Rock Around the Clock – Song by Bill Haley & His Comets

About The Song

Bill Haley & His Comets – Rock Around the Clock: The Song That Launched Rock and Roll

In the annals of music history, few songs hold as much significance as Bill Haley & His Comets’ “Rock Around the Clock.” Released in 1954, this electrifying tune marked a turning point in popular culture, ushering in the era of rock and roll and forever changing the landscape of music.

Prior to “Rock Around the Clock,” rock and roll was largely confined to the fringes of American culture, primarily associated with African American rhythm and blues artists. However, Haley’s fusion of rhythm and blues with elements of country and western music, coupled with his energetic stage presence, captured the attention of a wider audience, particularly white teenagers.

The song’s impact was immediate and undeniable. Upon its release, “Rock Around the Clock” topped the charts, selling over a million copies in just six months. It became an international sensation, sparking a wave of copycat songs and igniting a cultural phenomenon that would transform the world of music.

The song’s opening guitar riff, a signature element of rock and roll, instantly grabbed listeners’ attention. Haley’s vocals, both powerful and charismatic, delivered the song’s lyrics with infectious energy. The driving rhythm section, anchored by the pounding bass and syncopated drums, provided an irresistible backdrop for the song’s infectious melody.

“Rock Around the Clock” was more than just a catchy tune; it represented a cultural shift, a rebellion against the prevailing norms of the time. The song’s lyrics, with their emphasis on youthful exuberance and uninhibited dancing, spoke to the aspirations and frustrations of a generation seeking to express themselves freely.

The song’s release coincided with the rise of television, which provided a powerful platform for rock and roll to reach a mass audience. Haley’s electrifying performances on popular variety shows, including “The Ed Sullivan Show,” further amplified the song’s impact and solidified its place in music history.

“Rock Around the Clock” not only launched the career of Bill Haley & His Comets but also paved the way for a new era in music. It inspired countless artists, from Elvis Presley to The Beatles, who adopted its rebellious spirit and incorporated its musical elements into their own styles.

The song’s influence extends beyond music, having a profound impact on fashion, dance, and youth culture. It became a symbol of teenage rebellion and a catalyst for social change, challenging traditional norms and paving the way for a more expressive and diverse society.

Today, “Rock Around the Clock” remains an enduring symbol of rock and roll’s origins. Its infectious melody, rebellious spirit, and undeniable impact have cemented its place in music history as the song that launched a revolution.

Video

Lyrics

One, two, tree o’clock, four o’clock rock
Five, six, seven o’clock, eight o’clock rock
Nine, ten, eleven o’clock, twelve o’clock rock
We’re gonna rock around the clock tonight

Put your glad rags on, join me, hon
We’ll have some fun while the clock strikes one
We’re gonna rock around the clock tonight
We’re gonna rock, rock, rock ’till broad daylight
We’re gonna rock, gonna rock around the clock tonight

When the clock strikes two or tree and four
If the band slows down we’ll yell for more
We’re gonna rock around the clock tonight
We’re gonna rock, rock, rock ’till broad daylight
We’re gonna rock gonna rock around the clock tonight

When the chimes ring five, six and seven
We’ll be right in seventh heaven
We’re gonna rock around the clock tonight
We’re gonna rock, rock, rock, ’till broad daylight
We’re gonna rock, gonna rock, around the clock tonight

When it’s eight, nine, ten, eleven too
I’ll be goin’ strong and so will you
We’re gonna rock around the clock tonight
We’re gonna rock, rock, rock, ’till broad daylight
We’re gonna rock, gonna rock, around the clock tonight

When the clock strikes twelve, we’ll cool off then
Start a rockin’ round the clock again
We’re gonna rock around the clock tonight
We’re gonna rock, rock, rock, ’till broad daylight
We’re gonna rock, gonna rock, around the clock tonight