Ken Colyer ( 1928 - 1988) was a British traditional jazz revivalist who spe… Read Full Bio ↴Ken Colyer ( 1928 - 1988) was a British traditional jazz revivalist who specialized in the New Orleans jazz and ragtime stylings. He first interfaced with New Orleans players when a young man in the UK's Merchant Navy and after long jaunts at sea, began looking up familiar names in a New Orleans telephone directory found in the Westminster Public Library. When Ken got to the US, he thought nothing of breaking the strict segregation lines in New Orleans and finally he was looking up and sitting in with greats like George Lewis, Doc Souchon, Lizzie Miles and many others before finally over staying his visa. He eventually was deported from the Crescent City but brought back a newly invigorated appreciation for the old jazz sounds. Back in England he started his band the Jazzmen and in the 1950's they became the preeminent New Orleans style UK jazz band, playing many concerts, pubs & festivals, and producing some notable records. The stand-outs are their work with Decca including "They all Played Ragtime," "Club Session With Colyer" and "Colyer Plays Standards," "Marching Back To New Orleans," and "Colyer In Hamburg". He retired eventually to France where he hoped to teach music, but died before fulfilling this quest, and a trust has since been established to carry on his musical legacy and distribute his recordings.

Ice Cream
Ken Colyer's Jazzmen Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Everybody wants Ice cream,
rock, oh rock my baby roll

I scream, you scream, everybody wants Ice cream,
rock, oh rock my baby roll

I scream, you scream,
everybody wants ice cream.

Rock, oh rock my baby roll.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Ken Colyer's Jazzmen's song "Ice Cream" highlight the universal appeal and desire for enjoyment and pleasure. The repeated phrase of "Everybody wants ice cream" serves as a metaphor for seeking happiness and indulgence in life. Ice cream, being a popular treat enjoyed by many, becomes a symbol of the simple joys that everyone craves. The repetition of this line emphasizes the commonality of this desire among people from different backgrounds and walks of life.

The phrase "rock, oh rock my baby roll" conveys a sense of rhythmic energy and excitement. It captures the feeling of being swept away by the music and caught up in the moment. The use of "rock" implies a sense of movement, both physically and emotionally, as if the music is lifting the spirits and encouraging freedom of expression. It could also be interpreted as a call to feel the music in one's soul and let it guide and inspire.

The subsequent line, "I scream, you scream, everybody wants ice cream," follows a playful and repetitive pattern that evokes a sense of camaraderie and unity. It suggests a shared experience of joy and delight. The repetition of the phrase "I scream, you scream" echoes the childhood chant often associated with the excitement and anticipation of getting ice cream. It reinforces the idea that the desire for happiness and pleasure is something that transcends age, race, and other societal divisions.

Overall, "Ice Cream" by Ken Colyer's Jazzmen celebrates the universal human aspiration for joy and enjoyment. It emphasizes the shared desire for the simple pleasures in life, symbolized by the ubiquitous appeal of ice cream. Through its rhythmic and expressive nature, the song encourages listeners to embrace the music, rock and roll, and allow it to uplift and unite them in pursuit of happiness.

Line by Line Meaning

Everybody wants Ice cream
All individuals desire to indulge in the sweet frozen dessert known as ice cream

rock, oh rock my baby roll
Engage in rhythmic movements, my beloved infant, as if rolling and swaying to the beat

I scream, you scream, everybody wants Ice cream
I emit a loud cry, you emit a loud cry, indicating that everyone yearns for ice cream

I scream, you scream
I express a cry of delight, you express a cry of delight

everybody wants ice cream
All individuals have a strong desire for the delectable frozen dessert

Rock, oh rock my baby roll
Engage in rhythmic movements, my beloved infant, as if rolling and swaying to the beat

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Howard E Johnson, Robert A King, Billy Moll

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS