Shake rattle and roll

Big Joe Turner's 'Shake, Rattle and Roll' is a quintessential rock and roll anthem that captures the raw energy and rebellious spirit of the 1950s. The song's lyrics are a vibrant mix of playful commands and vivid imagery, painting a picture of a lively, chaotic household. The opening lines, 'Get outta that bed, wash your face and hands,' set the tone for a day filled with activity and noise, urging the listener to shake off lethargy and embrace the hustle and bustle of life. The mention of making noise with pots and pans adds a domestic yet dynamic touch, emphasizing the everyday chaos that can be both frustrating and exhilarating.

The song also delves into themes of desire and frustration, particularly in the lines, 'Well, you wear low dresses, the sun comes shining through / I can't believe my eyes all that mess belongs to you.' Here, Turner uses the metaphor of the sun shining through a low dress to highlight the allure and temptation of the woman he's addressing. This imagery is both sensual and slightly scandalous, reflecting the song's underlying tension between attraction and exasperation. The repeated refrain, 'Shake, rattle and roll,' serves as both a command and a release, urging the listener to let go of their inhibitions and embrace the wild, unpredictable nature of life.

Turner's powerful voice and the song's driving rhythm create an infectious energy that is impossible to resist. The line, 'I'm like a one-eyed cat peeping in a seafood store,' is a humorous yet poignant metaphor for longing and curiosity, capturing the essence of the human experience. The song's closing lines, 'Well, you won't do right to save your doggone soul,' underscore a sense of resigned frustration, acknowledging that despite all efforts, some things remain stubbornly unchanged. 'Shake, Rattle and Roll' is a celebration of life's chaotic beauty, urging us to embrace the noise and movement that define our existence.