Shake
Turner Big Joe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Get outta that bed, wash your face and hands
Well, you get in that kitchen, make some noise with the pots 'n pans
Way you wear those dresses, the sun comes shinin' through
Way you wear those dresses, the sun comes shinin' through
I can't believe my eyes, all that mess belongs to you
I believe to my soul you're the devil and now I know
Well, the more I work, the faster my money goes
I said shake, rattle and roll, shake, rattle and roll
Shake, rattle and roll, shake, rattle and roll
Well, you won't do right to save your doggone soul
Yeah, blow Joe
I'm like a one-eyed cat peepin' in a seafood store
I'm like a one-eyed cat peepin' in a seafood store
Well, I can look at you till you ain't no child no more
Ah, shake, rattle and roll, shake, rattle and roll
Shake, rattle and roll, shake, rattle and roll
Well, you won't do right to save your doggone soul
I get over the hill and way down underneath
I get over the hill and way down underneath
You make me roll my eyes, even make me grit my teeth
I said shake, rattle and roll, shake, rattle and roll
Shake, rattle and roll, shake, rattle and roll
Well, you won't do nothin' to save your doggone soul
Shake, rattle and roll
"Shake, Rattle and Roll" by Turner Big Joe is a rhythm and blues song that was first recorded in 1954. This song is known for its upbeat and energetic rhythm that encourages dancing along with it. The lyrics of the song are rich in metaphors and illustrate the story of a man who is frustrated with his partner who doesn't do right by him.
The song begins with a call to action for the listener to "get outta that bed, wash your face and hands." This can be interpreted as a metaphor for getting one's life together and taking action towards a better future. The singer then asks the listener to make some noise in the kitchen, which can be interpreted as a metaphor for making changes and taking control of one's life.
The lyrics then move on to describe the way the singer's partner wears her dresses, and how it makes the sun shine through. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for the way his partner's beauty affects the singer, making him see the world in a brighter light. However, the next line reveals that the singer believes his partner is the devil, and her beauty is just a mirage that's blinding him.
The chorus of the song encourages the listener to shake, rattle, and roll, which can be interpreted as a metaphor for getting rid of the frustrations and stress of life through dancing and letting loose. The song ends with a final call to action for his partner to do right and save her soul.
Line by Line Meaning
Get outta that bed, wash your face and hands
Stop being lazy and go clean yourself up
Well, you get in that kitchen, make some noise with the pots 'n pans
Start cooking and make some noise while doing it
Way you wear those dresses, the sun comes shinin' through
Your dresses are so bright and beautiful, they let the sun shine through
I can't believe my eyes, all that mess belongs to you
I'm surprised that all of that mess belongs to you
I believe to my soul you're the devil and now I know
I'm convinced that you're evil and I know it now
Well, the more I work, the faster my money goes
No matter how much I work, my money keeps disappearing quickly
Shake, rattle and roll, shake, rattle and roll
Move around and make some noise
Well, you won't do right to save your doggone soul
You won't do anything right to save yourself
I'm like a one-eyed cat peepin' in a seafood store
I'm like a curious cat looking at everything in a seafood store
Well, I can look at you till you ain't no child no more
I can look at you until you're no longer a child
I get over the hill and way down underneath
I traveled far and deep down below
You make me roll my eyes, even make me grit my teeth
You frustrate me so much, I roll my eyes and clench my teeth
Well, you won't do nothin' to save your doggone soul
You won't do anything to save yourself
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Charles Calhoun
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@usmc1917916
Man! This is Music History........These guys were the real deal......RIP
@nobodyyouknow222
I have been listening to Big Joe Turner almost every day for a couple of years.. listening to the arrangements.. the horns playing one line behind the soloist.. and the bass.. its just the classic early early rock back ups.. with jazz players, and Joe. The 48-55 transition from R&B / jazz of the day into Rock and modern R&B is some rich territory... the horns went away, replace by voices and guitars.. but the stuff was all laid down here.
@donmacquarrie9161
I'm just figuring out this is the man who invented rock and roll...one of his early songs is spoken almost like rap...incredible.
@tungstun1977
Thank goodness for YouTube how else would I have ever found this...thanks for posting
@THEMOJOMANsince1959
The Beginning these kids today have missed SO MUCH. This is where it came from. I was about 12-13 then
@anthonycorreia6491
this is pure rock n roll born out of the blues, god's music
@davecyr1063
Big Joe rules !!!!! Thanks for posting this fine video of what most consider his best-known composition. One of the finest examples of rock and roll being born from the blues. YES !!!!!!!
@animequeen5624
This is my dad's favorite song rip to my dad I miss him
@marsha-madness-super-badness
The brother on the bass knew what the hell he was doing. Damn.
@ryanb7476
very well played on that bass