energy, rebellious spirit, and undeniable danceability. Elvis’s electrifying performance in the film further solidified rock and roll’s appeal, particularly among younger audiences.
- Breaking Barriers: The song challenged social norms of the time. Elvis’s suggestive dance moves and the song’s playful references to sexuality caused controversy, especially among older generations. However, it also resonated with a youth yearning for a more expressive and rebellious form of music.
- Enduring Legacy: “Jailhouse Rock” remains a timeless classic. It has been covered by countless artists, featured in numerous movies and television shows, and continues to be a staple on radio stations across the globe. The song’s influence can be heard in various rock and roll subgenres, solidifying its place in musical history.
Conclusion
“Jailhouse Rock” is more than just a catchy song. It’s a cultural touchstone that captures a pivotal moment in music history. The song’s infectious rhythm, playful lyrics, and Elvis’s electrifying performance combined to create a phenomenon that propelled rock and roll into the mainstream. “Jailhouse Rock” continues to resonate with audiences today, a testament to its enduring legacy and its role in shaping popular music.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the 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 the Purple Gang.
Let’s rock, everybody, let’s rock.
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock.
Number forty-seven 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.
Sad Sack was a 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 our 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…