About the song
Background
- A Timeless Rock ‘n’ Roll Classic: “Reelin’ and Rockin'” is one of Chuck Berry’s signature songs and a cornerstone of the classic rock ‘n’ roll sound.
- Written and Released: Written by Berry himself and originally released in 1957, it gained wider recognition through covers by bands like The Dave Clark Five and The Beatles.
- Inspiration: The song was inspired by the energy of the dances happening at rock ‘n’ roll shows in the 1950s and the feeling of the music taking over the crowd.
Lyrics
The lyrics describe a lively party scene where everyone is caught up in the music:
- Central Image: The idea of “reelin’ and rockin'” symbolizes being totally immersed in the rhythm and movement of rock ‘n’ roll.
- Party Atmosphere: Descriptions of people dancing, the music playing loudly, and everyone letting loose.
- Call-and-Response: Berry uses classic call-and-response patterns of singing a line and having the audience respond or mimic it back, adding to the participatory feel.
Themes
- Joy of Rock ‘n’ Roll: At its core, “Reelin’ and Rockin'” is a celebration of the power of rock ‘n’ roll music to bring people together and generate excitement.
- Release and Abandonment: There’s a sense of giving up control to the rhythm, letting the music wash over you and losing yourself in the moment.
- Youthful Rebellion: Rock ‘n’ roll in Berry’s time was often seen as a symbol of youthful energy and, to some extent, a rebellion against the older generation.
Legacy
Chuck Berry’s “Reelin’ and Rockin'” has become synonymous with the early days of rock ‘n’ roll, the sense of fun and freedom the music represented, and its impact on generations to come.
Video
Lyrics
Sometimes I will, then again I think I won’tSometimes I will, then again I think I won’tSometimes I do, then again I think I don’t
Well, I looked at my watch, it was 9:21Without a rock ‘n’ roll dance, havin’ nothin’ but funAnd we rolled, reelin’ and rockin’We was reelin’ and rockin’, and rollin’ ’til the break of dawn
Well, I looked at my watch, it was 9:32There’s nothin’ I’d rather do than dance with youAnd we rolled, reelin’ and rockin’We was reelin’ and rockin’ way ’til the break of dawn
Well, I looked at my watch, it was 9:43And every time I’d spin, she’d spin with meWe reeled, reelin’ and rockin’We was reelin’ and rockin’, and rollin’ ’til the break of dawn
Well, I looked at my watch, it was 9:54I said, “Dance ballerina girl, go, go, go go”And we go, reelin’ and rockin’We was reelin’ and rockin’, and rollin’ ’til the break of dawn
Well, I looked at my watch, it was 10:05Man, I didn’t know whether I was dead or aliveBut I was rolled, reelin’ and rockin’We was reelin’ and rockin’, and rollin’ ’til the break of dawn
Well, I looked at my watch, it was 10:26But I’ma keep on dancin’ ’til I got my kicksWe were reelin’, reelin’ and rockin’We was reelin’ and rockin’, and rollin’ ’til the break of dawn
Well, I looked at my watch, it was 10:28I gotta get my kicks ‘fore it gets too lateWe were reelin’, reelin’ and rockin’We was reelin’ and rockin’, and rollin’ ’til the break of dawn
Well, I looked at my watch, it was 10:29I had to hold her hand, she was still holdin’ mineWe were reelin’, reelin’ and rockin’We was reelin’ and rockin’, and rollin’ ’til the break of dawn
Well, I looked at my watch, and to my surpriseI was dancin’ with a woman that was twice my sizeWe were reelin’, reelin’ and rockin’I was reelin’ and rockin’, and rollin’ ’til the break of dawn
Well, I looked at my watch, and it was time to goThe band leader said, “We ain’t playin’ no mo'”We were reelin’, reelin’ and rockin’We was reelin’ and rockin’ way ’til the break of dawn