About the song
Few songs capture the raw energy and rebellious spirit of early rock and roll quite like **Elvis Presley – Jailhouse Rock**. Released in 1957 as part of the soundtrack for the film of the same name, this electrifying track remains one of the defining anthems of the genre. From its pounding rhythm to Elvis’s unmistakable, swaggering vocals, the song embodies the excitement of a musical revolution in full swing.
Written by the legendary duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, **Jailhouse Rock** is more than just a catchy tune—it’s a full-throttle celebration of rock and roll’s power to break down barriers. The lyrics paint a lively picture of a prison transformed into a dance hall, where the inmates, guards, and even the warden can’t resist the infectious beat. Lines like *“Let’s rock, everybody, let’s rock”* perfectly capture the song’s unstoppable momentum, making it impossible to sit still while listening.
But it’s not just the lyrics or melody that make **Jailhouse Rock** so unforgettable—it’s Elvis himself. By 1957, he was already a star, but this song cemented his status as the undisputed King of Rock and Roll. His performance, both on record and in the film, exudes charisma, confidence, and a sense of danger that thrilled young audiences and scandalized older generations. The way he snarls through the verses, punctuating them with signature vocal hiccups and growls, gives the song a rebellious edge that still feels fresh today.
Musically, **Jailhouse Rock** is a masterpiece of rockabilly energy. Scotty Moore’s slashing guitar riff, D.J. Fontana’s driving drumbeat, and Bill Black’s steady bassline create a tight, propulsive sound that pushes the song forward with relentless energy. The arrangement is deceptively simple, but every element works together to create a perfect storm of rhythm and attitude.
Over six decades later, **Jailhouse Rock** remains one of Elvis Presley’s most beloved and enduring hits. Whether you first heard it in the 1957 film, on an old vinyl record, or in a modern playlist, its magic is undeniable. This is rock and roll at its purest—bold, exciting, and utterly timeless.
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-
