Jailhouse Rock
Mickey Waller Lyrics

The warden threw a party in the county jail
The authority figure in charge of the prison organized a social gathering within its confines.

The prison band was there, and they began to wail
A musical ensemble comprised of the inmates was present, and they initiated a lively performance.

The band began to-jumping, they began to swing
The musical group began to energetically move to the beat and rhythm of the song they were playing.

You should have heard the knock down jailbird sing
The other inmates were so entertained by the vocal abilities of one of their imprisoned peers that it was a remarkable experience.

Let's rock, everybody let's rock
A call to action to dance and enjoy the music more actively.

Oh everybody in the whole cell block
All inmates present in the area of confinement.

Was dancing to the jailhouse rock
All prisoners were participating in a lively dance that accompanied the musical performance.

Number forty-seven said to number three
One prisoner addressed another using their assigned numbers within the system of regulation.

You're the cutest jailbird I ever did see
The compliment of being the most attractive person the artist had encountered whilst imprisoned.

I sure would be delighted with your company
The artist would be pleased to spend time with the other inmate.

So come and do the jailhouse rock with me
The invitation to dance with the singer to the current music being played.

Spider Murphy played on the tenor saxophone
The full name of one of the members of the inmate band who played a specific instrument.

Little Joe was blowin' on a slide trombone
Another member of the inmate band was utilizing a different musical instrument, known as a slide trombone.

Drummer boy from Illinois was crash-a-bam boomin'
The drummer from the state of Illinois had a style of playing that was dynamic and energetic, marked by intense percussive sound.

The whole rhythm section was the purple gang
The entirety of the group of inmates responsible for the tempo and pace of the music was known as the purple gang.

Listen
A request for attention to be directed to the ongoing musical performance.

Dancing to the jailhouse rock
Repeating the idea that all prisoners present were dancing in unison to the music.

Everybody in the whole cell block
Reiterating that all inmates, without exception, were involved in the music and dance party.

C'mon
A further attempt to encourage participation and immersion in the celebration of music and dance.