Dawson was the son of a big band leader, and started working in music in his teens. He was signed to the Swan label, owned by Dick Clark, but Clark's involvement the 1950s radio payola scandal ended the Swan label and left Dawson without a record contract. As a studio musician, he is heard playing drums on the hit song "Hey Baby" by Bruce Channel and "Hey Paula" by Paul and Paula.
He succumbed to throat cancer at the age of 64 in 2003.
Action Packed
Ronnie Dawson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
well first it's gotta have a beat
no I don't want to sit down all night
I've, I've gotta feel it in my feet
did you hear me? feel it in my feet
I can't take it slow and easy
I can't live like that
If the music's gonna move me
did you hear me? Then what did I say?
I said action packed all right yeah do do wa do wa do wa
do do wa do wa do wa
do do wa do wa do wa
way oh oh
If the music's gonna move me
well it's gotta be action packed ah yeah now
Well if we're goin to a party
Well I don't want to just sit and talk
Well if we're goin to a party
Well your pal Jonathan wants to rock
did you hear me? I want to rock
I've got this feelin and I can't say what
but I can't sit still with this feelin I got
If the music's gonna move me
folks, it's gotta be action packed
did you hear me? Then what did I say?
I said action packed do do wa do wa do wa
do do wa do wa do wa
do do wa do wa do wa
way oh oh
If the music's gonna move me
well it's gotta ba action packed If the music's gonna move me
well it's gotta ba action packed If we're gonna be together
well we've gotta have some fun
no I don't want just a fine time
I've gotta have pandemonium
Did you hear me? Pandemonium!
Well I've got this feelin and I, I can't sit still
Well, I can't explain it, but I'll try I will
If the music's gonna move me
folks, it's gotta be action packed
did you hear me? Then what did I say?
I said action packed
The song "Action Packed" by Ronnie Dawson is a classic rock and roll song in which an individual expresses the need for lively and energetic music to move them. The opening lines emphasize the importance of a beat in music and how it is necessary for the individual to feel it in their feet. From there, the lyrics delve into the desire to move away from slow and easy music and instead be a part of something that is action-packed. The song is all about the need to be active and a part of the action, to dance and to participate in the chaos of life.
Throughout the song, the lyrics emphasize the importance of having a good time and the desire to rock out at a party. This theme repeats itself, and it becomes clear that the individual does not aim to just sit around and chat but wants to feel alive and be a part of the festivities. This need, expressed through the lyrics of the song, emphasizes the necessity of music as a catalyst to bring joy to life.
Overall, "Action Packed" is a fun-filled and upbeat song that celebrates the importance of having fun, dancing, and feeling alive - all with the help of energetic music. It speaks to the soul's needs to be alive, active, and participate wholeheartedly in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Well if the music's gonna move me
For the music to have an impact on me
well first it's gotta have a beat
The music needs to have rhythm
no I don't want to sit down all night
I don't want to be idle for the whole night
I've, I've gotta feel it in my feet
I need to sense the beat physically
did you hear me? feel it in my feet
Are you listening to me? I need to feel the beat physically
I can't take it slow and easy
I can't handle a slow, boring beat
I can't live like that
I can't tolerate a dull, monotonous lifestyle
If the music's gonna move me
For the music to have an impact on me
folks, it's gotta be action packed
It needs to be fast-paced, thrilling music
Then what did I say?
Did you hear and understand my message?
I said action packed all right yeah do do wa do wa do wa
I clearly said I want a fast-paced, action-packed beat
way oh oh
A musical expression of excitement
well it's gotta be action packed ah yeah now
It needs to be thrilling music
Well if we're goin to a party
If we're attending a social gathering
Well I don't want to just sit and talk
I don't want to be idle
Well if we're goin to a party
If we're attending a social gathering
Well your pal Jonathan wants to rock
I want to dance to exciting music
did you hear me? I want to rock
Are you listening to me? I want to dance to thrilling music
I've got this feelin and I can't say what
I have a sensation that I can't explain
but I can't sit still with this feelin I got
I can't remain motionless with this sensation
folks, it's gotta be action packed
It needs to be exciting music
I said action packed
I want thrilling music
Contributed by Lucy Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@frenkstar9363
Now, give me the downbeat meastro
I wanna lay it on the line
'Cause eveything I do
I wanna do it in double time
When I take a ride in my car
I let 'er roll
Hear me, I said I let 'er roll
I like to feel that wind in my face
Nice and cold
If you chicks are timid
You just better turn back
'Cause when I take a ride in my car
It's gotta be action packed
Hear me, action packed, yeah!
Well if the music's gonna move me
Well first it's gotta have a beat
No I don't want to sit down all night
I've, I've gotta feel it in my feet
Did you hear me? feel it in my feet
I can't take it slow and easy
I can't live like that
If the music's gonna move me
Folks, it's gotta be action packed
Now, if I ever strike it rich
And that's for sure
I'm not gonna buy me one of them Cadillacs
Oh, not anymore
I'm gonna buy me one of them rocket ships
Something to take me there and back
Hear me, I said take me there and back
It ain't gonna be no fun being rich
If it ain't action packed
Do you hear me? Action packed! Yeah!
Well, a chick who's gonna move me
Well, she must be gay and sweet
Two arms just made for lovin'
And lotsa rhythm in her feet
Hear me, I said rhythm in her feet
No squares ever tag along, uh-uh
Just to be near this cat
Well, you chicks is gonna move me
That gotta be action packed
Baby, hear me, action packed
Yeah, action packed
@rileyfarrell6844
And suddenly, this song is popular again thanks to Rick Grimes.
@Ethan17961
Fact
@raskolpacino3057
Yeap my man
@zacharyking900
Jealousy is so ugly. Rockabilly is King.
@Santafunk
Heard it off a rockabilly comp
@bloatedtreeful
Lol! That’s exactly why I’m listening to it right now! I heard this song while rewatching TWD and had to find out who sings it.
@r.c.r.7413
My father has been dead for these many years now, but hot damn, did that man live life "Action Packed!" Give him the down beat, Maestro!
@thephantompunch
what? when he die?
@djfordmanjack785
one of the best Rockabilly songs ever. Wow!
@Adam-jf9ts
DJ FordmanJack I love Rockabilly... me uncle have a groupe Mordors gang and they play Rockabilly or Psychobilly. They are very good...