I Want to Rock
Cab Calloway Lyrics


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I want to rock, just rock, if the feeling is fine
Wouldn't it be fun for each one to rock all of the time
I want to rock, just rock, it's a pleasure to swing
Come and join the crowd, shout out loud, rock is really the thing
You have to stomp your feet and clap your hands so come on, begin
We're gonna swing and sway till that great day
So lace up your shoes, throw 'way your blues
I want to rock, just rock, it's so easy and free
Take a little bow, step on out, come and rock it with me

Oh, rock it, rock it, rock it, brother Calloway
Hold the rock here (digthis little break then cut on out)
Solid, boys, that beat, I want to rock, just rock, yes, the feeling is fine
Wouldn't it be fun for each one to rock all of the time (beat that jam on out)
I want to rock it and a rock it and a rock it and a rock it, it's a pleasure to swing
Come and join me crowd, shout out loud rock is feeling the thing
(Oh, rock it, pa)
You stomp your feet and clap your hands so come on, begin
We're gonna swing and sway till that great day
Lace up your shoes, throw away your blues
Rock, rock




It's easy and free
Take a little bow, step up now, come on, rock it with me

Overall Meaning

In Cab Calloway's "I Want to Rock," the lyrics express the singer's desire to dance and rock to the rhythm of the music. The repetition of the phrase "I want to rock, just rock" emphasizes how much the singer desires to feel the music and encourages others to join in. The lyrics are meant to be fun and upbeat, urging the listener to stomp their feet and clap their hands along to the music. The emphasis on the pleasure and easy-going nature of rocking, and the encouragement to throw away one's blues, highlights the therapeutic value of music.


Moreover, the lyrics repeatedly use the word "swing," which is a staple genre of jazz music. The reference to jazz is not only prevalent through the word choice, but throughout the entire song. This is due to the stop-time sections, which are sections where the band would play only on specific beats, and the lead singer or the horn section would play rhythmically on their own. Another important aspect of the song is the scatting section, which was a popular improvised vocal technique invented by Cab Calloway himself. This section adds an energetic layer to the song and adds to the theme of having fun while listening to music.


In conclusion, "I Want to Rock" is an energetic and fun jazz song that encourages people to dance and rock to the rhythm of the music. The scatting section, the stop-time sections, and the use of swing as a genre showcases the innovation and creativity of jazz music.


Line by Line Meaning

I want to rock, just rock, if the feeling is fine
I want to engage in the rhythm and energy of rock music, but only if it feels enjoyable and invigorating.


Wouldn't it be fun for each one to rock all of the time
Imagine how enjoyable life would be if everyone could constantly experience the thrill of rock music together.


I want to rock, just rock, it's a pleasure to swing
Swinging and moving to the beat of rock music is an enjoyable and pleasurable experience for me.


Come and join the crowd, shout out loud, rock is really the thing
I invite others to join me in experiencing the excitement of rock music, and encourage them to express themselves freely with enthusiasm.


You have to stomp your feet and clap your hands so come on, begin
To truly engage in rock music, it is critical to express oneself physically by rhythmically stomping and clapping, so let's start moving!


We're gonna swing and sway till that great day
Let's keep moving and grooving to the beat of rock music until we eventually reach a point of ultimate musical euphoria.


So lace up your shoes, throw 'way your blues
Get ready to enjoy and experience the fun and excitement of rock music while leaving behind any negative emotions or worries.


I want to rock, just rock, it's so easy and free
Rock music is a simple and liberating experience that is accessible and enjoyable for everyone to engage in.


Take a little bow, step on out, come and rock it with me
Let's celebrate and embrace the thrill of rock music together by taking a bow, stepping forward, and engaging in the music with passion and enthusiasm.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BUSTER HARDING, LARRY CLINTON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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