Elvis Presley – Jailhouse Rock – 1957

About The Song

“Jailhouse Rock” is a classic rock and roll song performed by Elvis Presley, released in 1957. It is one of Presley’s most iconic and energetic songs, accompanied by a memorable dance sequence in the film of the same name. Here are five facts about “Jailhouse Rock”:

1. Film Soundtrack: “Jailhouse Rock” was featured in the movie of the same name, which was Elvis Presley’s third film. The song serves as a pivotal scene in the movie, featuring a dynamic performance by Presley, along with a dance sequence that became legendary.
2. Chart-Topping Success: The single became an immediate hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also topped the UK Singles Chart, making it one of Elvis Presley’s most commercially successful songs.
3. Innovative Guitar Solo: The song is notable for its innovative guitar solo played by Scotty Moore. The solo, featuring Moore’s skillful playing, contributed to the overall excitement and energy of the song. The solo is often cited as one of the memorable moments in rock and roll guitar history.
4. Dance Sequence: The film’s dance sequence accompanying “Jailhouse Rock” is iconic. Choreographed by Alex Romero, the routine features Elvis Presley and other inmates performing a spirited and energetic dance, adding a visual spectacle to the song’s musical excitement.
5. Cultural Impact: “Jailhouse Rock” is considered one of the definitive rock and roll songs of the 1950s. Its cultural impact extends beyond music, influencing fashion, dance, and popular culture. The song’s enduring popularity has solidified its place in the rock and roll canon.

“Jailhouse Rock” stands as a timeless example of Elvis Presley’s contributions to the rock and roll genre. Its success and cultural significance have made it a classic in the history of popular music and a symbol of the energy and excitement of early rock and roll.

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