His hit "It's Too Late (She's Gone)" was covered by many, including Otis Redding, Roy Orbison, Eric Clapton's Derek and the Dominos and the Grateful Dead. In 2005, it was heavily sampled by Kanye West on Late Registration's "Gone."
Hang Up My Rock and Roll Shoes
Chuck Willis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I said, "Please, Mama, please, Mama you just don't know I don't want
(Shop-bop, shop-bop) hang up my rock and roll shoes"
You know I get that feeling every time I hear those blues
(Shop-bop, shop-bop)
That music's got a beat that will keep you alive
The kids are rock and rolling from 8 to 25
Because I get that feeling every time I hear those blues
(Shop-bop, shop-bop)
Yes, I will do my homework
Clean the yard every day
Yes, I will wipe those dishes
I'll do anything you say
They say that rock and roll will soon fade away
No matter what they say, rock and roll is here to stay
I don't want(shop-bop, shop-bop) hang up my rock and roll shoes
(Shop-bop, shop-bop)because my feet start moving every time I hear those blues
(Shop-bop, shop-bop)
They say that rock and roll will soon fade away
No matter what they say, rock and roll is here to stay
I don't want(shop-bop, shop-bop) hang up my rock and roll shoes
(Shop-bop, shop-bop) because I get that feeling every time I hear those blues
(Shop-bop, shop-bop)because my feet start moving every time I hear those blues
(Shop-bop, shop-bop)
(Shop-bop, shop-bop)
(Shop-bop, shop-bop)
In Chuck Willis's song "Hang Up My Rock & Roll Shoes", the lyrics are depicting a conversation between the singer and his mother. The mother expresses her dislike for rock and roll music, but the singer pleads with her to understand that he enjoys it and doesn't want to stop listening or dancing to it. The lyrics also touch on the idea that rock and roll music has a beat that keeps you alive and that it's not just for young people.
The singer acknowledges that he will do his homework, clean the yard, wash the dishes, and essentially do whatever his mother asks of him, but he just can't let go of his love for rock and roll. The lyrics also address the idea that some people believe rock and roll will eventually fade away, but the singer asserts that it is here to stay. The chorus repeats the sentiment that he doesn't want to hang up his rock and roll shoes because every time he hears those blues, his feet start moving.
Overall, the song seems to evoke the feeling of youthful rebellion and the struggle between wanting to please your parents while also wanting to pursue your own passions and desires. It also touches on the idea that music has the power to unite people and create a sense of community, regardless of age or background.
Line by Line Meaning
My mama told me she didn't like that rock and roll
My mother expressed her disinterest towards rock and roll music
I said, "Please, Mama, please, Mama you just don't know I don't want
I pleaded with my mother to understand that I have a passion for rock and roll music
(Shop-bop, shop-bop) hang up my rock and roll shoes"
I don't want to stop listening to and enjoying rock and roll music
You know I get that feeling every time I hear those blues
Rock and roll music makes me feel energized and excited
That music's got a beat that will keep you alive
The rhythm of rock and roll music is incredibly lively and captivating
The kids are rock and rolling from 8 to 25
People of all ages are enjoying and participating in rock and roll culture
Yes, I will do my homework
I am willing to comply with my mother's rules and expectations
Clean the yard every day
I am willing to perform everyday chores and duties
Yes, I will wipe those dishes
I am willing to help out with household tasks such as washing dishes
They say that rock and roll will soon fade away
Some people believe that rock and roll music will no longer be popular
No matter what they say, rock and roll is here to stay
Despite doubts from some, rock and roll music will continue to thrive
(Shop-bop, shop-bop) hang up my rock and roll shoes
I refuse to give up my love for rock and roll music
because my feet start moving every time I hear those blues
The rhythm of rock and roll music is so infectious that it makes me want to dance
(Shop-bop, shop-bop)
Repeating the refrain of the song that emphasizes the feeling created by rock and roll music
Lyrics Β© BROADWAY MUSIC CORPORATION
Written by: CHUCK WILLIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Awesallem The King
My mama told me she didn't like that rock and roll
I said, "please, mama, please, mama you just don't know i don't want
(Shoop-bop, shoop-bop) hang up my rock and roll shoes"
You know i get that feelin' ev'ry time i hear those blues
Shoop-bop, shoop-bop)
That music's got a beat that will keep you alive
The kids are rock and rollin' from 8 to 25
I don't want (shoop-bop, shoop-bop) hang up my rock and roll shoes
Because i get that feelin' ev'ry time i hear those blues
Shoop-bop, shoop-bop)
Yes, i will do my homework
Clean the yard ev'ry day
Yes, i will wipe those dishes
I'll do anything you say
They say that rock and roll will soon fade away
No matter what they say, rock and roll is here to stay
I don't want(shoop-bop, shoop-bop) hang up my rock and roll shoes
(Shoop-bop, shoop-bop)because my feet start movin' ev'ry time i hear those blues
(Shoop-bop, shoop-bop): let's rock!: let's roll!
They say that rock and roll will soon fade away
No matter what they say, rock and roll is here to stay
I don't want(shoop-bop, shoop-bop) hang up my rock and roll shoes
(Shoop-bop, shoop-bop) because i get that feelin' ev'ry time i hear those blues
(Shoop-bop, shoop-bop)because my feet start movin' ev'ry time i hear those blues
(Shoop-bop, shoop-bop)
(Shoop-bop, shoop-bop)
(Shoop-bop, shoop-bop
Aaron Jones
I first heard this song in the film 'Eddie and the Cruisers'; I am very glad I found this version and have learnt something about Rock 'n' Roll history
peter mcnally
The Chuck Willis box set should be required listening in all houses in America especially before and after church!
Howard Manley
Donβt know why he didnβt make it in rockn roll hall of fame....
the okie
I bought this 45rpm single in 1958 (I think) and both sides got equal plays. 'What am I living for/Hang up my rock'n'roll shoes' Great then and still great SIXTY years later!
LRWIGHT
I still have my original 45 record of those songs.
joseny g oliveira
beleza pura este e um dos meus ritimos favorito, na minha radio tem ums 120 musicas neste estilo; gostei....
Sam Escobar
73 and still remember those Rock and Roll days gone by
Joyce Ray
got you I am 80 music is what helps me make it each day, I love motown & of course TomJones ...................................
Stephen Stone
loved to have been around in the 50's, that decade had the best music and styles with the greatest music influences of all time, arguably.
Michael Ord
Totally agree sir