Jersey Bounce
Mark Wilson and his Orchestra Lyrics

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They call it that Jersey bounce
A rhythm that really counts
The temperature always mounts
Wherever they play, the funny rhythm they play

It started on Journal Square
And somebody heard it there
He put it right on the air

And now you hear it everywhere

Uptown, gave it new licks
Downtown, added some tricks
No town, makes it sound, the same
As where it came from

So if you don't feel so hot
Go out to some Jersey spot
And whether you're hep or not
The Jersey bounce'll make you swing

How I love that Jersey bounce

Oh come on and play that Jersey bounce

They call it that Jersey bounce
A rhythm that really counts
The temperature always mounts
Whenever they play that Jersey Bounce

It started on Journal Square
And somebody heard it there
He put it right on the air
That tune called the Jersey Bounce

Uptown, gave it new licks
Downtown, added some tricks
No town, make it sound the same
As where it came from

So if you don't feel so hot
Go out to some Jersey spot
And whether you're hep or not
The Jersey bounce'll make you swing

Ounce by ounce
The Jersey Bounce
Puts you right in the swing
That Jersey Bounce
It'll make you swing

Give me that Jersey Bounce.

Overall Meaning

The song "Jersey Bounce" by Mark Wilson and his Orchestra is an upbeat swing tune that describes a unique rhythm called the "Jersey bounce", which originated on Journal Square in New Jersey. The lyrics suggest that this rhythm is so infectious that it can make anyone swing, whether they are familiar with the style or not. The song asserts that the Jersey bounce is a rhythm that really counts, further emphasizing the importance and impact of this musical style.

The lyrics also detail how the Jersey bounce has evolved and been modified over time. Uptown added new licks, while downtown added some tricks, but the essential sound remains unchanged. The song suggests that no matter where the Jersey bounce goes, it will retain its distinct character and sound. The final verse encourages listeners to go to a Jersey spot, whether they're feeling hot or not, and join in the swing with the Jersey bounce.

Overall, the song celebrates the lively and fun-loving spirit of New Jersey and its unique contribution to the swing music genre, while emphasizing how the Jersey bounce has become an integral part of American pop culture.

Line by Line Meaning

They call it that Jersey bounce
The people have named it Jersey Bounce

A rhythm that really counts
It has a great rhythm

The temperature always mounts
The energy level keeps increasing

Wherever they play, the funny rhythm they play
Whenever it's played, it has a unique and amusing rhythm

It started on Journal Square
Its origin is from Journal Square

And somebody heard it there
Someone discovered it there

He put it right on the air
He broadcasted it on the radio

And now you hear it everywhere
Everyone knows it now and it's played everywhere

Uptown, gave it new licks
It was modified in the uptown area

Downtown, added some tricks
It was further modified in the downtown area

No town, makes it sound, the same
No other place can replicate its sound