About the song
Jerry Lee Lewis’s “Great Balls of Fire” is a landmark in rock and roll history, encapsulating the explosive energy and dynamic flair of its era. Released in 1957, the song quickly became a defining hit for Lewis, solidifying his place as one of the genre’s most electrifying performers.
Recorded at Sun Records under the guidance of the legendary producer Sam Phillips, “Great Balls of Fire” was a follow-up to Lewis’s earlier successes and a crucial element of his burgeoning career. The track features a frenetic piano performance that is both technically impressive and wildly energetic. Lewis’s vocals add to the song’s intensity, combining with the driving beat and raucous piano riffs to create a sound that was both innovative and irresistible.
“Great Balls of Fire” reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the R&B chart, marking one of the high points of Lewis’s career. Its success was bolstered by its infectious rhythm and Lewis’s charismatic performance style, which captured the essence of the rock and roll revolution. The song’s popularity was further enhanced by its dynamic presence on the live circuit, where Lewis’s performances were known for their fiery intensity and exuberance.
The song’s influence extended beyond its commercial success, shaping the direction of rock and roll and inspiring countless artists who followed. Its combination of high-energy piano, catchy lyrics, and Lewis’s distinctive vocal delivery made it a quintessential rock and roll anthem and an enduring classic.
In summary, “Great Balls of Fire” is more than just a hit song; it is a milestone in rock and roll history that showcases Jerry Lee Lewis’s remarkable talent and his significant impact on the genre. The song’s infectious energy, combined with Lewis’s powerhouse performance, solidified its place as one of the most iconic tracks of the 1950s and remains a vibrant testament to the era’s musical innovation.
Video
Lyrics
You shake my nerves and you rattle my brain
Too much love drives a man insane
You broke my will, but what a thrill
Goodness gracious, great balls of fire
I laughed at love ’cause I thought it was funny
You came along and you moved me honey
I’ve changed my mind, this love is fine
Goodness gracious, great balls of fire
Kiss me, baby, ooh, feels good
Hold me, baby
Well, I’ll still love you like a lover should
You’re fine, so kind
Got to tell this world that you’re mine, mine, mine, mine
I chew my nails and then I twiddle my thumbs
I’m real nervous, but it sure is fun
Come on, baby, you drive me crazy
Goodness gracious, great balls of fire
Well kiss me, baby, ooh, feels good
Hold me, baby
Well, I’ll still love you like a lover should
You’re fine, so kind
Got to tell this world that you’re mine, mine, mine, mine
I chew my nails and I twiddle my thumbs
Real nervous, but it sure is fun
Come on, baby, drive me crazy
Goodness gracious, great balls of fire