About the Song
Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock” isn’t your typical prison ballad. Released in 1957, this infectious track throws away the shackles of despair and replaces them with the irresistible rhythm of rock and roll. Even behind bars, The King finds a way to ignite a party, captivating audiences with his signature blend of energy and charisma.
Composed by songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, “Jailhouse Rock” was written specifically for the film of the same name, starring Presley himself. The movie depicts a young man, wrongly accused of a crime, finding solace and even a sense of community in the shared experience of singing and dancing with his fellow inmates.
The song explodes with a driving beat and playful piano riffs, instantly setting the mood for a good-time celebration. Presley’s vocals are on fire, urging everyone to “get movin'” and “dance the Jailhouse Rock.” The lyrics, though lighthearted, offer a glimpse into prison life with references to clanging cell doors and “the warden tappin’ his foot.” But the overall tone is one of playful defiance, a celebration of the human spirit’s ability to find joy even in difficult circumstances.
“Jailhouse Rock” became an instant sensation. It topped the charts in the US and reached the top ten in many other countries. The accompanying film further solidified Presley’s status as a pop culture icon. His electrifying performance of the song in the movie, complete with suggestive hip movements and playful winks, became a cornerstone of rock and roll history.
The song’s influence extends far beyond its initial release. “Jailhouse Rock” has been covered by countless artists across genres, a testament to its enduring appeal. It remains a party anthem, a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there’s always room for a little rock and roll.
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Lyrics: “Jailhouse Rock”
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…