Jailhouse Rock
The Jeff Beck Group Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The prison band was there, and they began to wail
The band began to-jumping, they began to swing
You should have heard the knock down jailbird sing
Let's rock, everybody let's rock
Oh everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancing to the jailhouse rock
You're the cutest jailbird I ever did see
I sure would be delighted with your company
So come and do the jailhouse rock with me
Let's rock, everybody let's rock
Oh everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancing to the jailhouse rock, yeah!
Spider Murphy played on the tenor saxophone
Little Joe was blowin' on a slide trombone
Drummer boy from Illinois was crash-a-bam boomin'
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
Listen
Dancing to the jailhouse rock
Dancing to the jailhouse rock
Dancing to the jailhouse rock
Dancing to the jailhouse rock
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancing to the jailhouse rock, yeah!
Everybody in the whole cell block
Dancing to the jailhouse rock
C'mon
Dancing to the jailhouse rock
Dancing to the jailhouse rock
Dancing to the jailhouse rock
Dancing to the jailhouse rock
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancing to the jailhouse
The Jeff Beck Group's version of "Jailhouse Rock" is a cover of the classic Elvis Presley song, which is about a party that takes place in a county jail hosted by the warden. The song describes the prison band playing music that makes the inmates want to dance and let loose. The upbeat tempo of the song is intended to reflect the joy and energy of the prisoners at the party. The lyrics describe one inmate admiring another and asking them to dance to the "jailhouse rock" with them.
Through the lyrics, the song portrays the concept of finding a way to enjoy the circumstances one finds themselves in, even if it's in jail. The party becomes a momentary escape from the reality of their circumstances, and through the song, the inmates fully embrace the moment and enjoy themselves in the midst of their confinement. Overall, the song is a testament to the universal human desire for joy and connection, and how music can transcend boundaries and bring people together even in the most unlikely of places.
Line by Line Meaning
The warden threw a party in the county jail
The warden hosted a celebration inside the jail or prison.
The prison band was there, and they began to wail
The band that usually performs inside the prison started to play music with energy and enthusiasm.
The band began to-jumping, they began to swing
The band started to jump and swing their bodies while playing music.
You should have heard the knock down jailbird sing
There was a prisoner who sang really well and with such emotion that it was worth hearing.
Let's rock, everybody let's rock
An invitation to dance with the beat of the music.
Oh everybody in the whole cell block
Everybody inside the prison, without exception.
Was dancing to the jailhouse rock
Was enjoying and dancing to the rhythm of the music, which could only be heard inside the prison walls.
Number forty-seven said to number three
One prisoner addressed another by their assigned number, which is essentailly their name while in prison.
You're the cutest jailbird I ever did see
One prisoner compliments another on their looks or personality.
I sure would be delighted with your company
I would really enjoy spending time with you or hanging out with you.
So come and do the jailhouse rock with me
A playful invitation to dance and have fun with the other person.
Spider Murphy played on the tenor saxophone
The name of the saxophonist in the prison band.
Little Joe was blowin' on a slide trombone
Another member of the prison band who played the slide trombone.
Drummer boy from Illinois was crash-a-bam boomin'
The drummer in the band, originally from Illinois, was playing the drums with a lot of energy and force.
The whole rhythm section was the purple gang
The rest of the band was called the Purple Gang, which refers to their musical style and the color of their clothing.
Listen
An invitation to pay close attention or focus on the music.
Dancing to the jailhouse rock
Repeating the main refrain that everyone inside the prison was dancing to the music.
Everybody in the whole cell block
Repeating the line that everyone inside the prison was dancing.
C'mon
A phrase used to encourage people to follow or join in with an activity.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BENJAMIN WEISMAN, FRED WISE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind