☝️ Key Points
- The song 'Jailhouse Rock' describes a lively and exuberant party in a prison, where the inmates dance and make music.
- Various musicians are introduced, including 'Spider Murphy' on the tenor saxophone and 'Little Joe' on the trombone, emphasizing the musical aspect of the party.
- A touch of romance is incorporated in the lyrics, as prisoner number 47 tells prisoner number 3 that they are the sweetest 'Jailbird' they've ever seen.
- Everyone is encouraged to join the party, even if they don't have a dance partner, as expressed in the line 'If you can't find a partner, use a wooden chair'.
- Some prisoners briefly consider escaping, but decide to stay at the party and 'get their kicks' instead.
Interpretation
The song 'Jailhouse Rock' by
Elvis Presley is a lively rock 'n' roll song set in a prison. The lyrics describe a party organized by the prison guard where even the inmates dance and make music.
The lines 'The prison band was there, and they began to wail / The band was jumpin', and the joint began to swing' depict a vibrant scene where the band plays music and everyone dances along.
The lines 'Spider Murphy played the tenor saxophone / Little Joe was blowin' on the slide trombone' introduce the individual musicians and emphasize the musical aspect of the party.
In the lines 'Number forty-seven said to number three / 'You're the cutest jailbird I ever did see'', there is even a hint of romance among the prisoners.
The line 'If you can't find a partner use a wooden chair' shows that everyone is encouraged to participate, even if they don't have a dance partner.
Finally, in the lines 'Shifty Henry said to Bugs, 'For Heaven's sake' / 'No one's lookin', now's our chance to make a break'', some inmates even plan to escape but decide to stay at the party and 'get their kicks'.
Overall, the song 'Jailhouse Rock' describes an unusual and lively party in the prison, where music, dance, and fun take center stage.