Castle Rock
Harry James & His Orchestra Lyrics
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I held her tight and danced around the clock
We rocked to romance to the Castle Rock,
She kissed me and I kissed my heart goodbye.
I felt like I was drifting 'cross the sky.
We rocked to heaven to the Castle Rock.
Music was soft and low, setting me all aglow,
Holding it to my heart, how could I dream we'd part.
Now everytime they play the Castle Rock,
I'll take myself a walk around the block.
Till she comes back to dance the Castle Rock.
(Go get em, Harry [James], for old time's sake)
I'm mad at dancing to the Castle Rock,
I held her tight and danced around the clock.
We rocked to romance to the Castle Rock.
Now everytime they play the Castle Rock,
I'll take myself a walk around the block,
Till she comes back to dance the Castle Rock.
Till she comes back to dance the Castle Rock.
The lyrics to Harry James & His Orchestra's song Castle Rock describe a romantic encounter that takes place during a dance to the Castle Rock. The singer meets a woman and they dance together all night, enjoying each other's company and feeling like they're flying. The music is soft and sets the mood for a romantic experience that leaves the singer feeling like he's found the one. However, the woman suddenly disappears, leaving the singer feeling lost and dreaming of her return. Every time the Castle Rock is played, he takes a walk around the block, hoping for her to return so they can dance together again.
The song is a classic swing tune that originated during the big band era. It's popularity and catchy tune make it a favored dance song even up to today. The lyrics capture the carefree, romantic atmosphere of the time, when dance halls were filled with young people looking to connect with one another through the art of dance. The Castle Rock was a popular dance style during this time, featuring a triple step and rock step that was easy to learn and fun to do.
Line by Line Meaning
I met her dancing to the Castle Rock,
I first laid eyes on her while we were both dancing to the Castle Rock.
I held her tight and danced around the clock
We danced for what seemed like an eternity, holding onto each other tightly.
We rocked to romance to the Castle Rock,
As we danced to the Castle Rock, we felt a romantic connection.
She kissed me and I kissed my heart goodbye.
Her kiss was so powerful, it felt like my heart no longer belonged to me.
I felt like I was drifting 'cross the sky.
I felt weightless and entranced, like I was floating among the clouds.
We rocked to heaven to the Castle Rock.
Our dance felt ethereal and divine, like we were transported to heaven.
Music was soft and low, setting me all aglow,
The music was gentle and soothing, making me feel warm and radiant.
Holding it to my heart, how could I dream we'd part.
I held her tightly, unable to imagine ever being separated from her.
Suddenly she was gone, leaving me dreaming on,
She disappeared just as suddenly as she had appeared, leaving me lost in a dreamlike state.
Now everytime they play the Castle Rock,
Whenever I hear the Castle Rock, I'm reminded of her and our dance together.
I'll take myself a walk around the block.
I'll try to distract myself and walk around to clear my mind.
Till she comes back to dance the Castle Rock.
I hope she'll come back one day and we can dance the Castle Rock together again.
I'm mad at dancing to the Castle Rock,
I'm angry that our dance to the Castle Rock ended so abruptly and that she left so suddenly.
I held her tight and danced around the clock.
I long for the feeling of holding her tightly and dancing to the Castle Rock again.
Till she comes back to dance the Castle Rock.
I hope and pray that one day she'll return and we can dance the Castle Rock together again.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: JIMMY SHIRL, E. DRAKE, AL SEARS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
sparkescadman
Excellent song! Recorded 7-19-1951 in Hollywood with Harry James and Ray Conniff on this. To me, this is one of Mr. Sinatra's best recordings. It points to the direction he wanted to go and did on Capitol, two years later.
makimaki papura
finally, this is the first time I've heard the full song. btw I thought Frank disliked Rock-and roll.
Zev Feldman
AWESOME SWING BY FRANKIE
blackeyedjoe
@swilsonsww you're right the recording is from the very early 50's - and that is still early (if you think about his later successes like "New York, New York" and "Strangers in the night").
James McEwan
This is from 1951, and the period at Columbia where he was forced to sing second rate songs-I actually like this because it's a great Sinatra recording, but the song is in reality second rate
Nostalgic Memories
Prototype rock...
David Fletcher
From the era at Columbia when Mitch Miller was not only following the bouncing ball on the "Sing-Along," but was the label's A&R chief. He felt Sinatra was losing pop appeal (FS's sales were WAY down by '50), and fed him miserable nuggets like "Mamma Will Bark" with Dagmar, and my personal fave, "Bim Bam Baby" (yes, perverse, but ..I mean come on..."clim clam clean up the rim ram room...."...too cool!) Yet, "Castle Rock" really swings, and it's a shame they didn't set up a reunion LP w/HJ.
Marie Dietz
@jcghooker In a later interview Frank said that rock was not an option for him because he wouldn't know how to do that kind of music. To which Clive Davis (I think) said "but you can 'really swing"..Frank said that's not the same thing because that's jazz. Frank was being respectful of the skills it took to be a rock singer. He had mixed feelings, (most of his anti-rock comments were in a 1950's French interview--and the French were Jazz aficionados who had little respect for rock.)
Jason_G
When he did those rock inspired songs in the late 60s and early 70s, it wasn't bad at all...actually it was pretty neat...(something, lady day, Goin out of my head, Watertown album..)
Bud Lehn
This really cooks!