Havin' A Party
Southside Johnny Lyrics


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We're havin' a party
Everybody's swinging
Dancing to the music
On the radio
So listen, Mr. DJ
Keep those records playing
'Cause I'm having such a good time
Dancing with my baby

We're having a party
Dancing to the music
Played by the DJ
On the radio
Cokes are in the ice box
Popcorn's on the table
Me and my baby
Are out there on the floor

We're havin' a party
Everybody's swinging
Dancing to the music
On the radio
So listen, Mr. DJ
Keep those records playing
'Cause I'm having such a good time
Dancing with my baby

Everybody's swinging
Oldies, doing the twist now
If you take requests
I've got a few for you
Don't forget the soul twist
Play that one called "I Know"
I got to hear what suites me
No other songs will do

We're havin' a party
Everybody's swinging
Dancing to the music
On the radio
So listen, Mr. DJ
Keep those records playing
'Cause I'm having such a good time
Dancing with my baby





'Cause I'm having such a good time
Dancing with my baby

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Havin' A Party" by Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes are about having a great time at a party, dancing to music played by a DJ on the radio. The song talks about the nostalgia of oldies but goodies, in particular, the dance hits of the 60s, like the twist and soul twist. The singer makes requests to the DJ to play some of his favorite tunes, like "I Know" and suggests to the DJ to keep the records playing, as he is having a good time dancing with his baby.


The song speaks to the fondness people have for music and dancing, even without the fancy elements of a traditional party. The lyrics reminisce on the simplicity of a time when parties didn't need much more than good music and good company. The musical arrangement drives home the idea of the lyrics and makes you want to get up and dance.


Line by Line Meaning

We're havin' a party
We are currently hosting a gathering of people for the purpose of joyfully socializing.


Everybody's swinging
All present individuals are dancing and having a good time.


Dancing to the music
People are responding physically to the music being played.


On the radio
The source of the music is from a radio broadcasting station.


So listen, Mr. DJ
Attention is being directed towards the individual who is controlling the music.


Keep those records playing
Ensure that the music selection remains consistent and enjoyable to the current audience.


'Cause I'm having such a good time
The singer is having a satisfactory and enjoyable moment.


Dancing with my baby
The artist is sharing the activity of dancing with a significant other.


Cokes are in the ice box
Cold beverages are available.


Popcorn's on the table
A popcorn snack is offered and accessible.


Me and my baby
The singer and their significant other.


Are out there on the floor
The artist and their significant other are currently actively dancing on the floor.


Oldies, doing the twist now
Older music is currently being played, with the dance style being the twist.


If you take requests
The singer is inquiring if the DJ will play songs requested by the audience.


I've got a few for you
The singer has a selection of songs they would like to be played.


Don't forget the soul twist
The artist requests a specific twist dance style: soul twist.


Play that one called 'I Know'
The artist requests a specific song to be played.


I got to hear what suites me
The singer is insistent on the specific songs they want to hear.


No other songs will do
Only the songs requested will be acceptable for the singer to hear.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Abkco Music Inc.
Written by: Sam Cooke

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Kurt Zupin

So glad someone had the foresight to record things like these. Makes living life just a little bit better.

Paul Emmink

Wait till you hit the 2020's

iesus68

Reach Up And Touch The Sky remains one of the best live album never recorded, as well as Parkerilla by Graham Parker and The Rumours. The combination of soul and rock'n'roll proposed by Southside Johnny was like an explosive for my young soul (at that time I was 18 years old...). Thanks for adding this video, is a joy to listen and see how pure can be the music.

TheJMSESQ

the bad news if you were there that night is that every live performance you'll see after that will pale in comparison. it just doesn't get any better than this. this is also a great example of how live music, when done right, can deliver emotion and energy that studio music can never touch.

Robert G

john schneller cx

john schneller

I know this is 3yrs ago, but you couldn't be more right.
I was lucky enough to live near Cleveland and thanks to FM radio WMMS we heard SSJ & Jukes. I saw them at the Agora where this video was taken and it was live music that was alive. From 1977-1980, SSJ & Jukes were a better band than Bruce & East St, hands down the better singer and better music, I know Springsteen and Stevie Van Sandy wrote the music, but it's as if they wrote it for SSJ & Jukes, not Bruce. Just listen to each sing "the Fever", "Hearts of Stone" and "Without Love" to name just three and really ask yourself who brings more feeling, more soul and frankly is a better singer, it's Southside Johnny!

nanchanger

eggzactly

Sara meferghr

Dam right 

Vanessa Monroe

Love Southside soooo much! This guy can rock! 😍

Julia Scheibner

This is pure joy, friendship and a vivid splendid performance...
I'm full of gratitude...
Thank you Stevie, Johnny and Bruce

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