About the song
The Beatles’ live performance of “Twist & Shout” on The Ed Sullivan Show on February 23, 1964, remains one of the most iconic moments in music history. This electrifying appearance marked a significant turning point not only for the band but also for American television and pop culture.
At the time of this performance, The Beatles were in the midst of their historic “Beatlemania” invasion of the United States. The Ed Sullivan Show, a staple of American television, had already introduced the band to a massive American audience a week earlier, and their second appearance further cemented their burgeoning popularity. The Beatles, consisting of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, delivered a high-energy rendition of “Twist & Shout,” a song that had originally been made famous by the Isley Brothers.
“Twist & Shout” was the closing track of their debut American album, “Introducing… The Beatles,” which had been released earlier in January 1964. The song’s raw energy and Lennon’s impassioned vocals provided a perfect showcase for The Beatles’ dynamic live performance style. The album itself had made a significant impact, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, and this particular performance only amplified the band’s presence in the American music scene.
The Ed Sullivan Show appearance is often credited with accelerating The Beatles’ rise to fame in the United States, helping to launch the “British Invasion” of the mid-1960s. The live performance of “Twist & Shout” was a masterclass in exuberant rock and roll, with Lennon’s fervent delivery and the band’s infectious enthusiasm captivating viewers and solidifying their place in music history.
This historic broadcast, watched by an estimated 73 million people, captured a pivotal moment when The Beatles’ charm and musical prowess began to resonate deeply with the American public. It was not only a performance but a cultural event that marked the beginning of a new era in popular music. For those who witnessed it live or through archival recordings, this rendition of “Twist & Shout” remains a vibrant reminder of The Beatles’ unparalleled impact and the joyous energy they brought to the world stage.
Video
Lyrics
Well, shake it up, baby, now (shake it up baby)
Twist and shout (twist and shout)
Come on, come on, come, come on, baby, now (come on baby)
Come on and work it on out (work it on out)
Well, work it on out, honey (work it on out)
You know you look so good (look so good)
You know you got me goin’ now (got me goin’)
Just like you knew you would (like I knew you would)
Well, shake it up, baby, now (shake it up baby)
Twist and shout (twist and shout)
Come on, come on, come, come on, baby, now (come on baby)
Come on and work it on out (work it on out)
You know you twist, you little girl (twist little girl)
You know you twist so fine (twist so fine)
Come on and twist a little closer now (twist a little closer)
And let me know that you’re mine, woo
Ah-ah-ah-ah, wow
Baby, now (shake it up baby)
Twist and shout (twist and shout)
Come on, come on, come, come on, baby, now (come on baby)
Come on and work it on out (work it on out)
You know you twist, little girl (twist little girl)
You know you twist so fine (twist so fine)
Come on and twist a little closer now (twist a little closer)
And let me know that you’re mine (know you’re mine ooh)
Well, shake it, shake it, shake it, baby, now (shake it up baby)
Well, shake it, shake it, shake it, baby, now (shake it up baby)
Well, shake it, shake it, shake it, baby, now (shake it up baby)
Ah-ah-ah-ah