Move It

Cliff Richard

About Move It

"Move It" is a song written by Ian Samwell and recorded by Cliff Richard and the Drifters (the UK band that would later become "The Shadows"). Originally intended as the B-side to "Schoolboy Crush", it was released as Richard's debut single on 29 August 1958 and became his first hit record, reaching number 2 on the UK Singles Chart. It is credited with being one of the first authentic rock and roll songs produced outside the United States."Schoolboy Crush", written by Aaron Schroeder and Sharon Gilbert, had already been recorded in the US by Bobby Helms. Cliff Richard and the Drifters recorded their own version, which was intended to be the A-side of their debut single. However, when producer Jack Good heard "Move It", he insisted that Richard would have to sing that if he was to appear on Good's TV show Oh Boy! On the planned single, "Move It" was flipped to be the A-side and it went to number 2 in the charts, starting Cliff Richard on a career which included British hits through six decades. Described by Allmusic as "Presley-esque" and by Richard himself as "my one outstanding rock 'n' roll classic", "Move It" was written on the top deck of a Green Line bus by the Drifters guitarist Ian "Sammy" Samwell while making the trip to Cliff's house for a band rehearsal. Samwell did not complete the second verse, so on the record Cliff sang the first verse twice. Samwell finally finished the second verse in 1995 and sent it to Hank Marvin who included "Move It" on his album Hank plays Cliff, with Cliff Richard having recorded a new vocal track which included the new verse. The new version was debuted live at a Royal Variety Performance in front of Queen Elizabeth II that year. Since then, Richard has continued to perform the song with the additional verse. 


Year:
2016
#2

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C'mon pretty baby let's a move it and a-groove it
Well shake oh baby, shake oh honey, please don't lose it
The rhythm that gets into your heart and soul
Well, let me tell you baby, it's called rock 'n' roll

They say it's gonna die but please let's face it
Well, they just don't know what's a goin' to replace it
Yeah, ballads and calypsos they got nothin' on
Real country music that just drives along

Well, move it

C'mon pretty baby let's a-move it and a-groove it
Well shake-a baby, shake-a baby, please don't lose it
The rhythm that gets into your heart and soul
Well, let me tell you baby, it's called rock 'n' roll

They say it's gonna die but please let's face it
They just don't know what's a-goin' to replace it
Ballads and calypsos have nothin' on
Real country music that just drives along

Oh honey, move it
Hey move it
A-ha move it
A-ha move it

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Cliff Richard

Sir Cliff Richard, OBE (born Harry Rodger Webb, 14 October 1940, Lucknow, India) is a British pop singer, musician, performer, actor, and philanthropist. He is the third biggest selling singles artist of all time in the United Kingdom, with total sales of over 21 million in the UK and has reportedly sold an estimated 250 million records worldwide. more »

3 fans

Written by: IAN SAMWELL

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Information
"Move It" was released as a single by Cliff Richard in August 1958, marking the beginning of Richard's illustrious singing career.
Chart Success
The song became extremely popular and peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart, securing Cliff's position as one of the leading figures in British rock and roll music.
First Hit
"Move It" is considered Cliff Richard's first hit song that marked him as a vital part of the early British rock scene.
The Songwriter
The song was written by Ian Samwell, who was at that time the guitarist for the band, The Drifters.
Backing Band
The backing band included members of The Drifters, which was later renamed to The Shadows, a British group known for their distinctive playing style and string of hits.
John Lennon's Praise
John Lennon of The Beatles called "Move It" the first British rock record.
American Market
Despite being a hit in the U.K., the song did not enter the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. This underperformance in the US is often attributed to the dominance of American rock'n'roll artists during this period.
Multiple Versions
Cliff Richard has released several different versions of "Move It". The song was included in his 1959 album "Cliff Sings" and was also performed for his 60th anniversary tour in 2018.
The Recording Process
The song was famously recorded in two takes only at the Abbey Road Studios in London, highlighting the raw energy and youthful exuberance that characterized early rock'n'roll.
Legacy
"Move It" is often highlighted as a significant song that laid the foundation for the British rock'n'roll scene. It challenged the notion that Britain could not produce authentic rock'n'roll hits and helped set the stage for later British Invasion bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

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