From New Orleans, they were classically trained and switched over to jazz as they grew up along with the form. First recorded in 1925, they went on to play vaudeville and ended up on radio in California. After being heard coast to coast on one of the first nationwide radio hookups, they became stars of radio in NYC headlining both their own programs, as well as working on shows with Bing Crosby and The Mills Brothers until the trio disbanded in 1936, mainly due to their marriages. They also appeared in many films of the time. (See youtube)
Connie Boswell, who later changed the spelling of her name to Connee, continued as a solo singer after the demise of the group, influencing singers like Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra. She did all this despite being unable to walk alone due to childhood polio and other back injuries.
"There is only one person I ever tried to sing like and that person was Connee Boswell."
Ella Fitzgerald, NBC News interview
"Connee Boswell is, without a doubt, the most widely imitated singer of all time."
Frank Sinatra
The best website on them is www.bozzies.com.
www.TheBoswellSisters.com
www.Facebook.com/theboswellsisters
www.Twitter.com/thesistasdotcom
Rock And Roll
The Boswell Sisters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(scat) Yeah!
Rock and roll, roll and rock away
Up and down, round and round we sway
We're the swell in the spell
Of the rollin' rockin' rhythm of the sea
My, 'tis sweet, greet it with a song
While we dance there's romance
In the rollin' rockin' rhythm of the sea
Tonight the moon hangs low
Hold tight or overboard we'll go
Rock and roll like a rockin' chair
Laugh and smile while we drown each care
In the tide, as we glide
To the rollin' rockin' rhythm of the sea
Rock and roll, roll and rock away
Up, down, round, round
We're the swell in the spell
Of the rollin' rockin' rhythm of the sea
That roll, roll and rock along
My, 'tis sweet, greet it with a song
While we dance, there's romance
In the rollin' rockin' rhythm of the sea
Tonight the moon hangs low
Hold tight or overboard we'll go
Rock and roll like a rockin' chair,
Laugh and smile while we drown each care
In the tide, as we glide
To the rollin' rockin' rhythm of the sea
(scat)
Whoa-oh-oh, rock and roll like a rockin' chair
Laugh and smile while we drown each care
In the tide, as we glide
To the rollin' rockin'
Rollin' rockin'
Is music to my ears
The rollin' rockin' rhythm of the sea, oh
The Boswell Sisters' song "Rock and Roll" celebrates the joy and carefree spirit of dance, particularly the new style that was taking the world by storm in the 1930s. The lyrics evoke the feeling of swaying and moving along to the beat of the "rollin' rockin' rhythm," specifically the rhythm of the sea. They encourage listeners to let go of their worries and enjoy the moment, to "laugh and smile while we drown each care." The song has a lighthearted, playful quality that captures the feeling of the era's dance culture.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of romance, with the suggestion that there's a connection between dance and love. The Boswell Sisters sing, "While we dance there's romance in the rollin' rockin' rhythm of the sea." The moon hanging low in the sky adds to the sense of romantic possibility, with the warning to "hold tight or overboard we'll go" suggesting the passion and excitement that can come with letting loose on the dance floor.
Overall, "Rock and Roll" is a charming reminder of the way that music and dance can bring people together and create a sense of joy and unity. Whether it's the jazz clubs of the 1930s or the present day, the feeling of losing oneself to the music and moving in sync with others is a universal one.
Line by Line Meaning
Rock and roll, roll and rock away
Let's rock and roll, moving to and fro
Up and down, round and round we sway
Our movements are like the rolling waves of the sea
We're the swell in the spell
We bring joy and excitement through the music we create
Of the rollin' rockin' rhythm of the sea
Our music is inspired by the natural rhythm of the sea
My, 'tis sweet, greet it with a song
Our music is so sweet, let's sing along
While we dance there's romance
Dancing to our music brings a sense of romance
Tonight the moon hangs low
The moon is low tonight, setting the mood for a good time
Hold tight or overboard we'll go
If we don't hold on tight, we might lose ourselves in the rhythm
Laugh and smile while we drown each care
Our music helps us forget our worries and just enjoy the moment
In the tide, as we glide
As we move to the music, we feel like we're floating in the tide
To the rollin' rockin' rhythm of the sea
Our music syncs with the rhythm of the sea, making it even more enjoyable
Rollin' rockin'
The rhythm that we create is lively and energetic
Is music to my ears
Our music sounds amazing and is pleasing to the ears
Whoa-oh-oh, rock and roll like a rockin' chair
Our music makes us feel as comfortable and relaxed as a rocking chair
The rollin' rockin' rhythm of the sea, oh
The rhythm of our music is connected to the natural rhythm of the sea
Contributed by Madison D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Marcus Linkerhand
english is not my mother tongue and
not sure which meaning is supposed to be the new old meaning
since there are at least three known meanings.
Anyway the lyrics metaphors seem to be as erotically suggestive as it can possibly get
Boswell Sisters
Rock and roll
Yeah!
Rock and roll, roll and rock away
Up and down, round and round we sway
We're the swell in the spell
Of the rollin' rockin' rhythm of the sea
Rock and roll, roll and rock along
My, 'tis sweet, greet it with a song
While we dance there's romance
In the rollin' rockin' rhythm of the sea
Tonight the moon hangs low
Hold tight or overboard we'll go
Rock and roll like a rockin' chair
Laugh and smile while we drown each care
In the tide, as we glide
To the rollin' rockin' rhythm of the sea
Rock and roll, roll and rock away
Up, down, round, round
We're the swell in the spell
Of the rollin' rockin' rhythm of the sea
That roll, roll and rock along
My, 'tis sweet, greet it with a song
While we dance, there's romance
In the rollin' rockin' rhythm of the…
Tonight the moon hangs low
Hold tight or overboard we'll go
Rock and roll like a rockin' chair,
Laugh and smile while we drown each care
In the tide, as we glide
To the rollin' rockin' rhythm of the sea
Whoa-oh-oh, rock and roll like a rockin' chair
Laugh and smile while we drown each care
In the tide, as we glide
To the rollin' rockin'
Rollin' rockin'
Is music to my ears
The rollin' rockin' rhythm of the sea, oh
Quelle: Musixmatch
Songwriter: Richard A. Whiting / Sidney Clare
Jim Green
This is better than fabulous. These girls can harmonise in one take, can sound terrific without nine trillion adjustments on a mixer, and the chorus girls look sensational.
robin robek
I love these talented sisters. As a big Roches fan, I was curious about influences. After exploring the Andrews Sisters, I discovered that the Boswells were a great influence on them - as well as the Brox Sisters. Now, as a Boswell & Brox fan, I can't get enough of them! Thanks for helping to give a larger exposition of these great voices. By the way, what film is this from?
john doe
Transatlantic Merry-Go-Round. 1934
The Triumph of the Thrill
One of the best vocal groups, good and moving song too. And who would have thought the word is that old.
Leon Childs jr
This should be in The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame as (technically) an early influence!
Deaths Rock
La primera aparición de la palabra "Rock And Roll" en una canción! no se si seré el único, pero amo a estas mujeres!
Gilberto Basilio
Sim. Nao foi Bill haley e nem chuck berry ou litte richard q inventaram o termo.
Dave Kurtz
Those girls were the first to "swing it" with their early jazz style. Connie went on long after her sisters retired. They were true originals.
Christian Guignard
Superb vocal ensemble ! Great sisters !
adam shaw
WOW that sound they make at 1:50 to 1:57 is just amazing?
how they make it is beyond me!
The Boswells are definitely one of my favorites!