About the song
“Rock Around the Clock” stands as a seminal anthem in the history of rock and roll, its energetic beats and rebellious spirit defining an era and shaping popular music forever. Penned by Max C. Freedman and James E. Myers (under the pseudonym Jimmy De Knight) in 1952, this 12-bar blues song found its definitive rendition in Bill Haley & His Comets’ iconic 1954 recording for American Decca. It quickly soared to number one on both American and UK charts, blazing a trail as the first rock and roll track to achieve such global mainstream success.
The song’s journey to fame wasn’t without its hurdles. Initially written in late 1952, it underwent significant transformation before Haley’s version emerged. Originally titled “We’re Gonna Rock Around the Clock Tonight!”, it underwent simplification to “(We’re Gonna) Rock Around the Clock”, a name that echoed its rhythmic urgency and infectious energy. Despite being intended for Haley, legal constraints delayed his recording until April 1954, following a successful rendition by Sonny Dae & His Knights earlier that March.
Its breakthrough came with inclusion in the 1955 film “Blackboard Jungle,” where it became an emblem of teenage rebellion, forever cementing its place in cultural history. The song’s impact was not limited to the charts; it symbolized a seismic shift in musical taste and youth culture, propelling rock and roll into global prominence.
Beyond its immediate success, “Rock Around the Clock” remains a cornerstone of rock music’s evolution. Recognized by the Library of Congress for its cultural significance, it continues to resonate through various covers and tributes, solidifying its status as a timeless classic. From its distinct guitar riffs to its propulsive rhythm section, the song’s formula captured the essence of rock and roll, paving the way for countless artists and genres to follow.
In essence, “Rock Around the Clock” isn’t just a song; it’s a cultural touchstone that encapsulates the spirit of a generation, forever immortalized in the annals of music history. Its enduring popularity across decades underscores its enduring influence and enduring appeal, ensuring its legacy as a cornerstone of rock and roll’s golden age.
Video
Lyrics
One, two, three o’clock, four o’clock, rock
Five, six, seven o’clock, eight o’clock, rock
Nine, ten, eleven o’clock, twelve o’clock, rock
We’re gonna rock around the clock tonight
Put your glad rags on and join me, hon’
We’ll have some fun when the clock strikes one
We’re gonna rock around the clock tonight
We’re gonna rock, rock, rock, ’til broad daylight
We’re gonna rock, gonna rock, around the clock tonight
When the clock strikes two, three and four
If the band slows down we’ll yell for more
We’re gonna rock around the clock tonight
We’re gonna rock, rock, rock, ’til broad daylight
We’re gonna rock, gonna rock, around the clock tonight
When the chimes ring five, six and seven
We’ll be right in seventh heaven
We’re gonna rock around the clock tonight
We’re gonna rock, rock, rock, ’til broad daylight
We’re gonna rock, gonna rock, around the clock tonight
When it’s eight, nine, ten, eleven too
I’ll be goin’ strong and so will you
We’re gonna rock around the clock tonight
We’re gonna rock, rock, rock, ’til broad daylight
We’re gonna rock, gonna rock, around the clock tonight
When the clock strikes twelve, we’ll cool off then
Start a rockin’ round the clock again
We’re gonna rock around the clock tonight
We’re gonna rock, rock, rock, ’til broad daylight
We’re gonna rock, gonna rock, around the clock tonight