Sam Phillips, then a fledgling in the record business, produced "Rocket 88," Brenston's debut waxing, in Memphis. The singer/saxist was backed by Ike Turner's Kings of Rhythm, an aggregation that Brenston had joined the previous year. Turner played piano on the tune; Willie Kizart supplied dirty, distorted guitar. Billed as by Jackie Brenston & His Delta Cats, "Rocket 88" drove up to the top slot on the R&B charts and remained there for more than a month. But none of his Chess follow-ups sported the same high-octane performance, though "Real Gone Rocket" was certainly a deserving candidate.
Brenston's slide from the spotlight was swift. After a few more Chess singles stiffed (including a duet with Edna McRaney, "Hi-Ho Baby"), Brenston reunited with Turner in 1955, holding down the baritone sax chair until 1962. He cut a series of terrific sides fronting Turner's Kings of Rhythm along the way: "Gonna Wait for My Chance" and "Much Later" for Federal in 1956, "You've Got to Lose" for Chicago's Cobra label in 1958 (also doing session work there with Otis Rush and Buddy Guy), and "You Ain't the One" for Sue in 1961. After a final single for Mel London's Mel-Lon imprint, Brenston was through; he worked as a truck driver and showed little interest in reliving his glory years
Rocket '88
Jackie Brenston Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You heard the noise they make
Let me introduce you to my Rocket '88
Yes, it's great, just won't wait
Everybody likes my Rocket '88
Baby, we'll will ride in style movin' all along
V-8 motor and this modern design
Sportin' with me, ridin' all around town for joy
Blow your horn, rocket, blow your horn
Step in my rocket and don't be late
We're pullin' out about a half past eight
Goin' on the corner and havin' some fun
Takin' my rocket on a long, hot run
Ooh, goin' out, oozin' and cruisin' and havin' fun
Now that you've ridden in my Rocket '88
I'll be around every night about eight
You know it's great, don't be late
Everybody likes my Rocket '88
Girls will ride in style, movin' all along
The lyrics of Jackie Brenston's song "Rocket 88" describe his admiration for his car, a Rocket '88, and his desire to take his girl for a ride in it. The first verse is an introduction to the car, which is described as superior to other jalopies. The second verse highlights the specific features of the car, such as its V-8 motor and modern design, which appeal to both Brenston and his lady friend. He even encourages the car to "blow its horn" to show off its power.
In the chorus, Brenston invites his girl to join him on a ride around town, promising her she will "ride in style." He invites her to "step in my rocket" and not be late for their departure. The final verse is almost like a sales pitch- Brenston promises to be available every night at 8 pm for more joyrides in his Rocket '88.
Overall, the lyrics describe the excitement and freedom that comes from driving a powerful and stylish car, and the thrill of sharing that experience with someone special.
Line by Line Meaning
You woman have heard of jalopies
Hey ladies, I know you've heard of old, noisy cars
You heard the noise they make
You know how loud they can be
Let me introduce you to my Rocket '88
Let me show you my fancy, new car
Yes, it's great, just won't wait
It's amazing and can't be beat
Everybody likes my Rocket '88
Everyone loves my fancy car
Baby, we'll will ride in style movin' all along
We'll look good cruising around town
V-8 motor and this modern design
It's got a powerful engine and a sleek look
Black convertible top and the girls don't mind
The ladies love the convertible top
Sportin' with me, ridin' all around town for joy
Having fun driving around with me
Blow your horn, rocket, blow your horn
Let's make some noise while driving
Step in my rocket and don't be late
Get in the car and don't keep me waiting
We're pullin' out about a half past eight
We're leaving at 8:30
Goin' on the corner and havin' some fun
Let's go have fun around town
Takin' my rocket on a long, hot run
Driving the car for a long, enjoyable ride
Ooh, goin' out, oozin' and cruisin' and havin' fun
Going out, relaxing, and having a good time
Now that you've ridden in my Rocket '88
Now that you've experienced my fancy car
I'll be around every night about eight
I'll be available to take you for a ride every night at 8
You know it's great, don't be late
It's an awesome car, so don't miss out
Girls will ride in style, movin' all along
Ladies will look great riding around with me
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JACKIE BRENSTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
GABBEE BEE
Sax and Vocals... my Late Grandfather may he rest in peace and live forever... his widow, my grandmother, is still living.
Eileen Castillo🐞
😊💙👏👏👏👏
Ryan Reeves
Making music like this leaves not only an indelible legacy but also you know he had one hell of a good time!!! What a life!
Durwood Ball
The doubling of the bass and guitar on the boogie line is a classic rock and roll signature.
jim graham
cannot stop my feet from tappin!! no wonder this took off, it was waaaaaaaaaaaay cooooooool man
Big Chief
One of the first songs to define "Rock N' Roll"
James Dean
I think a lot of old ragtime songs also resemble a lot of rock and roll styles.
SoonerHistory
Pete Johnson hit rock standards in 1938. Roy Brown wrote and recorded Good Rockin Tonight in 1947. Looking for something to predate 1938 tho. Wynonie did Good Rockin in 48, and oddly enough, it sounds like Jerry Lee before Jerry Lee. Jimmy Preston had rock in 1948. Jackie Brenston did have the most upbeat recording in 51. Not many come before 1947 bc the R&B clubs would get upbeat during the night and the recording industry wasn't into it. Recordings of Big Joe Turner came around the same time the late 30s on. No telling how many acetate recordings broke in the 1930s and 40s. I still give rock n roll a fully mastered style, alone, in the early 50s.
BillyKnockout's Hot Rod Garage
@Nelson Nino no sir ! Just take a listen to Big Joe Turner ,Wynonie Harris or big mama Thorton
Nelson Nino
So far as I know, this song is the first rock song in history.