The Box Tops were an American band of the 60s that combined soul and rock m… Read Full Bio ↴The Box Tops were an American band of the 60s that combined soul and rock music into a popular sound epitomized by their famous single "The Letter". The band was fronted by teenaged singer Alex Chilton, and for their studio recordings after "The Letter", consisted solely of Chilton and Memphis studio musicians. For live performances, Chilton was joined by Tom Boggs (drums), Rick Allen (bass), Gary Talley (guitar), and Bill Cunningham (organ). A popular original member before their first hit was Larry Spillman (drums). Spillman, who dated Cybil Shepherd during their high school years, left the band to to play college and pro baseball.

The band existed from 1967 to 1970, after which Chilton went on to lead the legendary Big Star.

The single "Neon Rainbow" was used in television adverts for the UK telecoms company, Talk Talk, in 2009/2010.

Rock Me Baby
The Box Tops Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

(Whew, Whoa Alright!
I just wanna say I love you
All night long
Alright! Slap it to me.)

Rock me baby
Well rock me all night long
Well rock me baby

Well rock me all night long
Well roll me baby
Until my back ain't got no bone.

Well ball me baby
Well ball me all night long (if you can)
Well ball me baby
Well ball me all night long (that feels pretty good)
Well roll me baby
Until my back ain't got no bones.
I ain't got no bones about you, don't bother me, no not at all!

Well rock me baby
Well rock me all night long
Rock me baby
Well rock me all night long
Well rock me baby

Until my back ain't got no bone.
I ain't got no bones about you, don't bother me, no!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Rock Me Baby" by The Box Tops are a euphemism for lovemaking. The singer is pleading with his lover to keep him company all night long and rock, ball, and roll him until his back has no bones left, using these acts as metaphors for sexual pleasure. His excitement is palpable in the lyrics, as he implores his partner to "slap it to me" and tells them that he has "got no bones about you."

The repetition of the phrases "rock me baby," "ball me baby," and "roll me baby" create a sense of urgency and desire in the song. The use of the word "baby" throughout the song also adds to this sense of intimacy and tenderness between the lovers. The singer's insistence that he "ain't got no bones about you" suggests a level of comfort and trust between the pair, and emphasizes that their connection is deeper than just physical attraction.

Overall, "Rock Me Baby" is a soulful and passionate love song that paints a vivid picture of a night full of passion and pleasure between two lovers.

Line by Line Meaning

Rock me baby
Please move me back and forth, dear

Well rock me all night long
I would like you to continue moving me all through the night

Well rock me baby
Please continue moving me back and forth, dear

Well roll me baby
Now, gently push me from side to side

Until my back ain't got no bone.
Continue pushing me until I lose all my stiffness and become completely relaxed

Well ball me baby
I would really appreciate it if you could hold me tight and sway with me

Well ball me all night long (if you can)
If it's possible for you, please hold me tight and sway with me for the entire night

Well ball me baby
Please hold me tight and sway with me

Well ball me all night long (that feels pretty good)
Holding me tight and swaying with me feels really good

I ain't got no bones about you, don't bother me, no not at all!
I have complete confidence and trust in you, and have no doubts or reservations