Rock And Roll
Roy Orbison Johnny Cash Jerry Lee Lewis Carl Perkins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All of us ran through
When Elvis opened up the door
With a pup-and-pup-and-boo
I didn't ever play much rock and roll
'Cause I got so much country in my soul
But I'm a different man for lovin' you
And baby I will rock and roll with you
If I have to
Memphis 1955 on Newton Avenue
Carl and Jerry and Charlie and Roy
And Billy Riley too
A new sun risin' on the way we sing
And a world of weirdo's waitin' in the wings
But I love you and though I'm past 42
There are still a few things yet I didn't do
And baby I will rock and roll with you
If I have to
In the song "I Will Rock & Roll With You," Roy Orbison reminisces on his past in the music industry. He talks about the early days of rockabilly, a genre of music that originated in the southern United States in the 1950s. Orbison was part of that movement, along with Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and others. He mentions Elvis in the first verse, saying that Elvis "opened up the door" for them all.
Orbison then talks about his own style of music, which was heavily influenced by country music. He admits that he didn't play much rock and roll, but he's willing to try it for the woman he loves. He dedicates the chorus to her, saying that he'll "rock and roll with you if I have to."
In the second verse, Orbison describes the early days of rockabilly in Memphis. He mentions some of the other musicians that were part of that scene, including Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Charlie Rich, and Billy Lee Riley. He talks about the excitement of a "new sun risin'" on the music industry, but also acknowledges the "world of weirdo's waitin' in the wings." In the end, he still loves his partner and is willing to do anything she asks, including trying new styles of music.
Overall, "I Will Rock & Roll With You" is a love song that also showcases Orbison's affection for the early days of rockabilly. It's a nostalgic look back at a specific era in music history and a testament to the enduring power of love.
Line by Line Meaning
They used to call me Rockabilly
Back in the day, I was referred to as a rockabilly musician
All of us ran through
All the musicians of that era were chasing musical success
When Elvis opened up the door, With a pup-and-pup-and-boo
Elvis Presley's emergence onto the music scene was a pivotal moment, changing the sound of rock and roll
I didn't ever play much rock and roll, 'Cause I got so much country in my soul
Although I was associated with rock and roll music, I always had a strong country influence in my music
But I'm a different man for lovin' you, And I take a shot at what you ask me to
Being with you has changed me for the better, and I'm willing to take risks for you
And baby I will rock and roll with you, If I have to
I will do whatever it takes to make you happy, even if it means playing more rock and roll music
Memphis 1955 on Newton Avenue, Carl and Jerry and Charlie and Roy, And Billy Riley too
In 1955, some of the notable musicians in Memphis included Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Charlie Rich, Roy Orbison, and Billy Riley
A new sun risin' on the way we sing, And a world of weirdo's waitin' in the wings
There was a new style of music emerging, and many unconventional musicians were waiting to be discovered
But I love you and though I'm past 42, There are still a few things yet I didn't do
Despite my age, I still have dreams and goals that I want to achieve, but above all, I love you
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JOHNNY R. CASH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@HardRockMiner
There is more real talent on this stage than there was on the last 10 MTV Music Awards combined.
@altereddogma
And those men grew up learning to play music in their backyards on their porches like people their generation and generations before them did. They learned from their elders and just trying for the pure pleasure of it. Back in the day, almost everyone played a musical instrument of some kind, often more than one, and the naturally gifted shined among everyone else, and with the advent of radio and then TV could become famous musicians just because they were so naturally talented as songwriters, singers, and/or musicians.
@macmac8249
Today is 12 March ‘21 and there are 236 folks who agree with you....oops, sorry...make that 237. Yer right. Thanks ....Mac
@viggothysinistertoaster2696
You got to bump those numbers up, let’s say the 100 latest general music awards and lists including garbage “music”
@Rickswars
You nailed it
@karenwinkler6001
Wow great talent ..who is gonna fill their shoes? Jerry Lee, Roy and Johnny I recognized. Carl Perkins threw me off.
@denisburgess2966
Four legends performing together like that is absolutely fantastic
@edjo487
This is insane! I bet nobody realized at the time what it meant to have these 4 legends up on that one stage!
@disprogreavette8545
I'm pretty sure they did know.
@MrWmburr7
That was great! I thought that Carl Perkins might have been the weak link in this group, but his voice was incredible. What a quartet!