Introduction
Step into the 1950s, where a young Elvis Presley, fresh off his first film deal, found himself behind bars…on screen, that is. “Jailhouse Rock,” the title track of his debut movie, became more than just a soundtrack – it was a cultural phenomenon.
Born from the minds of songwriting giants Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the song was inspired by a real-life incident involving a Mississippi convict on death row who requested a guitar as his last wish. Leiber and Stoller envisioned a rebellious spirit channeling his anxieties into music, a sentiment they poured into the lyrics.
Elvis, known for his electrifying stage presence, brought the song to life with raw energy. His hip thrusts and finger snaps, deemed scandalous at the time, redefined musical performance and ignited rock and roll’s rebellion against societal norms. The film, released in 1957, became a box office smash, solidifying Elvis’ image as a charismatic bad boy with a killer voice.
But “Jailhouse Rock” transcended the silver screen. The song topped the charts, selling millions of copies and earning Elvis his second Grammy nomination. Its playful blend of rockabilly and blues rhythms, punctuated by the iconic jailhouse chorus, resonated with audiences beyond generations.
Today, “Jailhouse Rock” remains a timeless classic. It’s a testament to Elvis’ undeniable star power, the songwriting genius of Leiber and Stoller, and the rebellious spirit of rock and roll itself. So, put on your dancing shoes, grab your cellmates (figuratively, of course!), and get ready to jive to the beat of a legend. It’s time to rock some Jailhouse Rock!
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 the Purple Gang.Let’s rock, everybody, let’s rock.
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock.Number forty-seven 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.Sad Sack was a 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 our 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…