Dave Edmunds (born April 15, 1944) is a singer, guitarist and producer from… Read Full Bio ↴Dave Edmunds (born April 15, 1944) is a singer, guitarist and producer from Cardiff, Wales. Though he was primarily associated with pub rock and New Wave, and had numerous hits in the late 70's and early 80's, he was steadfastly devoted to pre-Beatles rock and roll. An infrequent songwriter, Edmunds has largely relied on cover songs or custom-written material to sustain his career.

In the late 1960s he led a blues-rock trio called Love Sculpture, who scored a quasi-novelty hit by reworking Khachaturian's classical piece "Sabre Dance" as a speed-crazed rock number. "Sabre Dance" became a hit after garnering the enthusiastic attention of British DJ John Peel.

After Love Sculpture split, Edmunds had a number one single with "I Hear You Knocking", a Smiley Lewis cover. His only acting role followed, as a band member in the David Essex movie Stardust (1974 movie). After learning the trade of producer, culminating in a couple of singles in the style of Phil Spector, "Baby I Love You" and "Born To Be With You", he became linked with the pub rock movement of the early 1970s, producing Brinsley Schwarz, Ducks Deluxe, and also The Flamin' Groovies, using a stripped down, grittier sound.

His own solo LP from that era, Subtle As A Flying Mallet, was similar in style. In 1977, the Brinsley Schwarz connection brought about a collaboration with Nick Lowe under the name Rockpile, with Billy Bremner and Terry Williams. For contractual reasons they could not record as Rockpile until 1980, but contemporary solo LPs (such as Nick Lowe's Labour of Lust and Edmunds' own Repeat When Necessary) were in fact group recordings. Dave Edmunds had more hits during this time, including Elvis Costello's "Girls Talk", Nick Lowe's "I Knew The Bride", Hank DeVito's "Queen of Hearts" ), Graham Parker's "Crawling From The Wreckage", and Melvin Endsley's "Singing The Blues" (originally a hit for Guy Mitchell).

Unexpectedly, after Rockpile relased their first LP under their own name (1980's Seconds Of Pleasure), the band split, generally attributed to tensions between Edmunds and Lowe. Edmunds spent the 1980s collaborating with and producing an assortment of artists, from Paul McCartney to King Kurt, and from The Stray Cats to Status Quo. He recorded the soundtrack for Porky's Revenge, supplying the main theme, "High School Nights", and was the musical director for a television special starring Carl Perkins, with assorted guests including George Harrison, Ringo Starr, and Rosanne Cash.

On his 1983 and 1984 releases, Information and Riff Raff, Edmunds collaborated on two songs with Jeff Lynne, the lead musician of Electric Light Orchestra. He recorded less frequently after the mid 1980s.

Edmunds now lives in Wales in semi-retirement, touring Scandinavia infrequently, after surviving a quadruple bypass several years ago.

High School Nights
Dave Edmunds Lyrics

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You better open up honey its your lover boy me that's a knockin'
You better listen to me sugar all the cats are at the High School rockin'
Honey get your boppin' shoes Before the juke box blows a fuse
Got everbody hoppin' everybody boppin'

Boppin' at the High School Hop
Boppin' at the High School Hop
Shakin' at the High School Hop

I've rollin' at the High School Hop

I've been movin' at the High School Hop
Everybody's hoppin' Everybody's boppin'
Boppin' at the High School Hop
Come on little baby gonna rock a little bit tonight

Woooh I got get with you sugar gonna shake things up tonight
Check out the heart beatin' rhythm cause my feet are moving smooth and light
Boppin' at the High School Hop
Shakin' at the High School Hop

Rollin' at the High School Hop
Movin' at the High School Hop
Everybody's hoppin' just a boppin' just a boppin'
Piano Solo!

Come on little baby let me give a piece good news good news good news
Jerry Lee is going to rock away all his blues
My hearts beatin' rhythm and my soul is singin' the blues
Oooooh Boppin' at the High School Hop

Shakin' at the High School Hop
Rollin' at the High School Hop
Gettin' it at the High School Hop
Everybody's hoppin' Everybody's boppin'

Boppin' at the High School Hop
Solo Time!
Boppin' at the High School Hop
Shakin' at the High School Hop

Rollin' at the High School Hop
Movin' at the High School Hop

Well Everybody's hoppin' Everybody's boppin'
Boppin' at the High School Hop

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "High School Nights" by Dave Edmunds convey a sense of excitement and nostalgia for the vibrant energy of high school dances and social gatherings. The singer encourages his love interest to join in the festivities, emphasizing the importance of being present and participating in the lively atmosphere. The mention of opening up and listening suggests a sense of urgency and anticipation, hinting at the imminent fun and revelry awaiting at the High School Hop.

The repetitive refrain of "Boppin' at the High School Hop" creates a catchy and rhythmic feel, mirroring the pulsating beat of the music and the energetic movements of the dancers. The imagery of "shaking," "rolling," and "moving" at the High School Hop evokes a sense of fluidity and dynamism, highlighting the carefree and joyous nature of the event. The singer's enthusiasm is infectious as he describes the scene of everybody hopping and bopping, emphasizing a sense of collective enjoyment and unity in the shared experience.

As the song progresses, the intensity of the music builds with a piano solo, adding layers of excitement and exhilaration to the narrative. The mention of Jerry Lee Lewis, a legendary rock and roll musician, adds a touch of reverence and homage to the roots of rock and roll music, further enhancing the nostalgic and celebratory tone of the lyrics. The combination of upbeat tempo, lively descriptions, and references to iconic musicians creates a vivid picture of a high-energy and memorable night at the High School Hop.

In conclusion, "High School Nights" captures the essence of youthful exuberance, camaraderie, and the timeless appeal of rock and roll music. The lyrics paint a picture of a lively and spirited gathering where music, dance, and shared joy intertwine to create a memorable experience. Through its vibrant storytelling and dynamic imagery, the song pays tribute to the excitement and nostalgia of high school dances while celebrating the enduring influence of rock and roll culture.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jerry Lee Lewis, Ron Hargrave

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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