Roll 'Em Pete
Pete Johnson
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
Well, I got a gal, she lives up on the hill Well, I got a gal, she lives up on the hill Well, this woman's tryin' to quit me, Lord, but I love her still She's got eyes like diamonds, they shine like Klondike gold She's got eyes like diamonds, they shine like Klondike gold Ev'ry time she loves me, she sends my mellow soul Well, you're so beautiful, you've got to die someday Well, you're so beautiful, you've got to die someday All I want's a little loving, just before you pass away Pretty baby, I'm goin' away and leave you by yourself Pretty baby, I'm goin' away and leave you by yourself You've mistreated me, now you can mistreat somebody else
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
.jpg/225px-Pete_Johnson,_New_York,_N.Y.,_ca._Aug._1946_(William_P._Gottlieb_04651).jpg "Pete Johnson")
0 fans
Written by: Joe Turner, Pete K. H. Johnson
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Song GenreThe song "Roll 'Em Pete" by "Big Joe Turner" and "Pete Johnson" is considered a seminal blues and boogie woogie song.
|
Recording DateThe song was recorded on December 30, 1938.
|
Instrumental Feature"Roll 'Em Pete" prominently features a "walking bass" line, a type of bass accompaniment commonly used in blues and jazz which provides a regular rhythmic pattern in the bass range of the music.
|
Music LabelThe song was released under the label Vocalion, which was a significant record company known for its recordings of blues, jazz, and country music.
|
Historical Significance"Roll 'Em Pete" is included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as one of the 500 songs that have significantly shaped Rock and Roll, due to its influence on the genres.
|
The LyricsThe song's lyrics are said to be improvised, seemingly based on a series of common blues themes, moving verse by verse through lonely nights, lost love, and homelessness.
|
Song Structure"Roll 'Em Pete" features a typical structure for many classic blues songs, with three lines of lyrics over a twelve-bar length, commonly referred to as a `12-bar blues` form.
|
CollaborationThis song served as a cornerstone of the partnership between Big Joe Turner and Pete Johnson, a powerful singer and a pianist respectively, creating an influential blues tandem in their era.
|
Influence on ArtistsThe song is believed to be among the works that influenced and shaped later artists and bands, including The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, who adopted its bluesy rhythms and lyrical themes.
|
Cover VersionsMany popular musicians have covered "Roll 'Em Pete," including Louis Armstrong, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Count Basie, highlighting its enduring appeal and influence in the music industry.
|
Song TitleThe title "Roll 'Em Pete" is inspired by the phrase "Roll 'em, Pete!" which Big Joe Turner would often call out during performances to encourage Pete Johnson to play a piano solo.
|
Live PerformancesThe song's lively tempo and infectious rhythm made it a popular choice for live performances, and it was reportedly often used as the closing number during Big Joe Turner and Pete Johnson's shows.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Roll 'Em Pete Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 16 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/3234901/Pete+Johnson/Roll+%27Em+Pete>.
Powered by CITE.ME
Discuss the Roll 'Em Pete Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In