About the song
“Twenty Flight Rock” is a classic rock and roll song originally performed by the legendary Eddie Cochran. Featured in the 1956 film comedy “The Girl Can’t Help It,” the song captures the youthful energy and rebellious spirit of the 1950s. Released as a single in 1957, “Twenty Flight Rock” is a prime example of Cochran’s rockabilly style, showcasing his distinctive guitar work and charismatic vocals.
The song was co-written by Eddie Cochran and Ned Fairchild, with Cochran primarily contributing to the music. The initial recording session took place in July 1956 at Gold Star Studios, featuring Connie Smith on the bull fiddle and Jerry Capehart improvising with a soup carton for percussion. This early version laid the foundation for the more polished recording that followed between May and August 1957. Released in the United States by Liberty Records with “Cradle Baby” as the B-side, the single enjoyed moderate success domestically but found greater popularity in Europe, where it maintained steady sales over time.
“Twenty Flight Rock” is a vibrant rock and roll tune that adheres to the twelve-bar blues format, a staple of the genre. The song narrates the humorous yet relatable plight of a young man whose girlfriend lives on the twentieth floor of an apartment building with a broken elevator. As he climbs the seemingly endless flights of stairs, he becomes too exhausted to “rock” by the time he reaches her. The clever use of counting upwards in the refrain—reminiscent of “Rock Around the Clock”—adds to the song’s infectious rhythm and playful tone. However, the final verse takes an unexpectedly dark turn with the lyrics, “All this climbin’ is a-gettin’ me down. They’ll find my corpse draped over a rail,” providing a stark contrast to the otherwise lighthearted narrative.
Eddie Cochran’s rendition of “Twenty Flight Rock” has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, a testament to its enduring appeal. Cochran’s influence on rock and roll is undeniable, and this song, in particular, played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of the era. Notably, “Twenty Flight Rock” left a lasting impression on a young Paul McCartney, who famously used it to audition for John Lennon and The Quarrymen, leading to the formation of The Beatles.
Cochran’s contribution to music extends far beyond his tragically short career, and “Twenty Flight Rock” remains a beloved classic that continues to inspire musicians and delight audiences. Its energetic beat, catchy lyrics, and memorable storyline encapsulate the essence of 1950s rock and roll, ensuring its place in the annals of music history.
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Lyrics
Ooh, well, I’ve got a girl with a record machine
When it comes to rockin’ she’s the queen
We love to dance on a Saturday night
All alone, where I can hold her tight
But she lives on the 20th floor up town
The elevator’s broken down
So I walked one, two flight, three flight, four
Five, six, seven flight, eight flight more
Up on the 12th I’m startin’ to drag
15th floor, I’m ready to sag
Get to the top, I’m too tired to rock
Well, she calling me up on the telephone
Said, “C’mon over hon’, I’m all alone”
I said, “Baby, you’re mighty sweet
But I’m in bed with achin’ feet”
This went on for a couple of days
But I couldn’t stay away
So I walked one, two flight, three flight, four
Five, six, seven flight, eight flight more
Up on the 12th I’m ready to drag
15th floor, I’m starting to sag
Get to the top, I’m too tired to rock
Well, they sent to Chicago for repairs
‘Til it’s a-fixed I’m using the stairs
Hope they hurry up before it’s too late
Want my baby too much to wait
All this climbin’ is gettin’ me down
They’ll find my corpse draped over a rail
But I climbed one, two flight, three flight, four
Five, six, seven flight, eight flight more
Up on the 12th I’m ready to drag
15th floor, I’m starting to sag
Get to the top, I’m too tired to rock