About the song
Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock” is a timeless classic that encapsulates the raw energy and rebellious spirit of the rock and roll era. Released in 1957, the song quickly became a cultural phenomenon, topping charts worldwide and cementing Presley’s status as the “King of Rock and Roll.”
Written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the song’s lyrics present a playful and somewhat suggestive narrative set within a prison environment. While the song’s surface-level meaning might seem lighthearted, deeper analysis reveals a more complex and intriguing interpretation. Scholars and critics have noted the song’s homoerotic undertones, a theme that was both daring and controversial for its time.
Beyond its lyrical content, “Jailhouse Rock” is renowned for its energetic performance and infectious rhythm. Presley’s charismatic vocals, combined with Scotty Moore’s iconic guitar solo, create a dynamic and unforgettable musical experience. The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its ability to capture the essence of youthful rebellion and the thrill of breaking free from societal constraints.
Video
Lyrics
The warden threw a party in the county jail
The prison band was there and they began to wail
The band was jumpin’ and the joint began to swing
You should’ve heard those knocked out jailbirds sing
Let’s rock
Everybody, let’s rock
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock
Spider Murphy played the tenor saxophone
Little Joe was blowin’ on the slide trombone
The drummer boy from Illinois went crash, boom, bang
The whole rhythm section was a purple gang
Let’s rock
Everybody, let’s rock
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock
Number 47 said to number three
“You’re the cutest jailbird I ever did see
I sure would be delighted with your company
Come on and do the Jailhouse Rock with me”
Let’s rock
Everybody, let’s rock
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock, Rock, Rock
Sad Sack was sittin’ on a block of stone
Way over in the corner weepin’ all alone
The warden said, “Hey, buddy, don’t you be no square
If you can’t find a partner, use a wooden chair”
Let’s rock
Everybody, let’s rock
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock
Shifty Henry said to Bugs, “For Heaven’s sake
No one’s lookin’, now’s the chance to make a break”
Bugsy turned to Shifty and he said, “Nix nix
I wanna stick around a while and get my kicks”
Let’s rock
Everybody, let’s rock
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock
Dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock, dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock
Dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock, dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock
Dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock-