Jailhouse Rock
The Cramps Lyrics

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The warden threw a party in the county jail
The prison band was there and
They began to wail
The band was jumping and the
Joint began to swing
You should've heard those knocked
Out jailbirds sing

Let's rock, everybody, let's rock
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancing to the Jailhouse Rock

Spider Murphy played the tenor saxophone
Little Joe was blowing on the slide trombone
The drummer boy from Illinois
Went crash, boom, bang
The whole rhythm section was the Purple Gang

Let's rock, everybody, let's rock
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancing to the Jailhouse Rock

Number forty-seven said to number three
"You're the cutest jailbird I ever did see
I sure would be delighted with your company"
She said "come on and do
The Jailhouse Rock with me"

Let's rock, everybody, let's rock
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancing to the Jailhouse Rock

The sad sack was a sitting
On a block of stone
Way over in the corner weeping all alone
The warden said, "Hey, buddy
Don't you be no square
If you can't find a partner
Use a wooden chair"

Let's rock, everybody, let's rock
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancing to the Jailhouse Rock

Shifty Henry said to Bugs
"For Heaven's sake no one's looking
Now's our chance to make a break"
Bugsy turned to Shifty and he said, "Nix nix
I want to stick around a
While and get my kicks"

Let's rock, everybody, let's rock
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancing to the Jailhouse Rock

Dancing to the Jailhouse Rock
Dancing to the Jailhouse Rock

Dancing to the Jailhouse Rock
Dancing to the Jailhouse Rock

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Cramps' song "Jailhouse Rock" depict a lively and energetic party taking place inside a county jail. The warden decides to throw a party for the inmates, and the prison band begins to play music, causing the atmosphere to become electric. The inmates, referred to as "jailbirds," join in and start singing along with the band, creating a vibrant and joyful mood.

The first paragraph describes the scene as the band starts playing and the prisoners begin to dance and have a good time. The lyrics emphasize the high energy of the moment by mentioning that the joint, referring to the prison, begins to swing. The inmates are so enthusiastic that their singing can be heard throughout the jail.

The second paragraph introduces some of the musicians performing at the party. Spider Murphy plays the tenor saxophone, while Little Joe plays the slide trombone. The drummer, hailing from Illinois, adds to the rhythm with crash, boom, and bang sounds. The rhythm section is highlighted as the "Purple Gang," possibly referring to a real-life gang from Detroit known for their criminal activities.

In the third paragraph, the lyrics focus on a conversation between two inmates, number forty-seven and number three. Number forty-seven remarks on number three's attractiveness and expresses the desire to spend time with them. Number three invites them to join in and dance to the Jailhouse Rock together. This section highlights the camaraderie and flirtatious nature of the inmates, finding joy even in their confined environment.

The fourth and final paragraph brings attention to a sad and lonely inmate sitting alone on a block of stone. The warden tries to cheer them up, suggesting they find a partner to dance with. However, if they can't find one, the warden suggests they dance with a wooden chair. This section explores the theme of inclusion and finding ways to enjoy oneself regardless of the circumstances.

The song concludes by briefly mentioning two characters, Shifty Henry and Bugsy, contemplating making an escape. However, Bugsy decides to stay and enjoy the party a little longer, seeking pleasure in the moment. The lyrics reinforce the idea that dancing and rocking to the Jailhouse Rock brings a sense of liberation and happiness to the inmates.

Overall, "Jailhouse Rock" by The Cramps portrays a lively and spirited celebration within the confines of a jail, emphasizing the resilience and joy the inmates find through music and dance.

Line by Line Meaning

The warden threw a party in the county jail
The warden hosted a celebration within the confines of the local correctional facility

The prison band was there and They began to wail
The band formed by incarcerated individuals was present and started playing with intense emotion

The band was jumping and the Joint began to swing
The music became lively and the atmosphere of the jail transformed into a vibrant one

You should've heard those knocked Out jailbirds sing
It would have been impressive to hear those imprisoned individuals singing passionately

Let's rock, everybody, let's rock
Come on, everyone, let's enjoy and dance with fervor

Everybody in the whole cell block Was dancing to the Jailhouse Rock
Every person in the entire cell block was enthusiastically dancing to the music

Spider Murphy played the tenor saxophone
Spider Murphy skillfully played the saxophone with a deep, soulful sound

Little Joe was blowing on the slide trombone
Little Joe expertly played the trombone, producing smooth sliding notes

The drummer boy from Illinois Went crash, boom, bang
The young drummer from Illinois played energetically, creating an explosive and rhythmic beat

The whole rhythm section was the Purple Gang
The entire ensemble of musicians, known as the Purple Gang, provided the rhythmic foundation for the performance

Number forty-seven said to number three "You're the cutest jailbird I ever did see I sure would be delighted with your company"
Inmate number forty-seven expressed admiration to inmate number three, highlighting their attractiveness and expressing a desire for companionship

She said "come on and do The Jailhouse Rock with me"
In response, she invited him to join her in the lively dance known as the Jailhouse Rock

The sad sack was sitting On a block of stone
A despondent individual sat alone on a solid object

Way over in the corner weeping all alone
Deep in the corner, this person cried in solitude

The warden said, "Hey, buddy Don't you be no square If you can't find a partner Use a wooden chair"
The warden addressed the lonely individual, urging them not to be isolated and suggesting they dance with a wooden chair if they couldn't find a partner

Shifty Henry said to Bugs "For Heaven's sake no one's looking Now's our chance to make a break"
Shifty Henry whispered to Bugs that it was the perfect moment to escape since nobody was paying attention

Bugsy turned to Shifty and he said, "Nix nix I want to stick around a While and get my kicks"
Bugsy declined the opportunity, expressing a desire to remain for a while longer in order to have some fun

Dancing to the Jailhouse Rock
Engaging in lively dance moves while accompanied by the Jailhouse Rock