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.
Mean Old Man
Jerry Lee Lewis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If I look like a mean old man that's what I am
If I look like a mean old man
Who'll duke you any way he can
To break your heart and kiss your hand
That's what I am
If I look like a good old friend that's what I am
If I look like a good old friend
Who's good at bending with the wind
To be your friend right to the end
That's what I am
And if I look like a voodoo doll that's what I am
If I look like a voodoo doll that's what I am
If I look like a voodoo doll
Who takes his licking standing tall
Who'd rather bite you back than crawl
That's what I am
If I look like your uncle bob that's what I am
If I look like your uncle bob that's what I am
If I look like your uncle bob
Who likes to slap you on the back and rob you
While he still can do the job
That's what I am
If I look like a voodoo doll that's what I am
If I look like a voodoo doll that's what I am
If I look like a voodoo doll
Who takes his licking standing tall
Who'd rather bite you back than crawl
That's what I am
That's what I am
That's what you are!
Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Mean Old Man” is a song about self-awareness and the different facets of personality in all of us. The lyrics emphasize that what you see is what you get, and that the singer is not going to apologize for who he is. The first verse states that if he looks like a mean old man, that is exactly what he is. He is not going to sugar-coat his intentions and is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals, even if it means breaking hearts along the way. However, the second verse goes on to say that if he looks like a good old friend, that is also part of him. He is willing to be flexible and accommodating to his friends, and will stick with them no matter what.
The reference to a voodoo doll in the third verse is interesting, as it suggests that the singer may at times feel like he is being manipulated or controlled by others. Despite this, he takes pride in being able to stand tall and defend himself, refusing to be a victim. The final verse brings everything together and reminds us that everyone has multiple sides to their personality, and that it’s those differences that make us unique. Whether he looks like your Uncle Bob or a voodoo doll, Jerry Lee Lewis’s message is clear: what you see is what you get, and that’s something to be proud of.
Line by Line Meaning
If I look like a mean old man that's what I am
I am a mean old man and I have no intention of pretending otherwise.
If I look like a mean old man
Who'll duke you any way he can
To break your heart and kiss your hand
That's what I am
I am a mean old man who is willing to fight and hurt you to show my affection for you in a twisted way.
If I look like a good old friend that's what I am
I am a good old friend and I will always be there for you.
If I look like a good old friend
Who's good at bending with the wind
To be your friend right to the end
That's what I am
I am a good old friend who can adapt and mold myself to any circumstance to stay as your friend forever.
If I look like a voodoo doll that's what I am
I am a dangerous person, like a voodoo doll, and I won't let you mess with me.
If I look like a voodoo doll
Who takes his licking standing tall
Who'd rather bite you back than crawl
That's what I am
I am a tough person who can take a beating and still stand strong. I prefer to retaliate instead of giving in.
If I look like your uncle bob that's what I am
I am just like your uncle Bob, but perhaps more ominous and harmful.
If I look like your uncle bob
Who likes to slap you on the back and rob you
While he still can do the job
That's what I am
I am like your uncle Bob, who shows false affection but ultimately robs and hurts you while he still can.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Kris Kristofferson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jean-christophedibatista1893
No jerry lee said: i don t say i m the king i said i m the best..
But i thing that a rocker must be singer and musician
And elvis is only a singer who paid a few cents for the rights of songs from otis blackwell and made his golden hits in 56 .
Elvis never did a solo or introduction whith a guitar..
And it is funny to see him playing piano.
There are 2 kings in rockn roll piano
Jerry lee lewis and little richard
And a
One king in rock n roll guitar chuck berry.
When you are musician or dancing man or woman, it s easy to play or to dance a song of elvis.
It is not the same to play or yo dance rock n songs of jerry lee ,little richard or chuck berry...
Do you play guitar or piano?
Are you dancing rock roll?
@jean-christophedibatista1893
Elvis good voice but only a singer
He never did solo or introduction with a guitar(he only knew 3 chords..) and see him playing piano and you will laugh...
He had a beautiful face...
And paid a few cents for the rights of otis blackwell songs...
Jerry lee sings songs of blackwell but he s able to plays these songs..
It is not the case of elvis..
With a guitar elvis is only able to sing a slow song. He needs his guitarist or piano to have rythm..
Jeery lee,little richard or chuck berry don t need other people for rythm..
All of the people who like to play or dance rock nroll know that it is more difficult to dance or to play a song of jerry lee, little richard ,chuck berry,than one of elvis.
@ConexionConstante
ES EL MEJOR VIDEO QUE EN MIS 31 AÑOS HE VISTO SOBRE JERRY LEE LEWIS !!!! "MEAN OLD MAN" OTRO ÉXITO DE UN VIEJO ROCKERO!!!
@williamschutz4982
Jerry and Mick doing "dead flowers" was one of the best recorded songs ever!!!
@Buelligan88
This guy is more rock and roll than any cat out there.
@kencrowe2809
Jerry lee Lewis another Top of the Heap standout!!!!
@vinnlespalatrio7113
I was one of jerry Lee’s bodyguards at the first viva Las Vegas show he did. wow what a great guy!! God bless him for still busting it out like he was in his 20s still he viva again this year and killed it!!! Long life and much love sir.!!!
@msattler111
Not too many of us ol' rockers left anymore.
Long live the king.
@sacredgeometry2344
Brilliant man and brilliant piano playing amazing , he is a strong person with a good sense of humor
@jimrees1778
Jerry has always been my hero. I copied his piano style, and got a chance to see him live in Cincinnati Ohio around 15 or so years ago. Wow, what a show he put on!!! Just wish I could have shaken his hand.
@Gioagla
"it s not the money ...it s the love of music ...! " did you heard that ?? epic phrase man !! he did everything with passion and love for the music .... money doesn t define your person or tallent , id s a God s gift ....and he got it !!
@lindavarnadore2686
Rudolf Vizi