Rock It
Thumper Jones Lyrics


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When you wake up in the mornin' and you wonder
Why no one's beside you where I usually lay
And you think you hear the sound of distant thunder
Well, that's just your old rock (just your old rock) a-rolling away.

I was a rock standing strong for you
For there was nothing that I wouldn't do
No matter the cost I was ready to pay
Now you say I'm only holding you down
Like some old rock you've been draggin' around
Yes, I'm your old rock (just your old rock) but now I'm rolling away.

I'm rolling away on a downhill grade
But I'm gonna come to rest at a mountain of love someday
'Cause I finally understand if you're resting on shifting sand
Well, even a rock (even a rock) will go a-rolling away.

I was a rock standing strong for you
No, there was nothing that I wouldn't do
No matter the cost I was ready to pay
Now you say I'm only holding you down
Like some old rock you've been draggin' around
Yes, I was your old rock (just your old rock) but I'm a-rolling away.





Honey, I was your rock (just your old rock) now I'm rolling away.

Overall Meaning

The song "Rock It" by Thumper Jones (George Jones) is a heartfelt ballad about a relationship that has come to an end. The lyrics describe a situation where one partner wakes up in the morning and finds themselves alone in bed, realizing that the other person has left. The sound of distant thunder is used as a metaphor for the departing partner's presence slowly fading away. The chorus repeats the phrase "I'm your old rock, but now I'm rolling away," emphasizing the idea that the person who was once a steadfast and reliable presence in the other's life has decided it's time to move on.


The verses of the song further explore this metaphor, with the chorus acting as a refrain. The singer describes how they were once a rock for their partner, always willing to do whatever it took to make the relationship work. However, the other person has since become disillusioned with them, viewing them as a burden that's only holding them back. The song does not place blame on either person, but rather focuses on the sense of inevitability that can come with the end of a relationship.


One of the most interesting things about "Rock It" is that it was actually written by George Jones himself, under the pseudonym Thumper Jones. As an established country artist, he wanted to explore a new sound and style that was closer to rock and roll. The song was recorded in 1956 and was later covered by Jerry Lee Lewis, among others.


Line by Line Meaning

When you wake up in the mornin' and you wonder
Starting the day with uncertainty and questions


Why no one's beside you where I usually lay
Realizing the absence of someone special


And you think you hear the sound of distant thunder
Hearing the approaching storm of change


Well, that's just your old rock (just your old rock) a-rolling away.
Accepting that a critical part of one's life is departing.


I was a rock standing strong for you
Being a steady presence to provide support and comfort


For there was nothing that I wouldn't do
Going above and beyond for the sake of love


No matter the cost I was ready to pay
Willingness to sacrifice everything


Now you say I'm only holding you down
Hearing that one has become a burden instead of a beacon


Like some old rock you've been draggin' around
Being perceived as an unwanted obstacle


Yes, I'm your old rock (just your old rock) but now I'm rolling away.
Accepting the situation and moving on


I'm rolling away on a downhill grade
Going through a process of decline


But I'm gonna come to rest at a mountain of love someday
Finding a new, better love to hold onto


'Cause I finally understand if you're resting on shifting sand
Realizing that one cannot rely on something unpredictable


Well, even a rock (even a rock) will go a-rolling away.
Acknowledging everything's changeable and nothing's forever


Honey, I was your rock (just your old rock) now I'm rolling away.
Leaving home behind and starting a new chapter of life.




Lyrics © GLAD MUSIC CO.
Written by: GEORGE JONES

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@ZacharyRedFulton

One of the greatest unintentional Southern rock songs of all-time!!!

@Boppinbonny

One of the rawest out there! Love it

@uhohwhoops

George Jones is my grandfather. Love that theres some thumper jones floatin around.

@majikassassinz8993

George is my husband Vince Jones's great great uncle. Are you one of Bryan, Jeff or Susan's kids?

@edibub7623

What a great rock and roll singer!!! Those insanly wild screams are legendary!i know he was very, very critical about this period but common!

@txbigfoot0963

My good friend tried to get George to autograph his copy of this 45 and George refused. He didn't want to have any connection to this record. Too bad, he didn't realize what a great recording it was, and still is!

@eternallife9786

It's because they tried to force him into rockabilly music early on in his career plus add the amount of drugs and alcohol that man consumed

@karleypresley_xoxo5566

We need more music like this today in 2014. 

@darkotomicic5867

In 2022 also

@eternallife9786

Also 2023

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