The band was originally formed in 1989 by leader Scott Morris. He and Kurt Sodergren are the two "original" members, with the rest of the band joining later on. The band concentrated on the swing of the 1940s and '50s, playing clubs and lounges in their early years.
The band launched two CDs, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Watchu' Want for Christmas? under their own label (Big Bad Records) before getting their big break when their songs "You & Me & The Bottle Makes Three Tonight (Baby)" and "Go Daddy-O" were featured in the 1996 comedy Swingers.
From there they were signed by Capitol Records. With Capitol the band released Americana Deluxe (also known as a second Big Bad Voodoo Daddy) and This Beautiful Life. The band has continued their tours, performances and album releases Save My Soul, Live, and Everything You Want For Christmas, with one high point being their appearance at the 1999 Super Bowl half-time show.
Over the last few years, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy has experienced great success playing on the Pops programs of American Symphony Orchestras and regular US tours.
Most recently, BBVD released a tribute album titled How Big Can You Get?: The Music of Cab Calloway. As part of the live concerts promoting this recent album, the band continues to perform new material, including the track "5-10-15 Times I Love You" which frontman Scotty Morris says will be recorded as part of a new album in early 2011.
Band Members:
* Scott Morris "Scotty" (vocals and guitar) - core member
* Kurt Sodergren (drums and percussion) - core member
* Dirk Shumaker (string bass) - core member
* Andrew Rowley "Andy" (baritone saxophone) - core member
* Glen Marehevka "The Kid" (trumpet) - core member
* Karl Hunter (saxophone and clarinet) - core member
* Joshua Levy "Josh" (piano) - core member
* Tony Bonsera (lead trumpet)
* Alex Henderson (trombone) (also part of The Brian Setzer Orchestra)
** Ron Blake (former lead trumpet) left Big Bad Voodoo Daddy to go on tour with Green Day.
Jumpin' Jack
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jump on in jump with your baby
Like a wild train rollin right down you track
Wow wow you just can't stop it
Like a wild train rollin right down your track
Wow wow watch it watch it
The lyrics of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's song Jumpin' Jack seem to be a call-to-action for those who love to dance. The opening line "when you hit the dance floor you gotta be jumpin jack" sets the scene for a lively, upbeat dance party where people are encouraged to let loose and jump around. The phrase "jumpin jack" is likely a reference to a dance move or a specific style of dancing, and the repetition of "jump on in" and "jump with your baby" reinforces this idea.
The second half of the chorus compares the energy of the dancers to a "wild train rollin right down your track," emphasizing the unstoppable nature of the rhythm and momentum of the music. The repeated use of "wow wow" and "watch it watch it" further drives home the message that this dance party is not to be missed, and that once you start jumping, you won't be able to stop.
Overall, the lyrics of Jumpin' Jack celebrate the joy and freedom of dance, encouraging listeners to let go of their inhibitions and join in on the lively party atmosphere.
Line by Line Meaning
When you hit the dance floor you gotta be jumpin jack
When you start dancing, you need to give it your all and jump around.
Jump on in jump with your baby
Get your partner and jump around together on the dance floor.
Like a wild train rollin right down you track
Dancing is like being on a train that's moving fast and out of control.
Wow wow you just can't stop it
Dancing is so fun that you can't help but keep doing it.
Like a wild train rollin right down your track
Reaffirming that dancing is like being on a fast and out of control train.
Wow wow watch it watch it
Keep dancing and enjoy the ride.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DUKE ELLINGTON, IRVING MILLS, SCOTTY A MORRIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind