Jailhouse Rock
Elvis Presley · Elvis' Golden Records
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 dancing to the Jailhouse Rock.
Spider Murphy played the tenor saxophone,
Little Joe was blowing 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 dancing to the Jailhouse Rock.
The 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 dancing to the Jailhouse Rock.
Shifty Henry said to Bugs, "For Heaven's sake,
no one's looking, 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 dancing to the Jailhouse Rock.
Dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock
Dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock
Dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock
Dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock
Jailhouse Rock
Elvis Presley's "Jailhouse Rock" stands as a definitive rock and roll anthem, capturing the raw energy of the late 1950s. Released on his "Elvis' Golden Records" album, the track blends country roots with emerging rock influences to create a sound that defined the era. The song's narrative centers on a convict awaiting execution, a theme that resonated deeply with audiences and became a cultural touchstone. Presley's dynamic vocal performance and the iconic guitar riff propelled the recording to massive commercial success, cementing his status as the King of Rock and Roll. Beyond its chart-topping status, the song remains a staple of rock history, influencing countless artists and serving as a powerful example of mid-century pop music's ability to address social themes while delivering undeniable entertainment.