About the song
Bill Haley & His Comets, pioneers of the rock and roll genre, delivered a high-energy performance of “Rip It Up” in the 1956 film “Don’t Knock The Rock.” This song, with its lively beat and spirited lyrics, captures the essence of the early rock and roll movement that swept across America in the 1950s.
Bill Haley, born in 1925, is often credited with bringing rock and roll into mainstream culture. His band, The Comets, became famous for their dynamic performances and innovative sound, blending elements of rhythm and blues, country, and swing. Haley’s music resonated with the youth of the time, offering a fresh and rebellious sound that stood in stark contrast to the more subdued musical styles of the previous decades.
“Rip It Up,” written by Robert Blackwell and John Marascalco, was a perfect fit for Haley’s energetic style. The song’s lyrics, which celebrate the joy of dancing and having a good time, matched the upbeat and carefree spirit of the rock and roll era. When Haley and his band performed this song in “Don’t Knock The Rock,” they delivered it with their trademark enthusiasm and flair, making it an unforgettable moment in rock history.
The film “Don’t Knock The Rock” was released in 1956, a time when rock and roll was still relatively new and often met with skepticism by older generations. The movie aimed to showcase the positive aspects of this burgeoning musical genre and featured several rock and roll stars, including Bill Haley & His Comets. Their performance of “Rip It Up” was a highlight of the film, demonstrating the infectious energy and appeal of rock and roll music.
“Rip It Up” itself became a significant hit, reaching number 25 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart and number 4 on the R&B chart. This success further solidified Bill Haley & His Comets’ position as leading figures in the rock and roll movement. The band’s spirited rendition of the song in “Don’t Knock The Rock” contributed to the growing acceptance and popularity of rock and roll music across different age groups and social backgrounds.
For older and educated audiences, the performance of “Rip It Up” by Bill Haley & His Comets in “Don’t Knock The Rock” is a nostalgic reminder of the early days of rock and roll. It exemplifies the transformative power of music to bring about cultural change and to bridge generational divides. Haley’s contribution to music history through performances like this has left an enduring legacy that continues to influence and inspire musicians and fans alike.
In revisiting “Rip It Up,” one can appreciate the simplicity and joy that early rock and roll brought to its listeners. Bill Haley & His Comets’ performance in “Don’t Knock The Rock” captures a moment in time when music was evolving rapidly and breaking new ground, much to the delight of audiences who were ready to embrace something new and exciting.
Video
Lyrics
Saturday night and I just got paid
I’m a fool about my money, don’t try to save.
My heart says “go go, have a time”
Saturday night and I’m feelin’ fine.
I’m gonna rock it up,
Rip it up
I’m gonna shake it up
Gonna ball it up
I’m gonna rock it
And ball tonight.
Well almost ’bout ten I’ll be flying high
I’ll rock on out unto the sky
I don’t care if I spend my dough
Tonight I’m gonna be one happy soul
I’m gonna rock it up,
Rip it up
I’m gonna shake it up
Gonna ball it up
I’m gonna rock it
And ball tonight.
Saturday night and I just got paid
I’m a fool about my money, don’t try to save.
My heart says “go go, have a time”
Saturday night and I’m feelin’ fine.
I’m gonna rock it up,
Rip it up
I’m gonna shake it up
Gonna ball it up
I’m gonna rock it
And ball tonight.
Well almost ’bout ten I’ll be flying high
I’m gonna rock on out unto the sky
I don’t care if I spend my dough
Tonight I’m gonna be one happy soul
I’m gonna rock it up,
Rip it up
I’m gonna shake it up
Gonna ball it up
I’m gonna rock it
And ball tonight.
Well, it’s Saturday night and I just got paid
I’m a fool about my money, don’t try to save.
My heart says “go go, have a time”
Saturday night and I’m feelin’ fine
I’m gonna rock it up
I’m gonna rip it up