Jailhouse Rock
Nino Schembri - Elvis Presley Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

The warden threw a party in the county jail
The prison band was there and they began to wail
The band was jumpin' and the joint began to swing
You should've heard them knocked-out jailbirds sing

Let's rock everybody, let's rock
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock

Spider Murphy played the tenor saxophone
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

Number forty-seven said to number three
"You're the cutest jailbird I ever did see
I sure would be delighted with 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

Sad sack was sittin' on a block of stone
Way over in the corner weepin' all alone
The warden said, "hey, 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

Shifty 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

Dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock
Dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock
Dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock




Dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock
Dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Jailhouse Rock" by Elvis Presley tell the story of a lively party thrown by the warden in a county jail. The prison band creates a contagious rhythm that sets the whole place swinging and shaking. The prisoners, referred to as "jailbirds," join in the festivities, singing along and dancing to the Jailhouse Rock. The song introduces various characters within the jail, such as Spider Murphy on the tenor saxophone, Little Joe on the slide trombone, and the drummer boy from Illinois. Everyone in the cell block, including number forty-seven and number three, dances and enjoys themselves. Even a sad sack sitting alone in the corner is encouraged by the warden to not be a square and to make the most of the party. Towards the end of the song, Shifty Henry suggests to Bugsy that they make a break, but Bugsy decides to stay and have fun.


Line by Line Meaning

The warden threw a party in the county jail
The prison warden organized a celebration inside the local correctional facility


The prison band was there and they began to wail
The musical band formed by incarcerated individuals was present and started playing with enthusiasm


The band was jumpin' and the joint began to swing
The band's energetic performance made the whole place come alive with excitement


You should've heard them knocked-out jailbirds sing
The incarcerated individuals sang in such an impressive manner that it would have amazed anyone who heard them


Let's rock everybody, let's rock
Everyone should participate and enjoy the lively music together


Everybody in the whole cell block
Every person present in the entire prison section


Was dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock
Engaged in dancing to the captivating rhythm of the Jailhouse Rock


Spider Murphy played the tenor saxophone
A musician named Spider Murphy played the tenor saxophone skillfully


Little Joe was blowin' on the slide trombone
Another musician nicknamed Little Joe played the slide trombone with great expertise


The drummer boy from Illinois went crash, boom, bang
A young drummer from Illinois showed his talent by playing the drums energetically and loudly


The whole rhythm section was the Purple Gang
The entire musical ensemble, including the drummer, formed a group known as the Purple Gang


Number forty-seven said to number three
An inmate identified as number forty-seven approached another prisoner named number three


"You're the cutest jailbird I ever did see
"You're the most attractive incarcerated individual I have ever come across


I sure would be delighted with your company
I would genuinely enjoy spending time with you


Come on and do the Jailhouse Rock with me"
Join me in dancing to the Jailhouse Rock song


Sad sack was sittin' on a block of stone
A despondent person sat on a piece of stone


Way over in the corner weepin' all alone
They were in a distant corner, shedding tears while being alone


The warden said, "hey, buddy, don't you be no square
The prison warden addressed the individual, advising them not to act boring or conventional


If you can't find a partner, use a wooden chair"
If unable to find a dance partner, make use of a wooden chair for dancing


Shifty Henry said to Bugs, "For Heaven's sake
A person named Shifty Henry said to another named Bugs, emphasizing urgency or surprise


No one's lookin' now's our chance to make a break"
As nobody is currently paying attention, this is the perfect opportunity for us to escape


Bugsy turned to Shifty and he said, "Nix, Nix
Bugsy responded to Shifty, rejecting or dismissing the suggestion


I want to stick around a while and get my kicks"
I prefer to remain here for a little longer and enjoy myself


Dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock
Engaged in lively dancing specifically to the Jailhouse Rock tune


Dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock
Engaged in lively dancing specifically to the Jailhouse Rock tune


Dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock
Engaged in lively dancing specifically to the Jailhouse Rock tune


Dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock
Engaged in lively dancing specifically to the Jailhouse Rock tune


Dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock
Engaged in lively dancing specifically to the Jailhouse Rock tune




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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