'Jailhouse Rock' is a classic rock song by Elvis Presley, released in 1957. The song quickly became a cultural phenomenon, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and solidifying Presley's status as a music icon. Written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, it captures the spirit of rebellion and the joys of music even in confinement. The song's lively rhythm and clear diction make it an excellent choice for English learners to practice language skills through engaging music.
Lyrics
Jailhouse Rock — Elvis Presley
English
The warden threw a party in the county jail
The prison band was there and they began to wail
The band was jumping 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 dancing 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
[...]
Grammar
What you learn from this song
Past Continuous - Pasado Continuo
"The prison band was there and they began to wail" — Describes an ongoing situation in the past.
"The band was jumping and the joint began to swing" — Indicates an action happening simultaneously with another past action.
"Was dancing to the Jailhouse Rock" — Shows the continuous action of dancing in the past.
Simple Past - Pasado Simple
"The warden threw a party in the county jail" — Indicates a completed action in the past.
"You should've heard those knocked out jailbirds sing" — A perfect example of an action that occurred and is now finished.
"Number forty-seven said to number three" — Showcases dialogue and completed actions through past tense.
Fun facts
Did you know?
Elvis Presley recorded 'Jailhouse Rock' on April 30, 1957, and it served as the title song for his second Hollywood movie.
The song was praised for its innovative sound, being one of the first rock songs to feature a full instrumental accompaniment which included the saxophone and trombone.
In 1958, 'Jailhouse Rock' was awarded the 'Best Rock & Roll Record' at the first Grammy Awards, showcasing its significance in the genre.
The cultural impact of 'Jailhouse Rock' led to numerous covers by various artists, including Johnny Rivers, who had a hit version in 1964 that breathed new life into the classic.
The song continues to resonate in popular culture, featured in various movies and TV shows, including a memorable cameo by Elvis himself in the 1957 film of the same name.
For students
Why learn English with this song?
'Jailhouse Rock' is a fantastic song for learning English due to its engaging storyline and clear pronunciation by Elvis. The vocabulary level is accessible for learners, and the repetition of key lines aids memorization. Additionally, the lively beat encourages active listening and participation, making it easier to absorb the language in a fun way.
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