Jailhouse Rock
John Mellencamp Lyrics
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The prison band was there and they began to wail.
The band was jumpin' down they began to swing.
You should've heard those jailbirds sing.
Let's rock, everybody, let's rock.
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock.
Little Joe was blowin' on the slide trombone.
The drummer boy from Illinois went crash, boom, bang,
The whole rhythm section was the Purple Gang.
Let's rock, everybody, let's rock.
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock.
Well number forty-seven said to number three:
"You're the cutest jailbird I ever did see.
I sure could enjoy some of your company,
Come on and do the Jailhouse Rock with me."
Let's rock, everybody, let's rock.
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock.
Well sad sack was a sittin' on a block of stone
When over in the corner weepin' all alone.
The warden said, "buddy, don't you be no square.
If you can't find a partner use a wooden chair."
Let's rock, everybody, let's rock.
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock.
Well Henry said to Bugs, "For Heaven's sake,
No one's lookin', now's our chance to make a break."
Bugsy turned to Shifty and he said, "Nix nix,
I want to stick around a while and get my kicks."
Let's rock, everybody, let's rock.
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock.
John Mellencamp's "Jailhouse Rock" is a cover of the classic Elvis Presley song of the same name, which was originally featured in the 1957 film Jailhouse Rock. The song tells the tale of a party in the county jail that is thrown by the warden. The prison band is present, and they begin to play some rousing music that inspires the incarcerated to dance and to forget their problems for a while. The song's upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics make it a popular choice for rock 'n' roll enthusiasts, and it remains an iconic staple of the genre.
The lyrics of this song are evocative of the spirit of rock 'n' roll itself. The song emphasizes the power of music to uplift and inspire people, even in the bleakest of settings. The fact that the song takes place in a jail suggests a note of rebellion against authority, which is a common theme in many rock 'n' roll classics. The lyrics highlight the value of camaraderie and joy, as the prisoners come together to dance and enjoy themselves despite their dire circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
The warden threw a party in the county jail.
The warden organized a celebration inside the local jail.
The prison band was there and they began to wail.
A band composed of inmates performed and started playing with vigor.
The band was jumpin' down they began to swing.
The band was doing some lively and enjoyable music.
You should've heard those jailbirds sing.
The prisoners sang very well.
Let's rock, everybody, let's rock.
The performer is encouraging everyone to dance and have fun.
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock.
Everyone in the cell block danced to the music.
Well Spider Murphy played on the saxophone,
Little Joe was blowin' on the slide trombone.
Spider Murphy played saxophone and Little Joe played the slide trombone.
The drummer boy from Illinois went crash, boom, bang,
The whole rhythm section was the Purple Gang.
The percussionist from Illinois played loudly, and the entire rhythm section was composed of the Purple Gang.
Well number forty-seven said to number three:
"You're the cutest jailbird I ever did see.
I sure could enjoy some of your company,
Come on and do the Jailhouse Rock with me."
Prisoner number 47 saw prisoner number 3 and remarked that they were the most adorable prisoner they had ever seen, proposing that they dance together.
Well sad sack was a sittin' on a block of stone
When over in the corner weepin' all alone.
The warden said, "Buddy, don't you be no square.
If you can't find a partner use a wooden chair."
A despondent prisoner sat on a block of stone and wept, but the warden reassured them not to worry and that they could dance with a chair if they couldn't find a partner.
Well Henry said to Bugs, "For Heaven's sake,
No one's lookin', now's our chance to make a break."
Bugsy turned to Shifty and he said, "Nix nix,
I want to stick around a while and get my kicks."
Henry told Bugs that they could use the chance to escape, but Bugs disagreed, preferring to stay and have fun.
Let's rock, everybody, let's rock.
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock.
The performer reiterates the invitation to dance and emphasizes that everyone in the cell block is participating in the festivities.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind