He found a modicum of success at Sun Records and found his way into Elvis Presley's social circle, once going to pick up a date for Presley in his purple Cadillac. Orbison sold "Claudette", a song he wrote about Frady, whom he married in 1957, to The Everly Brothers and it appeared on the B-side of their smash hit "All I Have to Do Is Dream". The first and perhaps only royalties Orbison earned from Sun Records enabled him to make a down-payment on his own Cadillac. However, frustrated at Sun, Orbison gradually stopped recording, toured music circuits around Texas to make a living, and for seven months in 1958 quit performing completely. His car repossessed and in dire financial straits, he often depended on family and friends for funds.
For a brief period in the late 1950s Orbison made his living at Acuff-Rose, a songwriting firm concentrating mainly on country music. After spending an entire day writing a song, he would make several demo tapes at a time and send them to Wesley Rose, who would try to find the musical acts to record them. Orbison attempted to sell to RCA Victor songs he recorded that were written by other writers as well, working with and being completely in awe of Chet Atkins, who had played guitar with Presley. Orbison tried one song penned by Boudleaux Bryant called "Seems to Me". Bryant's impression of Orbison was of "a timid, shy kid who seemed to be rather befuddled by the whole music scene. I remember the way he sang then—softly, prettily but almost bashfully, as if someone might be disturbed by his efforts and reprimand him."
Playing shows late into the night, and living with his wife and young child in his tiny apartment, Orbison often sought refuge by taking his guitar to his car and writing songs there. Songwriter Joe Melson, an acquaintance of Orbison's, tapped on his car window one day in Texas in 1958 and the two decided to try to write some songs together. During three recording sessions in 1958 and 1959, Orbison and Melson recorded seven songs at RCA Nashville, with Atkins producing, but only two songs were judged worthy of release by RCA; Wesley Rose maneuvered Orbison into the sights of producer Fred Foster at Monument Records.
Rock House
Roy Orbison & Teen Kings Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jukebox plays loud
No tears, no care
Everybody's rocking everywhere
Rockhouse, Rockhouse, Rockhouse
We're going to the Rockhouse
Rock-a, Rockhouse
Well, rock it in the morning
Rock it in daylight
Rocking through the evening
And I won't be home at night
Rockhouse, we're going to the Rockhouse
Rock-a, Rockhouse
Heartache, you lose
No trouble, no blues
Come one, come all
We'll rock it up and have a ball
Rockhouse, Rockhouse, Rockhouse
We're going to the Rockhouse
Rock-a, Rockhouse
Well, rock it in the morning
Rock it in daylight
Rocking through the evening
And I won't be home at night
Rockhouse, we're going to the Rockhouse
Rock-a, Rockhouse
The song "Rock House," released by Roy Orbison in 1956, is an upbeat rock and roll song describing a wild party at the titular Rock House. Orbison sings about the excitement of a big crowd, with a jukebox playing loud, and everyone rocking out with no care or tears. The chorus of the song repeats the words "Rockhouse" and "Rock-a, Rockhouse," emphasizing the theme of the party and the music. The song is full of energy and encourages everyone to rock it up and have a ball.
The lyrics suggest a place where people can forget their troubles and heartbreaks, and just enjoy the music and the company of others. The Rock House is portrayed as a haven from the outside world, where people can come and have a good time with no worries. The repetition of the word "rock" throughout the song emphasizes the theme of music and how it can bring people together and lift their spirits.
Overall, "Rock House" is a classic rock and roll song that captures the excitement of a wild party and how music can bring people together. With its catchy chorus and energetic rhythm, it's no wonder that the song has become a favorite of rock and roll fans.
Line by Line Meaning
Blue light, big crowd
The lights are blue and there's a large, boisterous crowd present
Jukebox plays loud
The jukebox is blasting music at a high volume
No tears, no care
No one is upset or bothered by anything.
Everybody's rocking everywhere
Everyone is dancing and having a great time.
Rockhouse, Rockhouse, Rockhouse
The place they're going to is the Rockhouse.
We're going to the Rockhouse
They're going to the Rockhouse.
Rock-a, Rockhouse
The Rockhouse is a great place for rock and roll music.
Well, rock it in the morning
They'll be rocking out to music in the morning.
Rock it in daylight
They'll be dancing to loud music during the day.
Rocking through the evening
They'll be rocking out till the end of the evening.
And I won't be home at night
They'll be out so late that they won't come home at night.
Heartache, you lose
There's no heartache or loss in the Rockhouse.
No trouble, no blues
There's no trouble or sadness at the Rockhouse.
Come one, come all
Everyone is invited and welcome to the Rockhouse.
We'll rock it up and have a ball
They'll have a great time rocking out and dancing.
Rock-a, Rockhouse
The Rockhouse is a great place for rock and roll music.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind