Jailhouse Rock
Jeff Beck ft. Rod Stewart Lyrics


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The warden threw a party in the county jail
The prison band was there, and they began to wail
The band began to-jumping, they began to swing
You should have heard the knock down jailbird sing

Let's rock, everybody let's rock
Oh everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancing to the jailhouse rock
Number forty-seven said to number three

You're the cutest jailbird I ever did see
I sure would be delighted with your company
So come and do the jailhouse rock with me
Let's rock, everybody let's rock

Oh everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancing to the jailhouse rock, yeah!
Spider Murphy played on the tenor saxophone
Little Joe was blowin' on a slide trombone

Drummer boy from Illinois was crash-a-bam boomin'
The whole rhythm section was the purple gang
Let's rock, everybody let's rock
Everybody in the whole cell block

Was dancing to the jailhouse rock
Listen

Dancing to the jailhouse rock
Dancing to the jailhouse rock
Dancing to the jailhouse rock
Dancing to the jailhouse rock

Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancing to the jailhouse rock, yeah!
Everybody in the whole cell block
Dancing to the jailhouse rock
C'mon

Dancing to the jailhouse rock
Dancing to the jailhouse rock
Dancing to the jailhouse rock
Dancing to the jailhouse rock





Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancing to the jailhouse...

Overall Meaning

The song "Jailhouse Rock" by Jeff Beck is a cover of Elvis Presley's classic hit. The song describes an event in which the warden throws a party in the county jail and the prison band plays music for the inmates. The band's performance is so good that even the inmates start dancing and singing along to the music. The lyrics are simply about having a good time and enjoying the music. In the second verse, a conversation between two inmates can be heard; one inmate compliments another and suggests they dance the "jailhouse rock" together.


The song is a celebration of music and dance, and it captures the exuberance and joy that can be found even in the most unlikely of places. Even in jail, the music brings people together and spreads happiness. The lyrics also highlight the role of music in breaking down social barriers and connecting people from different backgrounds. The song is a timeless classic that conveys the power of music to bring people together and lift their spirits.


Line by Line Meaning

The warden threw a party in the county jail
The prison warden threw a party inside the county jail


The prison band was there, and they began to wail
The jail's band was present and they started to play loud and wild music


The band began to-jumping, they began to swing
The band began to dance and play lively music


You should have heard the knock down jailbird sing
The listener should have heard the talented prisoner sing really well amidst the chaos


Let's rock, everybody let's rock
Let's dance energetically to the lively music


Oh everybody in the whole cell block
Every single prisoner in the block


Was dancing to the jailhouse rock
Was dancing to the upbeat music played within the jailhouse


Number forty-seven said to number three
A prisoner named number forty-seven said to another prisoner named number three


You're the cutest jailbird I ever did see
You are the most attractive or endearing prisoner I have ever encountered


I sure would be delighted with your company
I would be really happy to spend time with you


So come and do the jailhouse rock with me
Let's dance together to the lively music within the jailhouse


Spider Murphy played on the tenor saxophone
A musician called Spider Murphy played the tenor saxophone


Little Joe was blowin' on a slide trombone
Little Joe was playing the slide trombone loudly


Drummer boy from Illinois was crash-a-bam boomin'
The drummer from Illinois was playing the drums loudly and with great enthusiasm


The whole rhythm section was the purple gang
The entire group of musicians playing together had a unique style of music


Listen
Pay attention and listen to the music


Everybody in the whole cell block
Every single person in the jail cell block


Dancing to the jailhouse rock
Dancing energetically to the upbeat music within the jailhouse


C'mon
Come on and join in the dancing and music




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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