About The Song
Remember the electrifying atmosphere of the 1950s? Rock and roll was a burgeoning genre, bursting onto the scene with a rebellious spirit and raw, untamed energy. At the forefront of this revolution stood a young man named Elvis Presley. His charismatic performances, his smooth yet powerful vocals, and his undeniably suggestive dance moves sent shockwaves through the music industry. One song, released in 1956 on his debut album, perfectly captures this youthful rebellion and electrifying energy – “Rip It Up”.
“Rip It Up” wasn’t an original composition for Elvis. Written by Robert Blackwell and John Marascalco, it was a cover of a song originally recorded by Little Richard, another pioneer of rock and roll. However, Elvis took the song and made it his own. He injected it with his signature swagger and a raw energy that left audiences breathless. The driving rhythm section, featuring a prominent stand-up bass and a steady backbeat, lays the foundation for Elvis’s soaring vocals. The searing guitar riffs add a touch of urgency, perfectly capturing the rebellious spirit of the lyrics.
“Rip It Up” isn’t a ballad about heartbreak or a social commentary. It’s a celebration of youthful energy and a call to let loose. The lyrics are simple yet effective: “Well, it’s Saturday night and I just got paid / A fool about my money, don’t try to save / My heart says go, go have a time” They capture the carefree spirit of young adulthood, the desire to break free from societal constraints and just have fun.
“Rip It Up’s” brilliance lies in its raw, unadulterated energy. It’s a song that’s impossible to listen to without tapping your feet, nodding your head, and maybe even letting out a little shout. Elvis’s performance is electrifying, his vocals dripping with youthful exuberance and a hint of danger. The song perfectly encapsulates the rebellious spirit of rock and roll at its birth.
“Rip It Up” became more than just a hit song; it became an anthem for a generation. It resonated with teenagers yearning for a break from the conformity and expectations of the time. The song’s influence can be heard across genres, inspiring countless musicians and reminding us of the power of music to ignite rebellion and spark joy.
So, crank up the volume and let the raw energy of “Rip It Up” by Elvis Presley wash over you. It’s a song that reminds us of the early days of rock and roll, a young king taking the world by storm, and the enduring power of music to capture a cultural moment and unleash the fury of a generation.