I Will Rock And Roll With You
Johnny Cash Lyrics
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All of us ran through
When Elvis opened up the door
With a pup-and-pup-and-boo
I didn't ever play much rock and roll
'Cause I got so much country in my soul
But I'm a different man for lovin' you
And baby I will rock and roll with you
If I have to
Memphis 1955 on Newton Avenue
Carl and Jerry and Charlie and Roy
And Billy Riley too
A new sun risin' on the way we sing
And a world of weirdo's waitin' in the wings
But I love you and though I'm past 42
There are still a few things yet I didn't do
And baby I will rock and roll with you
If I have to
The song I Will Rock And Roll With You by Johnny Cash is a beautiful tribute to the rockabilly era that emerged in the late 1950s. In the song, Cash reflects on his musical journey and the way rockabilly music influenced him personally and as an artist. The first verse of the song refers to the early days of rock and roll when Elvis Presley opened the door for other artists to pursue this new genre of music. Cash was himself often called 'Rockabilly' which indicates his association with the genre, although he confesses that he was always more of a country artist at heart. However, the chorus of the song implies that his love for his partner is causing him to change and grow, and he is willing to take a shot at rocking out with her.
The second verse of I Will Rock And Roll With You takes listeners back to Memphis, 1955, and mentions some of the big names in rockabilly music from that era, including Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Charlie Rich, and Roy Orbison. Cash recalls the excitement that this new genre brought to the music industry; a new sun was rising, and a world of weirdos was waiting in the wings. Despite being past 42, which was presumably an old age to be pursuing a new genre of music, Cash claims that there are still a few things that he hasn't done, and he is willing to explore them with the person he loves.
I Will Rock And Roll With You is a sentimental song that underscores the way love can inspire us to take risks and try new things. Cash's lyrics reveal his admiration for the rockabilly era and the musicians that played a significant role in his musical journey.
Line by Line Meaning
They used to call me Rockabilly
I was once known as a Rockabilly musician.
All of us ran through
At one point, all Rockabilly artists were very popular.
When Elvis opened up the door
When Elvis Presley became famous, it opened doors for other Rockabilly artists.
With a pup-and-pup-and-boo
This is a reference to Elvis Presley's song 'Heartbreak Hotel.'
I didn't ever play much rock and roll
I never played a lot of rock and roll music in my career.
'Cause I got so much country in my soul
My preference was for country music and it was what I was known for.
But I'm a different man for lovin' you
My love for you has changed me and made me willing to try new things.
And I take a shot at what you ask me to
I am willing to take a chance and try new things for you.
And baby I will rock and roll with you
I am willing to try rock and roll music for you.
If I have to
I will do whatever it takes to make you happy.
Memphis 1955 on Newton Avenue
This is a reference to the birthplace of Rockabilly music in Memphis in the year 1955.
Carl and Jerry and Charlie and Roy
These are names of other Rockabilly musicians from that time period.
And Billy Riley too
Billy Riley was another famous Rockabilly musician from that era.
A new sun risin' on the way we sing
Rockabilly music was a new and exciting genre that was changing the way people sang and listened to music.
And a world of weirdo's waitin' in the wings
There were many unusual and unique musicians who were inspired by the new genre of Rockabilly music.
But I love you and though I'm past 42
Even though I am getting older, my love for you remains strong and drives me to try new things.
There are still a few things yet I didn't do
There are still a few things in life that I have not experienced, and trying rock and roll music is one of them.
And baby I will rock and roll with you
I am willing to try new things and explore new genres of music with you.
If I have to
I am committed to making this work and I will do whatever it takes to make you happy.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHNNY R. CASH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Anonymous
on Wayfaring Stranger
Wayfaring Stranger - The New Appalachians - Lyrics
I am a poor wayfaring stranger
Traveling through this world alone
There will be no sickness, toil or danger
In that grand land to which I roam
Well I'm going home to see my mother
I'm going home to a morning rose
I'm only goin' over Jordan
I'm only goin' over home
Musical Interlude
I know dark clouds will gather 'round me
I know my way is rough and steep
And beautiful fields lie just before me
Where God's redeemed there vigils keep
Well I'm going home to see my brothers
I'm going home no more to roam
I'm only goin' over Jordan
I'm only goin' over home
Musical Interlude
I'm going home to see my Father
I'm going home no more to roam
I'm only goin' over Jordan
I’m only goin’ where no one roams
I want to wear that crown of glory
When I get to that good land
I want to shout out salvation story
In concert with that blood washed band.
I'm going there to see my saviour
I’ll see his face no more to roam
I'm only going over Jordan
I'm only going over home
I'm only goin' over home