Forming in the wake of the early-'60s success of local favorites the Kingsmen and the Wailers (whose Etiquette label they recorded for), the Sonics combined classic Northwest-area teen band raunch with early English band grit (particularly influenced by the Kinks), relentless rhythmic drive, and unabashed '50s-style blues shouting for a combination that still makes their brand of rock & roll perhaps the raunchiest ever captured on wax.
Lead singer Gerry Roslie was no less than a white Little Richard, whose harrowing soul-screams were startling even to the Northwest teen audience, who liked their music powerful and driving with little regard to commercial subtleties. With hit after hit on the local charts (and influencing every local band that ever took the stage), the band inexplicably was never able to break out nationally, leaving its sound largely undiluted for mass consumption. Breaking up between 1966 and 1968 (after one ill-fated album attempt to water down their style for national attention), the Sonics continue today to be revered by '60s collectors the world over for their unique brand of rock & roll raunch.
In 2007, The Sonics reunited again, this time for the Cavestomp garage rock festival in Brooklyn (November 2-4, 2007). The line up featured original members Gerry Roslie on vocals/keyboards, Larry Parypa on guitar and Rob Lind on tenor sax; with Ricky Lynn Johnson (of The Wailers) on drums and Don Wilhelm (of The Daily Flash) on bass and vocals.
In 2008, The Sonics recorded a live session for Mark Lamarr's BBC Radio 2 show God's Jukebox on March 22. They played their first ever shows in London on Friday March 21 and Sunday March 23.
Since then, they have played the Primavera Festival in Barcelona, followed by Bilbao, then Belgium, Norway, and the Azkena Rock Festival in Vitoria in the Basque Country.
Their first show in their home region since their last Seattle reunion in 1972 was on Halloween 31 October 2008 at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle, where they were introduced and joined onstage for a couple numbers by Steven Van Zandt. Kent Morrill (front man of the Wailers) made a surprise appearance to help sing his signature song "Dirty Robber". Bob Bennett was also present to sit in on drums albeit only for a few songs and only while Ricky Lynn Johnson played in unison.
Let the Good Times Roll
The Sonics Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
C'mon baby, let it thrill your soul
Cmmon baby, let the good times roll
Oh yeah, all night long
Cmmon baby, let us close the door
Cmmon baby, let us rock some more
C'mon baby, let the good times roll
Oh yeah, all night long
C'mon baby, rock me all night long
Oh ohhh, yeah, ohhh oh
Feels so good when you're home
C'mon baby, rock me all night long
Oh ohhh, yeah, ohhh oh
C'mon baby, let it thrill your soul
C'mon baby, let us have some fun
C'mon baby, let the good times roll
Oh yeah, all night long
C'mon, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon
The Sonics's song "Let the Good Times Roll" is a classic rock and roll anthem focused on having a good time. It encourages the listener to let loose and embrace the joy of life. The lyrics are relatively simple, repeating the phrase "C'mon baby, let the good times roll" throughout the song. The repetition of the phrase emphasizes its importance and encourages the listener to join in and have fun.
The song's upbeat tempo and catchy melody match the lyrics' cheerful tone, making it difficult not to tap along to the beat. The lyrics also suggest that the best way to enjoy life is to close the door, rock out, and have fun all night long. The idea is to let go of inhibitions and embrace the moment.
The song's straightforward message makes it a popular choice for weddings, parties, and other celebrations where the goal is to have a good time. The Sonics's rendition is an excellent example of the early rock and roll sound that influenced so many later musicians. The song's simplicity masks its cleverness, and the message holds up well over time.
Line by Line Meaning
C'mon baby, let the good times roll
Encouraging someone to have a good time and enjoy themselves
C'mon baby, let it thrill your soul
Encouraging someone to experience something that will excite and inspire them
Cmmon baby, let us close the door
Asking someone to create a private space for themselves
Cmmon baby, let us rock some more
Encouraging someone to continue with what they are doing and enjoy it
Oh yeah, all night long
Confirming that the good times will last throughout the night
Feels so good when you're home
Suggesting that it is most enjoyable to spend time in a familiar and comfortable environment
C'mon baby, rock me all night long
Asking someone to provide physical comfort and reassurance
C'mon baby, let us have some fun
Encouraging someone to engage in activities that will bring enjoyment
C'mon, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon
Urging someone to take action and start having a good time
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Leonard Lee, Shirley Goodman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind