About the song
“Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On” by Jerry Lee Lewis is a quintessential rock and roll track that showcases the unbridled energy and dynamism of the 1950s music scene. Originally written by Dave “Curlee” Williams, the song was brought to life by Jerry Lee Lewis with his electrifying performance and unparalleled piano skills. Released in 1957, this song quickly became a defining hit for Lewis and a staple of rock and roll music.
The track was recorded at the legendary Sun Records studio in Memphis, Tennessee, a place renowned for nurturing talents like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins. “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On” became a massive success, reaching number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Billboard R&B and Country charts. Its explosive popularity helped solidify Jerry Lee Lewis’s reputation as one of the most dynamic performers of his time.
What sets “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On” apart is its infectious rhythm and Lewis’s energetic delivery. The song begins with a confident piano intro, quickly building up to a fever pitch with its rollicking tempo and suggestive lyrics. Lewis’s vocal performance, characterized by his distinct Southern drawl and exuberant shouts, captures the essence of a live, raucous party, inviting listeners to join in the fun and let loose.
The song’s lyrics are straightforward yet compelling, revolving around the excitement and chaos of a lively gathering. Lines like “Shake, baby, shake” and “We got the bull by the horns” convey a sense of unrestrained joy and celebration, making it impossible for listeners to resist tapping their feet or dancing along.
Jerry Lee Lewis’s live performances of “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On” were legendary, often featuring his signature piano antics, such as playing with his feet or standing atop the instrument. This showmanship, combined with the song’s irresistible beat, made it a hit with audiences and helped cement Lewis’s status as a rock and roll icon.
For older listeners, “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On” is a nostalgic reminder of the birth of rock and roll, a time when music was filled with excitement and rebellion. For newer generations, it offers a glimpse into the raw energy and charisma that defined the genre’s early days. Jerry Lee Lewis’s “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On” remains a timeless classic, celebrated for its exuberant spirit and enduring influence on rock and roll music.
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Lyrics
Come on over, baby, whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on
Yes I said come on over, baby, baby, you can’t go wrong
We ain’t fakin’ a whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on
Well, I said come on over, baby, we got chicken in the barn
Come on over, baby, babe, I got the bull by the horns
We ain’t fakin’, a whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on
Well, shake, baby, shake
I said shake, baby, shake
I said shake it, baby, shake it
Well shake, baby, shake
Come on over, whole lot of shakin goin’ on
Ah let’s go
Well, come over, baby, we got chicken in the barn
Whose barn, what barn, my barn
Come on over, baby, better got your bull by the horn
We ain’t fakin’, whole lot of shakin’ goin’ on
Easy now
Shake it, oh, shake it, baby
Yeah, you can shake one time for me
Well, I said on come over, baby, whole lot of shakin’ goin’ on
Now let’s get real low one time now
Shake, baby, shake
All you gotta, honey, is kinda stand in one spot
Wiggle around just a little bit
That’s what you gotta do, yeah
Ooh, babe, whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on
Now let’s go one time
Shake it, babe, shake it
Shake it, babe, shake
Shake it, babe, come on, babe
Shake it, babe, shake it
Come on over, whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on