Bill Haley & His Comets – Rock Around The Clock

About the song

Bill Haley & His Comets and the Birth of Rock and Roll

In the annals of music history, few songs hold as significant a place as “Rock Around the Clock” by Bill Haley & His Comets. Released in 1954, this groundbreaking track is widely regarded as the first rock and roll song, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of popular music.

Prior to “Rock Around the Clock”, the music landscape was dominated by genres like pop, jazz, and big band. However, Bill Haley & His Comets injected a new energy and rebellious spirit into the scene, capturing the attention of young audiences and heralding the birth of a new era.

The song’s opening guitar riff, a now-iconic sequence of notes, is instantly recognizable, setting the stage for a frenetic, danceable rhythm that epitomizes the essence of rock and roll. Bill Haley’s charismatic vocals, coupled with the band’s tight musicianship, deliver an infectious energy that has transcended generations.

“Rock Around the Clock”‘s impact extended far beyond the realm of music. The song became an integral part of popular culture, appearing in countless films and television shows, and its influence can be felt in virtually every genre of rock music that followed.

The song’s legacy is undeniable. It was the first rock and roll song to top the Billboard charts, selling over a million copies in just a few months. It broke down racial barriers, appealing to both Black and white audiences, and helped to lay the foundation for the civil rights movement of the 1960s.

“Rock Around the Clock” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural touchstone, a symbol of rebellion and youthful energy. It’s a reminder of the transformative power of music, its ability to unite people and break down barriers.

Key takeaways:

• “Rock Around the Clock” is widely regarded as the first rock and roll song.
• The song was released in 1954 by Bill Haley & His Comets.
• The song’s opening guitar riff is iconic and instantly recognizable.
• “Rock Around the Clock” was a major commercial success, topping the Billboard charts and selling over a million copies.
• The song had a profound impact on popular culture, appearing in countless films and television shows.
• “Rock Around the Clock” is a cultural touchstone and a symbol of rebellion and youthful energy.

I hope this introduction effectively captures the significance of “Rock Around the Clock” and its enduring impact on music history.

Video

Lyrics

“Rock Around The Clock”

 

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