Buddy Holly is considered one of the most influential founding fathers of r… Read Full Bio ↴Buddy Holly is considered one of the most influential founding fathers of rock 'n roll. In 2004, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked him #13 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. Although his career was cut short, his body of work is considered among the best in rock music history. His music would influence not only many of his recording contemporaries, but also the future direction music would take.

The band personnel were drummer Jerry Allison, bassist Joe B. Mauldin, and rhythm guitarist Niki Sullivan. Sullivan dropped out within less than two years of touring and recording. He wasn't comfortable with the amount of traveling and to a lesser extent, he didn't fit in with Jerry and Joe. For the same reason, Jerry and Joe were not backing Holly after he moved to NYC. The big move was the real reason why the Crickets broke up, but Holly was not daunted by the breakup; he gained a new back-up band with Tommy Allsup and Waylon Jennings on the tour shortly after the Crickets folded. But after about 4 months, due to fans' mail and the band feeling nostalgic, a reunion was planned to start with all the original Crickets after Holly's winter tour through the northern mid-west was completed. It was on that tour that Holly was killed in a plane crash.

Ready Teddy
Buddy Holly & The Crickets Lyrics

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Ready, set, go man go
I got a gal that I love so

[Chorus]
I'm ready, ready ready Teddy
I'm ready, ready ready Teddy
I'm ready, ready ready Teddy
I'm ready ready ready to rock 'n' roll

All the flat top cats and all the dungaree doll
Are headed for the gym to the sock hop ball
The joint is really jumping, the cats are going wild
The music really sends me, I dig that crazy styles

[Chorus]

Oh well, I'm going to the corner, pick up my sweetie pie
She's my rock 'n' roll baby, she's the apple of my eye

[Chorus]

I'm gonna pull off my shoes, roll up my faded jeans
Cause my rock 'n' roll baby coming on the scene
Shuffle to the left, I shuffle to the right
Gonna rock and roll 'til the early early night

[Chorus]

Overall Meaning

The song Ready Teddy by Buddy Holly is an upbeat and energetic rock and roll tune that celebrates the excitement and joy of going out to dance with a loved one. The lyrics describe the singer's eagerness to hit the dance floor with his girlfriend and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the gym's sock hop ball. The chorus repeats multiple times, highlighting the singer's readiness and eagerness to rock and roll with his beloved.

The lyrics are full of cultural references that capture the essence of rock and roll in the 1950s. Words like "flat top cats" and "dungaree doll" reflect the fashion of the time, while the mention of a "sock hop ball" represents a type of dance popular in high school gymnasiums. The singer's excitement is palpable as he describes the wild and crazy styles of music that he loves.

The final verse of the song is a call to action, encouraging the listener to join in the fun and dance the night away. The line "gonna rock and roll 'til the early early night" is a perfect summation of the carefree and energetic spirit of the song. Overall, Ready Teddy is an ode to the love of rock and roll and the joy of dancing with someone special.

Line by Line Meaning

Ready, set, go man go
I am excited and ready to start the fun and energetic night of rock and roll music and dancing.

I got a gal that I love so
I have a girlfriend whom I care for deeply, and I am looking forward to spending the night with her.

I'm ready, ready, ready Teddy
I am fully prepared and enthusiastic to enjoy the rock and roll music and culture of the night.

I'm ready ready ready Teddy
I am eager and primed to have a great time in this lively atmosphere.

I'm ready, ready, ready Teddy
I am fuelled up and raring to participate in the exciting evening of music and dancing.

I'm ready ready ready to rock 'n' roll
I am amped up and prepared for a wild and enjoyable time of rock and roll.

All the flat top cats and all the dungaree doll
People of all ages and styles, with flat tops or wearing dungarees, are on their way to the dance party.

Are headed for the gym to the sock hop ball
They are heading to the gymnasium where the party will take place, which is a type of dance party called a sock hop.

The joint is really jumping, the cats are going wild
The party is in full swing with excitement, and the people there are having a great time.

The music really sends me, I dig that crazy style
I really enjoy the music and the unique, wild style of the rock and roll genre.

Oh well, I'm going to the corner, pick up my sweetie pie
I am heading to meet my girlfriend who I cherish dearly.

She's my rock 'n' roll baby, she's the apple of my eye
My girlfriend loves rock and roll, and she is the most important person to me.

I'm gonna pull off my shoes, roll up my faded jeans
I am going to remove my shoes and roll up my old jeans to be more comfortable and fit in with the rock and roll fashion.

Cause my rock 'n' roll baby coming on the scene
I want to look and feel my best for my girlfriend and enjoy the music with her.

Shuffle to the left, I shuffle to the right
I am dancing and moving my feet side-to-side in rhythm with the music.

Gonna rock and roll 'til the early early night
I am going to dance and enjoy the night of rock and roll and have as much fun as possible.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RALEIGH MUSIC PUBLISHING, Broma 16, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Robert Douglas Blackwell, John S. Marascalco

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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