Big Joe Turner – Shake, Rattle and Roll – 1954

About The Song

“Shake, Rattle and Roll” is a classic rock and roll song originally recorded by Big Joe Turner in 1954. Here are five facts about the song:

1. Genre Pioneering: “Shake, Rattle and Roll” is considered a pioneering rock and roll song. It played a significant role in the genre’s development, blending rhythm and blues with elements of boogie-woogie and jump blues. The song’s energetic and infectious rhythm became a hallmark of early rock and roll.
2. Double Entendre Lyrics: The lyrics of “Shake, Rattle and Roll” are known for their playful and often risqué double entendre. The song uses slang and clever wordplay, making it both a danceable tune and a source of controversy due to its suggestive nature.
3. Cover Versions: The song’s popularity led to numerous cover versions by various artists. One of the most famous covers is by Bill Haley & His Comets, whose rendition became a major hit and is often associated with the birth of rock and roll.
4. Chart Success: Big Joe Turner’s original recording of “Shake, Rattle and Roll” reached number 22 on the Billboard R&B chart in 1954. Although it didn’t cross over to the pop charts initially, it became influential and laid the groundwork for future rock and roll hits.
5. Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame: In recognition of its historical and cultural significance, “Shake, Rattle and Roll” was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame. The song’s impact on the evolution of rock and roll and its enduring popularity have solidified its place in the history of American music.

Video

Lyrics

Get outta that bed, wash your face and hands
Get outta that bed, wash your face and hands
Well, you get in that kitchen, make some noise with the pots an’ pans

Way you wear those dresses, the sun comes shinin’ through
Way you wear those dresses, the sun comes shinin’ through
I can’t believe my eyes, all that mess belongs to you

I believe to my soul, you’re the devil and now I know
I believe to my soul, you’re the devil and now I know
Well, the harder I work, the faster my money goes

I said shake, rattle and roll
Shake, rattle and roll
Shake, rattle and roll
Shake, rattle and roll
Well, you won’t do right to save your doggone soul
Yeah, blow the top

I’m like a one-eyed cat peepin’ in a seafood store
I’m like a one-eyed cat peepin’ in a seafood store
Well, I can look at you ’til you ain’t no child no more

Ah, shake, rattle and roll
Shake, rattle and roll
Shake, rattle and roll
Shake, rattle and roll
Well, you won’t do right to save your doggone soul

I get over the hill and way down underneath
I get over the hill, way down underneath
You make me roll my eyes, even make me grit my teeth

I said shake, rattle and roll
Shake, rattle and roll
Shake, rattle and roll
Shake, rattle and roll
Well, you won’t do nothin’ to save your doggone soul

Shake, rattle and roll