Introduction
“Jailhouse Rock” is a 1957 rock and roll song written and recorded by Elvis Presley. It was released on September 2, 1957, as the lead single from the film of the same name. The song was a critical and commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and the UK Singles Chart.
“Jailhouse Rock” is a catchy and upbeat song with a humorous theme. The lyrics describe the life of a young man who is sent to jail for manslaughter. While in prison, he learns to dance the Jailhouse Rock, a style of dance that is popular among the inmates. The song became synonymous with Presley’s bad boy image and helped to cement his status as a rock and roll icon.
The song was written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who were known for their songwriting style that combined rock and roll with rhythm and blues. Leiber and Stoller had previously written the song “Hound Dog” for Presley, and they were asked to write a song for his new movie.
Presley reportedly recorded the song in just one take. He was so excited about the song that he insisted on playing it for the director of the film, Norman Taurog, before it was even mixed. Taurog was so impressed with the song that he decided to make it the title track of the film.
“Jailhouse Rock” was released as a single on September 2, 1957. The song was an instant success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and the UK Singles Chart. The song also reached number two in Australia and Canada.
“Jailhouse Rock” was a critical and commercial success. The song was praised for its catchy melody, humorous lyrics, and Presley’s energetic performance. The song was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1958.
“Jailhouse Rock” is one of Elvis Presley’s most popular and enduring songs. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Bruce Springsteen. The song has also been featured in numerous films and television shows.
“Jailhouse Rock” is a classic rock and roll song that is sure to get your toes tapping. The song is a fun-filled celebration of rock and roll, and it is one of Elvis Presley’s most iconic performances.
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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…