Willie And The Hand Jive
Otis Johnny Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He got a cool little chick named Rockin' Billie
Do you walk and stroll with Susie Q
And do that crazy hand jive too?
Papa told Willie "you'll ruin my home
You and that hand jive has got to go"
Willie said "papa, don't put me down
Hand jive, hand jive
Hand jive, doin' that crazy hand jive
Mama, mama, look at uncle Joe, look at him
He's doin' that hand jive with sister Flo
Even gave baby sister a dime, hey, hey
Said "do that hand jive one more time"
Well, a doctor and a lawyer and a indian chief
They all dig that crazy beat
Way-Out Willie gave them all a treat, yeah
When he did the hand jive with his feet
Hand jive, hand jive
Hand jive, doin' that crazy hand jive, hey, hey
Come on, sugar, yeah!
Well, Willie and Billie got married last fall
They had a little Willie Junior and that ain't all
You know that baby got greatness and it's plain to see, hey, hey
Doin' that hand jive on T.V., come on
Hand jive, hand jive
(Why don't you) hand jive, doin' that crazy hand jive
Hey, hey, well
Yeah, yeah
The song "Willie and the Hand Jive" by Otis Johnny is a fun, lighthearted tune about a popular dance of the 1950s that's still enjoyed today. The song tells the story of Way-Out Willie and his love for the hand jive, a dance that involves intricate and rhythmic hand movements. The lyrics describe how Willie's father disapproves of the hand jive because he believes it's a bad influence and will ruin their home. Despite his father's objections, Willie continues to do the hand jive all over town, much to the delight of his friends and family.
The verses of the song focus on the different people who enjoy doing the hand jive, such as Uncle Joe, Sister Flo, and even a doctor, a lawyer, and an Indian chief. The chorus features the repetition of the lyrics "hand jive, hand jive, hand jive, doin' that crazy hand jive" which encourages listeners to join in and dance along. The song ends with Willie and his wife Billie having a baby, who even gets in on the hand jive action on TV.
Overall, "Willie and the Hand Jive" is a cheerful celebration of a fun and energetic dance that has stood the test of time. The lyrics highlight the joy and community that can be found through music and dance.
Line by Line Meaning
I know a cat named Way-Out Willie
I am acquainted with a person called Way-Out Willie
He got a cool little chick named Rockin' Billie
He is in a relationship with an attractive woman called Rockin' Billie
Do you walk and stroll with Susie Q
Do you enjoy to dance a specific dance with Susie Q
And do that crazy hand jive too?
And do you also like to perform a specific dance routine known as the hand jive?
Papa told Willie "you'll ruin my home
Willie's father warned him that his behavior would negatively impact the family
You and that hand jive has got to go"
His father thinks that the hand jive dance needs to stop
Willie said "papa, don't put me down
Willie responds by telling his father not to insult him
Been doin' that hand jive all over town"
Willie reveals that he has been performing the dance routine all over town
Hand jive, hand jive
Repetition of the phrase 'hand jive'
Hand jive, doin' that crazy hand jive
Again referring to the specific dance routine known as the hand jive
Mama, mama, look at uncle Joe, look at him
Mama is asked to look at Uncle Joe
He's doin' that hand jive with sister Flo
Uncle Joe is performing the hand jive with Sister Flo
Even gave baby sister a dime, hey, hey
Uncle Joe even gave a dime to baby sister
Said "do that hand jive one more time"
He requests Sister Flo to do the hand jive again
Well, a doctor and a lawyer and a indian chief
A specific group of people are mentioned; a doctor, a lawyer, and an Indian chief
They all dig that crazy beat
They all love the rhythm of the music
Way-Out Willie gave them all a treat, yeah
Willie provides them all with entertainment and enjoyment
When he did the hand jive with his feet
Willie performed the hand jive using his feet
Come on, sugar, yeah!
An invitation to join in with the dance routine
Well, Willie and Billie got married last fall
Willie and Billie were married last year
They had a little Willie Junior and that ain't all
They had a baby son named Willie Junior, and that's not the end of the story
You know that baby got greatness and it's plain to see, hey, hey
The baby is perceived as having potential and talent that is easy to observe
Doin' that hand jive on T.V., come on
Baby Willie Junior is shown performing the hand jive on TV
Hand jive, hand jive
Repetition of the phrase 'hand jive'
(Why don't you) hand jive, doin' that crazy hand jive
Encouraging others to join in with the hand jive dance routine
Hey, hey, well
Exclamation expressing excitement or emphasis
Yeah, yeah
Used to confirm agreement or enthusiasm
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JOHNNY OTIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@23tbob
I was 16 when this came out, and it was the first rock 'n roll song that "blew me away". And it's still in the TOP 5 of my all time favorite songs, and I'll be 80 in July 2022.
@johntittensor6488
Yo 23tBob! Same timing, I was 15 in Australia, found myself doing the song with cover bands in France decades later. Happy Birthday! John T
@23tbob
@John Tittensor Thanks for the birthday wishes (Friday the 22nd). Hard to believe I'll be 80, and my health is still pretty good. I'm watching the British Open right now -- I follow the Norwegian "kid" Viktor Hovland (he's 24). He's ranked about 8th or 9th in the world golf rankings.
@chrisb5278
Hey there! I'm of almost the same birthday but in 88. I love this music! Happy to read that you're in good health! 😁👍
@r0ckstar666
When I heard bad brains fearless vampire killers in 1984 that blew me away
@harleypointer5984
Keep rocking kings!
@pennycarroll9006
Oh we all used to do this at the dances we had way back then. It sure was fun. I heard this on radio today and started singing it while I was driving. Remembered the words too! I am a young 77! Music is my secret!!!
@andrewkappler5503
Tommy Williams came to Shawshank in 1965 on a two-year stretch for B&E. That's breaking & entering to you. Cops caught him sneaking TV sets out the back door of a JC Penney. Young punk. Mr. Rock and Roll. Cocky as hell. We liked him immediately.
@Yevkasem1417
:) Perfect
@mr.pastor5681
”Come on Old Boys!!!”