Jailhouse Rock (song controversy)

[radhead]

Does anyone else seem completely shocked by what is suggested in the lyrics of this 1950's rock and roll classic song, as recorded by Elvis Presley? It was written by songwriting team Lieber and Stoller (famous duo with a huge string of hit songs).

"Number 47 said to number 3,
You're the cutest jail-bird I ever did see,
I sure would be delighted with your company,
Come on and do the jailhouse rock with me."

That's one of the verses. It's mainly the first 3 lines in question. They seem to be referring to homosexuality between inmates.

How come more people aren't outraged? Or at least you never hear anyone talking about this song.

Here is the official FBI footage of the song.

YouTube - Elvis Presley - Jailhouse Rock (Music Video)

 

[crishmael]

Maybe in the 50's it could be suggested, in my view in a comical way, that men could dance together and there not be anything sexual involved. Perhaps our times are influencing how we interpret the lyrics.

 

[radhead]

Maybe in the 50's it could be suggested, in my view in a comical way, that men could dance together and there not be anything sexual involved. Perhaps our times are influencing how we interpret the lyrics.

Yes, that was probably true even up through the 70's (comedy). That's exactly how I used to view the song too.

But now I'm wondering if this was perhaps a known issue at the time.

 

[frenzy]

Even if one were bothered by this topic, it would seem a waste to get upset over a song, let alone a song that was written half a century ago.

 

[crishmael]

Yes, that was probably true even up through the 70's (comedy). That's exactly how I used to view the song too.

But now I'm wondering if this was perhaps a known issue at the time.

I don't think it's an impossibility. It could've been. Not too long ago I saw a documentary on homosexuality in film, and some of it was expressed in subtle (and occasionally not so subtle) ways back then. But as I thought about the song, I remember seeing things like Bugs Bunny kissing Elmer Fudd on the lips in cartoons as a kid, and I didn't then or now ever view it as implying anything sexual. That was why I think sometimes our culture has made us oversensitive about sexuality and if we aren't careful, we'll start seeing it everywhere.

 

[soccerdad66]

One of my favorite songs by Elvis, I always noticed that verse, but just assumed it didn't refer to that...

 

[tammym1972]

I always thought it was referring to inmates of the opposite sex.

 

[SonicBOOM]

the song is 50 years old and elvis is dead, thats why.

 

[Beauty4Ashes]

the song is 50 years old and elvis is dead, thats why.

elvis lives!

 

[timbo81]

I'm sure that wasn't the intention, there was never any secret gay agenda to elvis. Alot songs of the 50's/60's had totally meaningless lyrics, great songs but nothing deep. That was the time when gay meant happy and nothing more

I think though there's a mentality that a guy cannot dance with other men or it's homosexual in some way. But a woman can dance with other females even if she's straight and it's ok. Just another society stereotype I guess.

 

[radhead]

I love the song and Elvis, don't get me wrong. I don't think Elvis himself probably thought much about it after he recorded it.

Plus, it really rocks.

 

[radhead]

This one has a better guitar solo. I think it's the original.

YouTube - Elvis, Jailhouse Rock