About the song
**Introduction to “Rock Around the Clock”**
“Rock Around the Clock” stands as a seminal anthem in the history of rock and roll, embodying the rebellious spirit and transformative energy of the genre in the 1950s. Written by Max C. Freedman and James E. Myers (under the pseudonym “Jimmy De Knight”) in 1952, this 12-bar blues format song was brought to life by the groundbreaking performance of Bill Haley & His Comets. Released in 1954 by American Decca, the track quickly became a cultural phenomenon and a defining sound of the era.
The song’s infectious rhythm and catchy lyrics helped it ascend to the top of the charts, where it held the number one position for two months in the United States. Its success was not confined to American shores; “Rock Around the Clock” also made a significant impact in the United Kingdom, where it performed impressively on the charts. Remarkably, it reappeared on the UK Singles Chart in subsequent decades, underscoring its enduring appeal and influence.
“Rock Around the Clock” is widely celebrated as the first rock and roll record to achieve the pinnacle of pop chart success in both the US and UK. While Bill Haley had previously experienced chart success with “Crazy Man, Crazy” in 1953 and Big Joe Turner’s “Shake, Rattle and Roll” had topped the Billboard R&B chart in 1954, it was Haley’s recording of this song that truly captured the zeitgeist of the 1950s. The track gained additional prominence after being featured in the 1955 film *Blackboard Jungle*, further cementing its status as a symbol of youthful rebellion and the burgeoning rock and roll movement.
The original full title of the song was “We’re Gonna Rock Around the Clock Tonight!”, but it was eventually shortened to “(We’re Gonna) Rock Around the Clock.” Despite these variations, the essence of the song remains consistent—celebrating the joyous and energetic spirit of rock and roll. In 2018, the song was honored with preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance, recognizing its pivotal role in shaping popular music.
The recording of “Rock Around the Clock” by Bill Haley & His Comets is often credited with bringing rock and roll into mainstream culture on a global scale. Its impact extends beyond its chart success; it is ranked No. 159 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The song’s infectious beat and energetic delivery not only helped define a genre but also captured the imagination of a generation, making it an enduring classic that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
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Lyrics
One, two, three 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 and join me, hon’
We’ll have some fun when the clock strikes one
We’re gonna rock around the clock tonight
We’re gonna rock, rock, rock, ’til broad daylight
We’re gonna rock, gonna rock, around the clock tonight
When the clock strikes two, three 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, ’til 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, ’til 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, ’til 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, ’til broad daylight
We’re gonna rock, gonna rock, around the clock tonight