While a first album (entitled Better Than the Rest) was recorded in 1974, the major recording debut came with the release of the eponymous album 'George Thorogood & The Destroyers', released in 1977 (Better Than the Rest was eventually released in 1979). The next album, entitled Move It On Over, was released in the autumn of 1978 and included the hit "Move It On Over" . Other singles from the album included "Please Set A Date" and "Who Do You Love".
During the 1980s, and 1990s, the band recorded some of their most well-known works, "Bad to the Bone" (used to great effect during the bar scene in Terminator 2: Judgment Day, and in the opening scene of John Carpenter's Christine), "I Drink Alone" (from the 'Maverick' album), "You Talk Too Much", and "If You Don't Start Drinking, I'm Gonna Leave".
Thorogood himself is best-known for his animated stage presence and loud, raucous electric slide guitar playing. He is also known as "Lonesome George".
Also seen as or called George Thorogood & the Destroyers.
Official Website: George Thorogood And The Destroyers
Willie And The Hand Jive
George Thorogood and the Destroyers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He's got a groovy little chick named Rocking' Lily
Yeah, rock and rolling Suzie Q
Do that crazy old hand jive, too
Mama, mama, look at Sister Flo
Doing that hand jive with Uncle Joe
When I gave little sister a dime
Hand jive, hand jive, hand jive
Do that crazy hand jive
A doctor, a lawyer and an Indian Chief
They all dig that Diddley beat
Way-out Willie gave them all a treat
When he did that hand jive with his feet
Hand jive, hand jive, hand jive
Do that crazy hand jive
Papa told Willie, you'll ruin my home
You and that hand jive have got to go
Willie told Papa, don't you put me down
They're doing that hand jive all around town
Hand jive, hand jive, hand jive
Do that crazy hand jive
Willie and Lily got married last fall
They had a little Willie Junior, and that ain't all
Well, the baby got famous in his crib, you see
When he did that hand jive on MTV
Hand jive, hand jive, hand jive (woo)
Do that crazy hand jive
Hand jive, hand jive, hand jive
Do that crazy hand jive, yeah, yeah
The song Willie And The Hand Jive by George Thorogood and the Destroyers is essentially an ode to the art of hand jiving, a dance popularized in the 1950s. The lyrics depict various characters, including Way-out Willie, his girlfriend Lily, Sister Flo, Uncle Joe and even a doctor, a lawyer and an Indian Chief, all engaging in the energetic hand jive dance. Even Willie and Lily's baby gets in on the act, becoming famous after performing the hand jive on MTV.
This catchy tune not only highlights the infectious rhythm of the hand jive, but also showcases the ability of music to bring people together and bridge social barriers. The inclusion of characters from different walks of life, such as a doctor, a lawyer and an Indian Chief, all enjoying the same music and dance is a clear message of unity and camaraderie.
Overall, Willie And The Hand Jive is a lively and enjoyable song that celebrates the timeless appeal of rock and roll music and dance.
Line by Line Meaning
I know a cat named Way-out Willie
I am acquainted with a man named Way-out Willie
He's got a groovy little chick named Rocking' Lily
Willie is in a romantic relationship with a woman named Rocking' Lily
Yeah, rock and rolling Suzie Q
Another person named Suzie Q is also into rock and roll music
Do that crazy old hand jive, too
Perform the hand jive dance move in a wild and exciting manner
Mama, mama, look at Sister Flo
Calling attention to Flo, a family member or acquaintance, sometimes in disbelief or wonderment
Doing that hand jive with Uncle Joe
Flo is performing the hand jive dance move with Uncle Joe
When I gave little sister a dime
Giving a small amount of money to a younger female sibling
I said do that hand jive one more time
Requesting someone to perform the hand jive dance move again
A doctor, a lawyer and an Indian Chief
Referring to a diverse group of people who all enjoy the same music
They all dig that Diddley beat
All three people enjoy the music of Bo Diddley and his signature beat
Way-out Willie gave them all a treat
Willie provided entertainment for the group of diverse individuals
When he did that hand jive with his feet
Willie danced the hand jive, incorporating foot movements into the routine
Papa told Willie, you'll ruin my home
Willie's father disapproves of his enjoyment of rock and roll music and the hand jive dance in particular
You and that hand jive have got to go
Willie's father wants him to stop dancing the hand jive and possibly cease listening to rock and roll music
Willie told Papa, don't you put me down
Willie disagrees with his father and does not want him to criticize his lifestyle and interests
They're doing that hand jive all around town
Many people in the town are enjoying doing the hand jive dance move
Willie and Lily got married last fall
Willie and Lily were married recently, specifically in the last autumn season
They had a little Willie Junior, and that ain't all
The couple had a son named Willie Junior
Well, the baby got famous in his crib, you see
The baby gained notoriety for performing the hand jive dance while still in his crib
When he did that hand jive on MTV
The baby's performance was broadcast on the music television channel MTV
Hand jive, hand jive, hand jive (woo)
Repeatedly chanting the name of the hand jive dance move, with an added exclamation
Do that crazy hand jive
Encouraging others to perform the hand jive dance move in a wild and exciting manner
Hand jive, hand jive, hand jive
Repeating the name of the hand jive dance move for emphasis
Do that crazy hand jive, yeah, yeah
Repeatedly encouraging others to perform the hand jive dance move in an enthusiastic manner
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOHNNY OTIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind