After Be-Bop-A-Lula had become a huge hit in 1956 (peaking at #7 and spending 20 weeks in the Billboard Pop Chart), Gene Vincent & His Blue Caps (often mis-named as 'the' Blue Caps) were unable to follow it up with the same level of commercial success, but released critically acclaimed songs like Race With The Devil (#96 in Billboard) and Bluejean Bop (#49).
Following a visit to Europe in 1959, Vincent managed to attract a new huge and discerning audience there, especially in England and France. By that time his career had mostly ended in the US. In 1960, while on tour in Britain, Vincent and songwriter Sharon Sheeley were seriously injured in a high-speed traffic accident. Vincent broke his ribs, collarbone, and added further damage to his already weak leg which he had injured in a motorcycle accident in 1955 and refused to have amputated, and Sheeley suffered a broken pelvis. Both Vincent and Sheeley survived, but the accident killed Vincent's tourmate and Sheeley's fiancé, Eddie Cochran.
Vincent subsequently moved to England in 1963. His stage shows became "must see" events and his bands through those years were to spawn some of the most respected players in the world today. It was during his early tours of Britain that he adopted the trademark leather outfit, at the suggestion of British Rock 'n' Roll impressario, Jack Good.
Bop Street
Gene Vincent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"Man, I'm going down to bop street"
"Tell me cat, where's that di-rection?"
"Man, ain't you heard? they got one of 'em in every town"
"Real cool"
Ba-a-op street, ba-a-op street
Oh, it's the cat and kittens of ol' bop street
Jumpin' jacks, they ain't no square
A green paint pants and great pair
On bop street they're the main attraction
'Cause they're the cats who crave the action
A-jumpin' here, a-jumpin' there
A-jump jump jumpin' everyhere
The jumpin' Jacksons are hard to beat
'Cause they're the cats 'n' kittens of ol' bop street (rock)
Well, a dreamy day when it starts at nine
A-rockin' and a-rollin' all the time
A-green blue jeans and crazy shoes
A-jumpin' on bop street, losing the blues
A-jumpin' here, a-jumpin' there
A-jump jump jumpin' everyhere
The jumpin' Jacksons are hard to beat
'Cause they're the cats 'n' kittens of ol' bop street (jump, jack, jump)
Well it's the street where the cool cats go
To spend their time and their hard earned dough
A-boppin' on bop street, goin' 'round
The juke box music with the rockin' sound
Well a-jumpin' here, jumpin' there
A-jump jump jumpin' everyhere
The jumpin' jacksons are hard to beat
'Cause they're the cats 'n' kittens of ol' bop street
Ba-a-op street, ba-a-op street
"Come on man, let's get going"
"Yeah, let's go on down to bop street"
Ba-a-op street
The song "Bop Street" by Gene Vincent is a rock and roll classic that embodies the energy, excitement, and coolness of the original 1950s rock and roll movement. The dialogue at the beginning of the song set the scene for the listener, as it portrays two young men discussing "Bop Street," a location where the cool cats go to blow off steam, dance to rock and roll, and be seen by their peers. The repetition of the phrase "jumping here, jumping there, jump jump jumpin' everywhere" paints a picture of the frenetic energy and movement of the dancers on Bop Street. The lyrics speak to the rebellious, youthful spirit of the rock and roll era, as well as the sense of community and identity that came with being part of this cultural movement.
The chorus of the song, "Ba-a-op street, ba-a-op street / Oh, it's the cat and kittens of ol' bop street," further emphasizes the sense of camaraderie and belonging that came with being part of the rock and roll subculture. The song also touches on the fashion trends of the time, mentioning "green paint pants" and "crazy shoes," which were emblematic of the youthful energy and rebellion that rock and roll represented. Overall, "Bop Street" is a fun, upbeat rock and roll song that captures the spirit of the genre and the cultural moment in which it emerged.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey cat, where are ya goin' man?
Asking where someone is going
Man, I'm going down to bop street
Answering that they are headed to Bop Street
Tell me cat, where's that di-rection?
Asking for the direction to Bop Street
Man, ain't you heard? they got one of 'em in every town
Replying that Bop Street is in every town
Real cool
Expressing that Bop Street is cool
Jumpin' jacks, they ain't no square
Describing the people on Bop Street as hip and not boring
A green paint pants and great pair
Describing the fashion style on Bop Street as unique and fashionable
On bop street they're the main attraction
Stating that the people on Bop Street are the center of attention
'Cause they're the cats who crave the action
Explaining that the people on Bop Street are always looking for excitement
A-jumpin' here, a-jumpin' there
Describing the dancing on Bop Street as energetic and full of movement
A-jump jump jumpin' everyhere
Repeating that the dancing is very active
The jumpin' Jacksons are hard to beat
Stating that the people on Bop Street are unbeatable in their style and energy
'Cause they're the cats 'n' kittens of ol' bop street (rock)
Referring to the cool and unique vibe of the people on Bop Street
Well, a dreamy day when it starts at nine
Describing the fun and carefree atmosphere on Bop Street
A-rockin' and a-rollin' all the time
Explaining that there is always music and movement on Bop Street
A-green blue jeans and crazy shoes
Describing the fashion style on Bop Street as unconventional and trendy
A-jumpin' on bop street, losing the blues
Stating that people on Bop Street are always having fun and enjoying themselves
Well it's the street where the cool cats go
Describing Bop Street as the place where fashionable and fun people go
To spend their time and their hard earned dough
Explaining that people go to Bop Street to have a good time and spend their money
A-boppin' on bop street, goin' 'round
Describing the dancing and movement on Bop Street as fun and lively
The juke box music with the rockin' sound
Referring to the music on Bop Street as exciting and fitting for dancing
Come on man, let's get going
Encouraging someone to go to Bop Street
Yeah, let's go on down to bop street
Agreeing to go to Bop Street
Ba-a-op street
Repeating the name of Bop Street
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: BILL DAVIS, CLIFF GALLUP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind