'Congratulations' was a global hit as it became a much bigger hit than 'La, La, La', which beat Cliff in the 1968 Eurovision song contest. Shortly after 'Congratulations', which was one of his solo efforts, Cliff recorded his last single with The Shadows. Again in 1973, with 'Power to All Our Friends', he entered the Eurovision song contest--this time reaching 3rd place.
The most sold artist in British Pop history - with over 40 top hits.
Worked with Stock Aitken Waterman in 1989 and the single "I Just Don't Have The Heart".
Sixty appearances at Wembley, plus sellout tour to celebrate 50 years in the business.
First hit: Move It, 1958, first no. 1: Living Doll
As big as he is in the UK, he has only had 3 Top 10 hits in the USA with the biggest still being his breakthrough 1976 single "Devil Woman" which made it all the way to #6.
Has also worked with Elton John, Mark Knopfler, Julian Lennon, Freddie Mercury, Stevie Wonder, Phil Everly, Janet Jackson, Sheila Walsh, Van Morrison, and Olivia Newton-John.
Learning How To Rock And Roll
Cliff Richard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Billy on his way to school
Didn't care too much about the teachers and rules
But he had a plan he said he'd try it one day
One he knew would leave them all with nothing to say
He had a friend who said he'd teach him how to rock and roll
After school when he was feelin' good
He would rock in the kitchen and roll in the hall
And Billy's mother said you got no sense at all
But we know too well that he was
Learning how to rock and roll
'Cos he would rock in the kitchen roll in the hall
Stand on the tv and climb up the wall
Jive on the ceiling lay on the floor
Crawl through the bathroom and cry out for more
And that's the only way to do it
When you're learning how to rock and roll
Teach me to rock...
Willy turns to the mirror and gives his hair a flip
He would mime to Elvis and curl his lip
Ha ha in the kitchen
Ha ha in the hall
Willy's mother said you got no sense at all
But we know too well that he was
Learning how to rock and roll
'Cos he would rock in the kitchen roll in the hall
Stand on the tv and climb up the wall
Jive on the ceiling lay on the floor
Crawl through the bathroom and cry out for more
And that's the only way to do it
When you're learning how to rock and roll
Teach me to rock...
He learnt to rock and roll
And sing the blues
He learnt to head shake
While singing blue suede shoes
He learnt a hand clap
Off the beat
And at the gig he had them out of their seats
It's the only way to do it so long live rock and roll
'Cos he would rock in the kitchen roll in the hall
Stand on the tv and climb up the wall
Jive on the ceiling lay on the floor
Crawl through the bathroom and cry out for more
And that's the only way to do it
When you're learning how to rock and roll
Teach me to rock...
The song "Learning How to Rock 'n' Roll" by Cliff Richard is a classic rock song that captures the spirit of youth and rebellion. The song tells the story of a young boy named Billy who is fascinated with rock music and wants to learn how to play it. Despite being ridiculed by his mother and others for his enthusiastic learning methods, Billy and his friend persevere to learn the art of rock 'n' roll.
The lyrics start by saying that Billy didn't care much about school or its rules, but he had a plan to learn rock 'n' roll one day. He had a friend who was going to teach him, and after school, he would go home and practice the things he understood. His mother thought he had no sense at all, but Billy knew he was learning how to rock 'n' roll.
The lyrics go on to describe Billy's methods for learning how to rock 'n' roll, often involving unconventional maneuvers like climbing the walls or jiving on the ceiling. Despite his mother's objections, Billy eventually becomes a skilled rock 'n' roller, learning to sing the blues, head shake, and perform hand claps offbeat.
Overall, the song is a celebration of rock 'n' roll and the spirit of rebellion that it embodies. The lyrics suggest that rock music is not just about playing the right notes, but also about adopting an attitude and lifestyle that is free-spirited and rebellious.
Line by Line Meaning
Billy on his way to school
Billy, the main character of the song, is on his way to school.
Didn't care too much about the teachers and rules
Billy is not particularly bothered about following rules or listening to his teachers.
But he had a plan he said he'd try it one day
Despite not being interested in rules and education, Billy has a plan to try something else one day.
One he knew would leave them all with nothing to say
Billy's plan is something that he knows will leave everyone speechless.
He had a friend who said he'd teach him how to rock and roll
Billy's friend has agreed to teach him how to rock and roll.
After school when he was feelin' good
When feeling good after school, Billy would practice his rock and roll moves.
He would rock in the kitchen and roll in the hall
Billy would practice his moves in the kitchen and hallway.
And Billy's mother said you got no sense at all
Billy's mother thinks he has no sense for practicing rock and roll instead of studying.
But we know too well that he was
Despite what others might think, we know that Billy was really learning how to rock and roll.
Stand on the tv and climb up the wall
As part of his practicing, Billy would stand on the TV and even climb up the wall.
Jive on the ceiling lay on the floor
Billy's practicing involved jiving on the ceiling and laying on the floor.
Crawl through the bathroom and cry out for more
Billy's practicing even involved crawling through the bathroom and wanting to do more.
Teach me to rock...
Billy is asking for someone to teach him how to rock.
He learnt to rock and roll
Billy successfully learned how to rock and roll.
And sing the blues
In addition to rock and roll, Billy learned how to sing the blues.
He learnt to head shake
Billy also learned how to head shake while performing.
While singing blue suede shoes
While learning to head shake, Billy would perform the iconic song 'Blue Suede Shoes'.
He learnt a hand clap
Billy also learned a specific hand clap to accompany his rock and roll performances.
Off the beat
The hand clap that Billy learned was off the beat, which adds to the rhythm and feel of rock and roll.
And at the gig he had them out of their seats
Billy's hard work paid off when he was able to perform and get people excited and out of their seats.
It's the only way to do it so long live rock and roll
This style of practicing and performing is the only way to really do rock and roll justice, so long live rock and roll.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
alberto fontana cabot
Brilliant Rock&Roll by Cliff..he is always good with it...he is a rockanroller😄😄
TJ Amodio
Is it 1955 or 1980? Doesn't matter, Cliff can "bring it".... any time or any place!!!
Diana Allison
Wow! Those moves! Luv this song & Cliff's performance! 🙂🙂💕💕
lakotamoondancer
I love this song. Those hips!! My friend and I went to this concert on 2 nights, when we were 15 yrs old. I've got tickets for Brighton this year (postponed from last year). I'll be gutted if it gets postponed again.
Brian Vincent
Enjoying yourself up there our Cliff!!!!!
Thanks for the upload.
US UK
Love this. Fantastic. I love Cliffs Rock n Roll voice. ❤
LynnTW
Such a brilliant song.
US UK
Fantastic!!
LEUNG YUK LIN
Dear Sir Cliff
Your voice is full of Rock and roll powerful feel, your performance is very excellent❗❗
You are actually the King of Rock and roll............❗❗
Gloria Lobigas
Love it, marvelous w/ SCR.