The recording session for that album was their first album session, and is notable for eleven songs having been recorded in a mere 10 hours (the remaining four songs had previously been released as singles and one song was not released). "Twist and Shout" was the last song recorded; producer George Martin knew John Lennon's voice would suffer from the performance, so he left it until last, with only 15 minutes of scheduled recording time remaining for the album.
Lennon was suffering from a cold, and was drinking milk and sucking on cough drops to soothe his throat. His coughing is audible on the album, and the cold's effect on his voice is audible in this recording. Even so, he produced a memorable vocal performance, a raucous, dynamic rocker. He later said his voice was not the same for a long time afterward, and that "every time [he] swallowed, it felt like sandpaper."
They tried for a second take, but Lennon had nothing left and it was abandoned. George Martin said, "I did try a second take ... but John's voice had gone."
In the film Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick) engages an entire parade and downtown Chicago in song and dance to "Twist and Shout".
Twist and Shout
The Beatles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Twist and shout
Come on, come on, come, come on, baby, now
Come on and work it on out
Well, work it on out, honey
You know you look so good
You know you got me goin' now
Just like I know you would
Well, shake it up, baby, now
Twist and shout
Come on, come on, come, come on, baby, now
Come on and work it on out
You know you twist, little girl
You know you twist so fine
Come on and twist a little closer now
And let me know that you're mine, woo
Ah, ah, ah, ah, wow
Baby, now
Twist and shout
Come on, come on, come, come on, baby, now
Come on and work it on out
You know you twist, little girl
You know you twist so fine
Come on and twist a little closer now
And let me know that you're mine
Well, shake it, shake it, shake it, baby, now
Well, shake it, shake it, shake it, baby, now
Well, shake it, shake it, shake it, baby, now
Ah, ah, ah, ah
The song "Twist and Shout" by The Beatles is a lively and energetic tune that encourages listeners to dance and move their bodies. The lyrics are relatively simple but convey a sense of joy and excitement that is infectious. The singer urges the listener to "shake it up" and "work it on out," suggesting a release of energy and emotion through dance. The chorus repeats the song's title, urging the listener to "twist and shout," which has become a popular catchphrase associated with the song.
In the second verse, the singer focuses on a specific person, addressing them as "honey" and telling them they look good. This section of the song is more romantic in nature, as the singer declares that they knew the person would have this effect on them. The chorus repeats again, and the singer urges the person to "twist a little closer now" and "let me know that you're mine," suggesting a desire for intimacy and connection.
Overall, "Twist and Shout" is a fun and lively song that encourages movement, joy, and connection with others. The song has become a staple in popular culture and is often associated with dance parties and celebrations.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, shake it up, baby, now
Encouraging someone to let loose and have fun, perhaps through dancing or other physical movement
Twist and shout
Suggesting a dance move including twisting of the body and loud vocal exclamation
Come on, come on, come, come on, baby, now
Urging someone to join in on the fun, with repeated insistence
Come on and work it on out
Encouraging someone to keep moving and dancing, as if it were a workout or exercise
You know you look so good
Complimenting someone on their appearance, possibly with flirtatious intent
You know you got me goin' now
Acknowledging that the person's energy and enthusiasm has caught on and infected them as well
Just like I knew you would
Implying that this was expected, and perhaps suggesting a prior relationship or dynamic
You know you twist, little girl
Referring to a specific dance move as performed by the person being addressed
You know you twist so fine
Complimenting the person on their ability to perform the dance move in question
Come on and twist a little closer now
Inviting the person to move closer and possibly engage in more intimate interaction
And let me know that you're mine, woo
Hinting at a desire for exclusive romantic or sexual connection
Ah, ah, ah, ah, wow
Expressing vocal enthusiasm and excitement
Baby, now
Affectionately addressing the person being spoken to
Well, shake it, shake it, shake it, baby, now
Repeating the earlier encouragement to dance and let loose
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Continuation of vocal enthusiasm and excitement
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Bert Russell, Phil Medley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Lily-xb3nr
What a voice 💟&twist and love John Lennon forever ♾️☮️
@FrankyFabiano-zu8jq
Well Said Lily
@marcioaraujo5317
Atemporal.
@imeldadantes50
💙 JOHN LENNON...
@joeerickson516
"Terrific!" 👌
@CarlaBelejo-su4ft
My favourite song from The Beatles ❤❤❤❤
@marymcgivney9041
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😊
@ismaelsalvinoandradesalvin9705
The Beatles espetacular, sensacional. The Beatles para sempre! 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷
@gloriaarcos6061
Mi ídolo por siempre ❤
@earleddings5166
Absolutely love the pictures . John Lennon is a great singer and person . Good looking guy . Love John Lennon . Gone way too soon . Love the song .