About the song
“Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” is a rock and roll anthem that needs no introduction. Its electrifying energy and suggestive lyrics have captivated audiences for decades. But the song’s origins are shrouded in a bit of mystery, just like the wild energy it unleashes.
While songwriting credits are usually split between Dave “Curlee” Williams and James Faye “Roy” Hall, the story behind the inspiration is as lively as the music itself. Hall claims the song was born from a lively gathering in Florida, fueled by music and good times. This anecdote adds a touch of authenticity to the song’s infectious rhythm.
However, the first recorded version belonged not to a rock and roll pioneer, but to the legendary blues singer Big Maybelle in 1955. This soulful rendition laid the groundwork for the song’s future transformation.
But the true game-changer came in 1957 when Jerry Lee Lewis stormed into Sun Studios. Producer Jack Clement, sensing the potential for a new sound, encouraged Lewis to ditch country and embrace rock and roll. Lewis, a performer known for his fiery energy, injected the song with a propulsive boogie-woogie piano, pounding drums, and suggestive lyrics that pushed boundaries at the time.
The result? A cultural phenomenon. Lewis’s “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” became a number one hit across pop, R&B, and country charts. It wasn’t just the music; Lewis’s electrifying stage presence solidified him as a rock and roll icon, proving that rock and roll wasn’t just about guitars.
The song’s influence continues to be felt today. It’s been covered by artists from Chubby Checker to Levi Kreis (portraying Lewis) in the Broadway musical “Million Dollar Quartet.” In 1999, the original recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, solidifying its place as a rock and roll classic.
“Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” is more than just a song; it’s a testament to the raw power and innovation that birthed rock and roll. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most electrifying music comes from unexpected places and fueled by pure, unadulterated energy.
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Lyrics
Come on over, baby, whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on
Yes I said come on over, baby, baby, you can’t go wrong
We ain’t fakin’ a whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on
Well, I said come on over, baby, we got chicken in the barn
Come on over, baby, babe, I got the bull by the horns
We ain’t fakin’, a whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on
Well, shake, baby, shake
I said shake, baby, shake
I said shake it, baby, shake it
Well shake, baby, shake
Come on over, whole lot of shakin goin’ on
Ah let’s go
Well, come over, baby, we got chicken in the barn
Whose barn, what barn, my barn
Come on over, baby, better got your bull by the horn
We ain’t fakin’, whole lot of shakin’ goin’ on
Easy now
Shake it, oh, shake it, baby
Yeah, you can shake one time for me
Well, I said on come over, baby, whole lot of shakin’ goin’ on
Now let’s get real low one time now
Shake, baby, shake
All you gotta, honey, is kinda stand in one spot
Wiggle around just a little bit
That’s what you gotta do, yeah
Ooh, babe, whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on
Now let’s go one time
Shake it, babe, shake it
Shake it, babe, shake
Shake it, babe, come on, babe
Shake it, babe, shake it
Come on over, whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on