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.
Middle Age Crazy
Jerry Lee Lewis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He got a heck of a deal
On a new Porsche car
He ain't wearing his usual grey business suit
He's got jeans and high boots
With an embroidered star
Don't look for the grey in his hair
'Cause he ain't got any
He's got a young thing beside him
That just melts in his hand
He's middle aged crazy
Trying to prove he still can
He's gotta a woman that he's loved for a long long time at home
Ah but the thrill is all gone
When they cut down the lights
They've got a business that they spent a while coming by
Been a long uphill climb
But now the profits are high
But today he's forty years old going on twenty
And he hears of sordid affairs
And he ain't had any
And the young thing beside him
He knows she understands
That he's middle aged crazy
Trying to prove he still can
Oh, oh
These lyrics speak about a man who is going through a midlife crisis. He has just traded in his reliable family car for a flashy sports car (Porsche) and has changed his usual attire to fit his new lifestyle. He now dresses in jeans and high boots with an embroidered star. Despite being 40 years old, he still wants to feel young and prove that he's still got it. He's got a young woman by his side who is easily swayed by his charm and he's enjoying the attention he's getting from her.
Although he has a stable life with a wife he's loved for a long time and a successful business, this middle-aged man feels like something is missing. He misses the excitement of being young and reckless, and he's desperately trying to hold onto the remnants of his youth. He hears about other people's affairs and wishes he could indulge in similar behavior. However, the young woman with him understands his struggle and is willing to play along.
The song talks about how some people, especially men, try to hold onto their youth even when they're middle-aged. They trade in their reliable cars for flashy sports cars, dress in trendy clothes, and pursue young lovers—all in the hopes of feeling young again. However, in doing so, they miss out on the joy of aging gracefully and appreciating the life they've built.
Line by Line Meaning
Today he traded his big '98 Oldsmobile
Jerry Lee Lewis sets the stage for a narrative about a man who has recently made a big change in his life by selling his old car.
He got a heck of a deal
The man is pleased with the bargain he got in exchange for his old car.
On a new Porsche car
He's upgraded to a flashy, expensive ride.
He ain't wearing his usual grey business suit
The man isn't dressed for business, he's dressed casually to go out and have fun.
He's got jeans and high boots
His wardrobe reflects his desire to be more youthful and adventurous.
With an embroidered star
He's showing off his personal style with a clothing accessory.
And today he's forty years old going on twenty
Despite his age, he's determined to act like he's half his age.
Don't look for the grey in his hair
He's taken steps to conceal signs of aging in his appearance.
'Cause he ain't got any
He's successfully maintained a youthful appearance.
He's got a young thing beside him
He's with a younger woman who is likely flattered by his attention.
That just melts in his hand
The woman is easily swayed by his charm and attention.
He's middle aged crazy
He's acting impulsively and recklessly, typical of someone much younger.
Trying to prove he still can
He's seeking validation of his youth and masculinity by engaging in certain behaviors.
He's gotta a woman that he's loved for a long long time at home
Despite being married or in a long-term relationship, he's chosen to seek excitement elsewhere.
Ah but the thrill is all gone
His relationship with his partner has become boring or predictable.
When they cut down the lights
He's feeling unfulfilled and has started looking for excitement and passion in other aspects of his life.
They've got a business that they spent a while coming by
He and his partner have worked hard to build a successful business.
Been a long uphill climb
The journey to success has been difficult and required a lot of effort.
But now the profits are high
Their hard work has paid off and their business is now making good money.
And he hears of sordid affairs
Despite his own infidelity, he's judgmental of other people's similar behavior or encounters.
And he ain't had any
He's not been involved in any 'sordid affairs' himself--yet.
And the young thing beside him
The younger woman he's with is complicit in his pursuits.
He knows she understands
She knows what he's looking for and is willing to give it to him.
That he's middle aged crazy
He's aware that what he's doing is somewhat wild and uncharacteristic of someone his age.
Trying to prove he still can
He's still seeking affirmation of his youthful vitality through these actions.
Oh, oh
This is a simple refrain or vocalization indicating a moment of contemplation or realization.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: SONNY THROCKMORTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Zack Baker
RIP Jerry. One of my favorite songs of yours.
“And the young thing beside him, he knows she understands. That he's middle aged crazy, trying to prove he still can”
V R
When you drive down a lonely road in an old pickup truck with this playing, looking back on life, it makes sense and stirs the soul.
cowboytroop
Most definitely, well said.
Jimmy Martin
@cowboytroop shit and I'm only 25 😁😞🥃🚬
Arla j. Martin
AMEN!
Browning Belgium
I still hang on to youth, at least in my mind, refusing to grow up or old in my own way. A CORVETTE helps believe it or not.
Door Kicker
This song truly strikes a cord with anyone getting older. Brilliantly done by the Killer.
Jimmy Fox
Any batch that don't know what this man stands for don't now sit bout music
OldSlabDan
Goddamn ,yes . YES
Richard Wright
The best