Rock Around the Clock
The Isley Brothers Lyrics


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One, two, three o'clock, four o'clock rock,
Five, six, seven o'clock, eight o'clock rock.
Nine, ten, eleven o'clock, twelve o'clock rock,
We're gonna rock around the clock tonight.

Put your glad rags on and join me hon',
We'll have some fun when the clock strikes one.
We're gonna rock around the clock tonight,
We're gonna rock, rock, rock till broad daylight.
We're gonna rock, gonna rock,
Around the clock tonight.

When the clock strikes two, three and four,
If the band slows down we'll yell for more.

We're gonna rock around the clock tonight,
We're gonna rock, rock, rock till broad daylight.
We're gonna rock, gonna rock,
Around the clock tonight.

When the chimes ring five, six, and seven,
We'll be right in seventh heaven.

We're gonna rock around the clock tonight,
We're gonna rock, rock, rock till broad daylight.
We're gonna rock, gonna rock,
Around the clock tonight.

When it's eight, nine, ten, eleven too,
I'll be goin' strong and so will you.

We're gonna rock around the clock tonight,
We're gonna rock, rock, rock till broad daylight.
We're gonna rock, gonna rock,
Around the clock tonight.

When the clock stikes twelve we'll cool off then,
Start rockin' 'round the clock again.

We're gonna rock around the clock tonight,
We're gonna rock, rock, rock till broad daylight.




We're gonna rock, gonna rock,
Around the clock tonight.

Overall Meaning

"Rock Around the Clock" is a classic rock and roll song written by Max C. Freedman and James E. Myers, which was first recorded by Bill Haley & His Comets in 1954. The Isley Brothers later recorded their version of the song. The lyrics to this song are an invitation to join in the fun and dance to the rock and roll genre. The song is characterized by a catchy rhythm, fast pace, and repetition of phrases.


The first verse sets the tone for the song, as the singer speaks directly to the audience, inviting them to join in the fun. The second verse highlights the importance of timing in this song, as the singer promises to start the rocking when the clock strikes one. As the song progresses, the lyrics emphasize the excitement of the event, promising non-stop dancing until dawn. The chorus, ‘We're gonna rock around the clock tonight,’ repeats several times, emphasizing the song's theme.


The song's lyrics embodied the youth's free-spiritedness and energy during the mid-1950s. It became a rock and roll anthem and an early symbol of rebelliousness. It spoke to the teenagers who were looking to escape their conservative parents' world, providing them with a new sense of liberation through dance and music.


Line by Line Meaning

One, two, three o'clock, four o'clock rock,
Let's rock and roll from the early hours of the evening, starting from 1 o'clock until 4 o'clock.


Five, six, seven o'clock, eight o'clock rock.
We'll keep going with rock and roll at full throttle until 8 o'clock in the evening.


Nine, ten, eleven o'clock, twelve o'clock rock,
The party continues until the clock strikes midnight, with non-stop rock and roll.


We're gonna rock around the clock tonight.
We're going to party all night long, dancing and singing to rock and roll music.


Put your glad rags on and join me hon',
Get dressed up and come join me so we can enjoy this night of dancing and music together.


We'll have some fun when the clock strikes one.
When the clock strikes one, the party is just getting started and we're ready to have some fun.


If the band slows down we'll yell for more.
We won't let the energy die down, if the band slows down, we'll demand more to keep the party going strong.


When the chimes ring five, six, and seven,
As the morning approaches and the clock chimes five, six, and seven, we'll still be in our happy place and enjoying the moment.


We'll be right in seventh heaven.
We'll be experiencing a great level of happiness and bliss, fully immersed in the joy of the music and the moment.


When it's eight, nine, ten, eleven too,
Even as the hours tick by, 8, 9, 10 or 11, we'll still be going strong, enjoying the party and the music.


I'll be goin' strong and so will you.
We'll be keeping the party energy high, dancing and enjoying ourselves all night long.


When the clock stikes twelve we'll cool off then,
When the clock strikes midnight, we'll slow down and take a break from the wild partying.


Start rockin' 'round the clock again.
But soon after, we'll be ready to start the party again and rock the night away until morning.




Lyrics © BROADWAY MUSIC CORPORATION, ROBERT W. CINQUE, ESQ., Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Max Freedman, James Myers

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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