Like Elvis Presley, he was raised singing the Christian gospel music of integrated southern Pentecostal churches. In 1950 he attended Southwestern Bible Institute in Texas but was expelled for misconduct, including playing rock and roll versions of hymns in church. Pearry Green (then president of the student body) related how during a talent show Jerry played some worldly music. The next morning the Dean of the school called both Jerry and Pearry into his office to expel them both. Jerry then said that Pearry shouldn't be expelled because "he didn't know what I was going to do." Years later Pearry asked Jerry: "Are you still playing the devil's music?" Jerry replied, "Yes, I am. But you know it's strange, the same music that they kicked me out of school for is the same kind of music they play in their churches today. The difference is, I know I am playing for the devil and they don't."
Leaving religious music behind, he became a part of the burgeoning new rock and roll sound, cutting his first record in 1954. Two years later, at Sun Records studio in Memphis, Tennessee, producer and engineer Jack Clement discovered and recorded Lewis for the Sun label, while owner Sam Phillips was away on a trip to Florida. As a result, Lewis joined Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash as stars who began their recording careers at Sun Studios around this same time.
Lewis' first recording at Sun studios was his own distinct version of the country ballad Crazy Arms. In 1957, his piano and the pure rock and roll sound of Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On propelled him to international fame. Great Balls of Fire soon followed, and would become his biggest hit. Watching and listening to Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis said if he could play the piano like that, he'd quit singing. Lewis' early billing was Jerry Lee Lewis and his Pumping Piano.
Lewis was a pioneer of piano rock, not only through his sound by also through his dynamic performance. He would often kick the piano bench out of the way to play standing, rake his hands up and down the keyboard for dramatic accent, and even sit down on it. His frenetic performance style can be seen in films such as High School Confidential (he sang the title song from the back of a flatbed truck), and Jamboree. These performance techniques have been adopted by recent piano rock artists, notably admirer Elton John.
Drinkin' Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee
Jerry Lee Lewis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Drinkin' that mess is their delight when they get drunk start singin' all night
Drinkin' wine spo-dee-o-dee drinkin' wine wine spo-dee-o-dee drinkin' wine
Wine spo-dee-o-dee drinkin' wine pass that bottle to me
Now I've got a nickel have you got a dime let's get together and get a little wine
Some buys a gallon some buys a quart
When you buy black beer now you're doin' things smart
Down on Rempart Street in Willie's den he would sell but a gill of gin
One cat wanted a bottle of wine he hooked that cat for a dollar and a dime
Drinkin' wine spo-dee-o-dee...
The lyrics of Jerry Lee Lewis's song "Drinkin' Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee" describe the drinking culture of New Orleans. The song is about people enjoying their time by drinking wine, singing songs, and having fun. The first verse describes New Orleans as a city where everything is fine and where everyone is drinking wine. The phrase "drinkin' that mess is their delight" signifies that the people enjoy drinking wine and have a good time while doing so. The chorus "drinkin' wine spo-dee-o-dee" repeats multiple times, emphasizing the joy of drinking wine.
The second verse tells us that drinking wine is a social activity. It's a way to get together and have fun. The phrase "pass that bottle to me" signifies that sharing the wine is a common practice that promotes friendship and togetherness. The lyrics also describe how people get creative in their ways of buying wine: some buy a gallon, some buy a quart. The phrase "when you buy black beer, now you're doin' things smart" is a reference to the fact that buying alcohol in large quantities is a more cost-effective way of purchasing it.
The third verse talks about a particular place in New Orleans called Willie's den, located on Rempart Street. The place was famous for selling gin and wine, and the lyrics talk about how people would come to buy wine from there. The phrase "hooked that cat for a dollar and a dime" might be an indication that the price of wine fluctuated depending on the demand. Overall, the lyrics of Jerry Lee Lewis's song "Drinkin' Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee" celebrate the drinking culture of New Orleans, emphasizing the social aspect of drinking and the joy it brings.
Line by Line Meaning
Down in New Orleans where everything's fine all them cats is drinkin' that wine
In New Orleans, people are enjoying their lives by drinking wine.
Drinkin' that mess is their delight when they get drunk start singin' all night
Drinking that wine brings them joy and when they get drunk, they start singing all night long.
Drinkin' wine spo-dee-o-dee drinkin' wine wine spo-dee-o-dee drinkin' wine
They are singing and celebrating their love for wine with the lyrics of this song.
Wine spo-dee-o-dee drinkin' wine pass that bottle to me
Hand me that bottle of wine so that I can drink some too.
Now I've got a nickel have you got a dime let's get together and get a little wine
I have some money but not enough to buy wine, so let's combine our money and buy some wine together.
Some buys a gallon some buys a quart
Some people buy a lot of wine, and some buy just a little.
When you buy black beer now you're doin' things smart
Buying black beer is a smart choice because it is cheaper than wine, which allows you to save money.
Down on Rempart Street in Willie's den he would sell but a gill of gin
On Rempart Street, Willie sells gin in small quantities.
One cat wanted a bottle of wine he hooked that cat for a dollar and a dime
Someone wanted to buy a bottle of wine but Willie sold the bottle for a price higher than its worth- a dollar and ten cents.
Drinkin' wine spo-dee-o-dee...
The song repeats its lyrics to celebrate the joy of drinking wine during the night in New Orleans.
Lyrics Ā© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GRANVILLE STICKS MCGHEE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@flintlong2937
This is a really good recording and mix, in my opinion because it captures the drivin' sound of Jerry's piano and the band real well. Also the Killer seems to be having a good energetic day vocally on piano as well! I think the essence of the whole Jerry Lee Lewis experience is represented here very well.
@sandraweilbrenner67
Rest in peace Jerry , you are rock n roll.
@madgerussell654
Nobody can lift your spirits like Jerry Lee.
@barrym9610
And wine
@gingerjeanbacall
@@barrym9610 both dont hurt. :)
@EddieGoodnight-ms4ok
You got that right
@stupendous1068
And beer.
@JPatelLive
More updated is James Brown! Soul brother no. 1! Gets you off ya arzz! šÆ šŗš¾
@ClarkBrenner
You can not compare Jerry Lee Lewis to any other musician. He's just got that different talent. Elvis had his own thing going on and so does Jerry Lee.
@gerrymcguckin2312
Elvis & Jerry Lee were cousins, dontcha know...?