Born in Baltimore, Turner was first taught piano by his mother when he was five. He moved to New York around 1925 and enjoyed much popularity among musicians in Harlem, working with June Clark (1927-1928), Benny Carter (1929), and Louis Armstrong (1930). He accompanied the singer Adelaide Hall in a piano duo with Alex Hill and then with Francis Carter; he and Carter toured Europe with Hall in 1931. Turner performed as a soloist throughout Europe until 1939, and then in the USA. After working as a member of an army band led by Sy Oliver (1944-1945) and with Rex Stewart (1946) he returned to Europe and played in Hungary (1948) and Switzerland (1949-1962). He then settled in Paris, where from 1962 he held a residency at La Calvados; he also performed in Great Britain, Switzerland, and the USA. Turner was influenced mainly by James P. Johnson, Fats Waller, Art Tatum, and Erroll Garner.
Shake Rattle and Roll
Joe Turner Lyrics
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Get outta that bed, wash your face and hands
Well, you get in that kitchen, make some noise with the pots 'n pans
Way you wear those dresses, the sun comes shinin' through
Way you wear those dresses, the sun comes shinin' through
I can't believe my eyes, all that mess belongs to you
I believe to my soul you're the devil and now I know
I believe to my soul you're the devil and now I know
Well, the more I work, the faster my money goes
I said shake, rattle and roll, shake, rattle and roll
Shake, rattle and roll, shake, rattle and roll
Well, you won't do right to save your doggone soul
Yeah, blow Joe
I'm like a one-eyed cat peepin' in a seafood store
I'm like a one-eyed cat peepin' in a seafood store
Well, I can look at you till you ain't no child no more
Ah, shake, rattle and roll, shake, rattle and roll
Shake, rattle and roll, shake, rattle and roll
Well, you won't do right to save your doggone soul
I get over the hill and way down underneath
I get over the hill and way down underneath
You make me roll my eyes, even make me grit my teeth
I said shake, rattle and roll, shake, rattle and roll
Shake, rattle and roll, shake, rattle and roll
Well, you won't do nothin' to save your doggone soul
Shake, rattle and roll
The song "Shake, Rattle and Roll" by Joe Turner is a classic rock and roll hit that was first recorded in 1954. The lyrics of the song are playful and suggestive, with Joe Turner singing about the charms of a woman who refuses to behave. The opening lines of the song urge the listener to get out of bed and face the day, with the sound of pots and pans echoing the energy of the morning. The way the woman in the song wears her dresses is described as bringing light into the room, but Turner also sees a darker side to her personality, suggesting that she might just be the devil.
Throughout the song, Turner sings about his attraction to the woman, comparing himself to a "one-eyed cat peeping in a seafood store." He also voices his frustration with her refusal to behave, singing that "the more I work, the faster my money goes" because of her. Ultimately, the song suggests that the woman is such a force of nature that Turner cannot help but be drawn to her despite the frustration she causes.
Overall, "Shake, Rattle and Roll" is a catchy and upbeat song that captures the playful spirit of early rock and roll. It reflects the era's focus on youthful rebellion and the challenges of navigating relationships, while also showcasing Turner's powerful vocals.
Line by Line Meaning
Get outta that bed, wash your face and hands
It's time to wake up and start your day. Get ready and refreshed.
Well, you get in that kitchen, make some noise with the pots 'n pans
You should get cooking and make some tasty food.
Way you wear those dresses, the sun comes shinin' through
You look beautiful in your dresses, even the sun agrees.
I can't believe my eyes, all that mess belongs to you
I'm shocked that you're responsible for such a mess.
I believe to my soul you're the devil and now I know
I'm convinced that you're a troublemaker and I'm certain of it now.
Well, the more I work, the faster my money goes
No matter how hard I work, I can't seem to save any money.
Shake, rattle and roll, shake, rattle and roll
Move your body and dance to the rhythm.
Well, you won't do right to save your doggone soul
You're not doing what's right and it's putting your soul in danger.
I'm like a one-eyed cat peepin' in a seafood store
I feel like I'm in a tempting situation I shouldn't be in, like a cat looking at seafood it can't have.
Well, I can look at you till you ain't no child no more
I can watch you grow up and mature into an adult.
I get over the hill and way down underneath
I feel exhausted and overwhelmed, like I'm going downhill.
You make me roll my eyes, even make me grit my teeth
You frustrate me to the point of eye-rolling and teeth-gritting.
Well, you won't do nothin' to save your doggone soul
You're not taking any action to protect your soul from harm.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Charles Calhoun
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind