Jersey Bounce
Benny Goodman & his Orchestra;Marge & Gower Champion Lyrics


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They call it that Jersey bounce
A rhythm that really counts
The temperature always mounts
Wherever they play, the funny rhythm they play

It started on Journal Square
And somebody heard it there
He put it right on the air
And now you hear it everywhere

Uptown, gave it new licks
Downtown, added some tricks
No town, makes it sound, the same
As where it came from

So if you don't feel so hot
Go out to some Jersey spot
And whether you're hep or not
The Jersey bounce'll make you swing

How I love that Jersey bounce

Oh come on and play that Jersey bounce

They call it that Jersey bounce
A rhythm that really counts
The temperature always mounts
Whenever they play that Jersey Bounce

It started on Journal Square
And somebody heard it there
He put it right on the air
That tune called the Jersey Bounce

Uptown, gave it new licks
Downtown, added some tricks
No town, make it sound the same
As where it came from

So if you don't feel so hot
Go out to some Jersey spot
And whether you're hep or not
The Jersey bounce'll make you swing

Ounce by ounce
The Jersey Bounce
Puts you right in the swing
That Jersey Bounce
It'll make you swing





Give me that Jersey Bounce.

Overall Meaning

The song "Jersey Bounce" by Benny Goodman is a fast-paced jazz swing tune that celebrates the unique rhythm of Jazz in New Jersey, specifically in Journal Square, Jersey. The song was written by Tiny Bradshaw and his orchestra in 1942, but it was Goodman's version that became wildly popular, reaching number one on the Billboard charts.


The song starts by introducing the "Jersey Bounce" rhythm as a heat-inducing, toe-tapping, irresistible rhythm. It is a sound that is unique to the area, starting in Journal Square, but quickly spreading and being adopted in various parts of New Jersey. It is clear that the Jersey Bounce is more than just a rhythm; it's a way of life, a culture even.


In the second verse, Goodman talks about the evolution of the Jersey Bounce, explaining how various regions added their own flavor to the rhythm. The uptown added new licks, but the downtown added tricks to the rhythm, making it dynamic and versatile. However, regardless of where it's being played, the sound remains unique. The song ends by inviting everyone to indulge in the Jersey Bounce, irrespective of whether they're hep or not, as it will make them swing, and that's the power of the Jersey Bounce.


Line by Line Meaning

They call it that Jersey bounce
The unique swing rhythm that originated in Jersey is popularly known as Jersey Bounce


A rhythm that really counts
Jersey bounce is a highly rhythmic and lively music


The temperature always mounts
The energy and enthusiasm in the atmosphere intensify as soon as Jersey Bounce starts playing


Wherever they play, the funny rhythm they play
Jersey Bounce is a distinctive, playful and fun rhythm that no one can resist


It started on Journal Square
Journal Square is the birthplace of Jersey Bounce


And somebody heard it there
Someone first heard the Jersey Bounce on Journal Square and recognized its potential


He put it right on the air
He introduced it to the public and the Jersey Bounce rose in fame


And now you hear it everywhere
Jersey Bounce is a popular rhythm that can be heard everywhere due to its widespread appeal


Uptown, gave it new licks
Musicians uptown added fresh and innovative elements to the Jersey Bounce


Downtown, added some tricks
Musicians downtown incorporated their own unique style and techniques to the Jersey Bounce


No town, makes it sound, the same
Every place has its own flavor and style which adds to the uniqueness of the Jersey Bounce


As where it came from
But still, the essence of Jersey Bounce remains unchanged and undiluted, wherever it is played


So if you don't feel so hot
If you are feeling low or down,


Go out to some Jersey spot
Go to a place in Jersey where Jersey Bounce is played


And whether you're hep or not
Even if you are not a fan or don't know much about the Jersey Bounce


The Jersey bounce'll make you swing
The lively and upbeat rhythm of Jersey Bounce will make you want to dance along


How I love that Jersey bounce
The singer passionately loves the Jersey Bounce and is excited to hear it play


Oh come on and play that Jersey bounce
The singer urges the musicians to play the Jersey Bounce and get the crowd moving


Ounce by ounce
Gradually and steadily


The Jersey Bounce
The upbeat rhythm of Jersey Bounce


Puts you right in the swing
The infectious nature of Jersey Bounce makes you energetic and joyful


That Jersey Bounce
Jersey Bounce is a truly unique and special kind of music


It'll make you swing
Jersey Bounce will make you dance along and swing to its rhythm


Give me that Jersey Bounce
The singer demands to hear and dance to the Jersey Bounce




Lyrics © JAY JAY PUBLISHING CO.
Written by: WALTER E JAGIELLO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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