About the song
“Move It On Over,” penned and performed by the legendary Hank Williams, stands as a landmark in the evolution of country music and rock and roll. Released in 1947, this track showcases Williams’ unique ability to blend humor with relatable themes, delivering a song that resonates with audiences through both its wit and its musical innovation.
Recorded on April 21, 1947, at Castle Studio in Nashville, this session marked Williams’ debut with MGM Records and produced several notable tracks, including “I Saw the Light” and “(Last Night) I Heard You Crying in Your Sleep.” The session was notable for its use of Red Foley’s backing band, a group known for their polished performance. This band, featuring guitarist Zeke Turner, added a sophisticated edge to Williams’ hillbilly sound, contributing to the song’s distinctive style.
“Move It On Over” is widely regarded as one of the earliest examples of rock and roll music. While many attribute the advent of rock and roll to Bill Haley & His Comets’ “Rock Around the Clock” in 1954, Williams’ track predates this by several years and features a similar twelve-bar blues structure. The melody, with its ascending arpeggios, bears resemblance to earlier musical motifs, including a Mardi Gras riff known as “Second Line.”
The song’s narrative is both humorous and relatable, telling the story of a man who finds himself relegated to the doghouse after returning home late and being locked out by his wife. This everyday scenario, rendered with Williams’ characteristic charm, exemplifies his talent for turning ordinary experiences into engaging musical tales. As fiddler Jerry Rivers noted, Williams’ novelty songs, like “Move It On Over,” were distinguished by their genuine and serious approach to humor.
“Move It On Over” achieved significant success, reaching #4 on the Billboard Most Played Juke Box Folk Records chart. This commercial success provided Williams with his first substantial earnings and cemented his place in the country music scene. It also earned him a spot on the Louisiana Hayride, a prestigious platform that served as a springboard to the Grand Ole Opry.
In summary, “Move It On Over” is more than just a hit song; it represents a pivotal moment in music history, bridging the gap between traditional country and the burgeoning rock and roll genre. Hank Williams’ clever lyrics and innovative musical style continue to influence artists and captivate listeners, solidifying the song’s place as a classic in American music.
Video
Lyrics
Came in last night at half past ten
That baby of mine wouldn’t let me in
So move it on over (move it on over)
Move it on over (move it on over)
Move over little dog ’cause the big dog’s movin’ in
She’s changed the lock on our front door
My door key don’t fit no more
So get it on over (move it on over)
Scoot it on over (a move it on over)
Move over skinny dog ’cause the fat dog’s movin’ in
This dog house here is mighty small
But it’s better than no house at all
So ease it on over (move it on over)
Drag it on over (a move it on over)
Move over old dog ’cause the new dog’s movin’ in
She told me not to play around
But I done let the deal go down
So pack it on over (move it on over)
Tote it on over (a move it on over)
Move over nice dog ’cause the mad dog’s movin’ in
She warned me once, she warned me twice
But I don’t take no one’s advice
So scratch it on over (a move it on over)
Shake it on over (a move it on over)
Move over short dog ’cause a tall dog’s movin’ in
She’ll crawl back to me on her knees
I’ll be busy scratching fleas
So slide it on over (move it on over)
Sneak it on over (a move it on over)
Move over good dog ’cause a mad dog’s movin’ in
Remember pup, before you whine
That side’s yours and this side’s mine
So shove it on over (a move it on over)
Sweep it on over (a move it on over)
Move over cold dog ’cause a hot dog’s movin’ in