About The Song
"Twist and Shout" is one of The Beatles' most iconic and energetic tracks, featuring John Lennon's distinctive lead vocals. Originally written by Phil Medley and Bert Russell, The Beatles recorded their version for their debut album, "Please Please Me," released in 1963.
John Lennon's influence on "Twist and Shout" is most prominently felt through his passionate and raucous vocal performance. The song is a high-energy, rock and roll anthem that captures the exuberance and vitality of The Beatles' early years. Lennon's raw and dynamic singing style, characterized by his powerful and gritty voice, adds a sense of urgency and excitement to the recording.
The decision to place "Twist and Shout" as the final track on the "Please Please Me" album was strategic. By the time they reached this point in the recording session, Lennon's vocal cords were strained from the demanding schedule. As a result, the band opted to record "Twist and Shout" in one take to preserve Lennon's voice, creating a raw and electrifying performance. The hoarseness in Lennon's voice, rather than being a limitation, became a defining feature of the song, contributing to its infectious energy.
Musically, "Twist and Shout" is characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy guitar riffs, and a relentless sense of forward momentum. The song features the distinctive combination of Lennon's lead vocals, harmonized backing vocals from Paul McCartney and George Harrison, and the tight rhythm section of Ringo Starr on drums. The result is a track that captures the essence of early rock and roll and showcases the camaraderie and musical synergy of The Beatles.
"Twist and Shout" became a signature performance for The Beatles during their live shows, and its inclusion in their debut album helped solidify their reputation as a dynamic and charismatic group. The song's enduring popularity is evident in its frequent use in films, commercials, and various cultural references.
In summary, John Lennon's vocal prowess in "Twist and Shout" is a testament to the intensity and passion he brought to The Beatles' early recordings. The song remains a classic representation of the band's energetic and exuberant early sound, showcasing the impact of Lennon's vocals and the collective spirit of The Beatles during their rise to global stardom.
Video
Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
Well, shake it up, baby, now (Shake it up, baby)
Twist and shout (Twist and shout)
C'mon c'mon, c'mon, c'mon, 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 I knew you would (Like I knew you would)
Well, shake it up, baby, now (Shake it up, baby)
Twist and shout (Twist and shout)
C'mon, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon, baby, now (Come on, baby)
Come on and work it on out (Work it on out)
Well, 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 (Let me know you're mine)
Well, shake it up, baby, now (Shake it up, baby)
Twist and shout (Twist and shout)
C'mon, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon, baby, now (Come on, baby)
Come on and work it on out (Work it on out)
Well, 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 (Let me know you're mine)
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)