Rock Me Baby (Public Domain Song by Melvin “Lil’ Son Jackson” - original title Rockin’ and Rollin

Marla Drake’s masterful vocal interpretation of the lyrics, with their direct commands to be rocked and rolled by one’s lover, adds to the song’s urgent sexuality and directness. The Project Preservation Band’s slow-plodding blues provides an inspired backdrop, complemented by tasteful organ and electric blues guitar riffs.

Featured Artist:

Marla Drake (Lead Vocals)

Project Preservation Band:

David Adkins (Organ, Piano)

Greg Davis (Guitar)

Marcus Hart (Bass)

John Seals (Drums)

Song History:

“Rock Me Baby” was written by Melvin “Lil’ Son” Jackson in 1951, and his original title was “Rockin’ and Rollin,’” inspired by older blues songs. Tracing back to blues music from the 1920s, there were plentiful references to rock, roll, and baby in a multitude of songs. In a famous 1956 recording of the song, Muddy Waters changed the title to “Rock Me” and added some lines from his 1951 song, “All Night Long.” B.B. King, in his 1964 release of the song, also altered the title to its current “Rock Me Baby.” Both Muddy Waters and B.B. King are credited with making the song famous. In fact, B.B. King’s rendition became a crossover hit - entering the Billboard Hot 100 charts at #34 in 1964. B.B. King also revitalized the song when he re-recorded it for the 1997 album, Deuces Wild, with Eric Clapton, capturing even younger audiences with their dazzling electric blues guitar work.

Lyrics:

Rock me baby, Rock Me all night long

I said I want you to

Rock Me Baby, Rock Me all night long

I want you to rock me, like my back ain't got no bones

Roll me daddy, Roll Me Over Slow

Mmm, I Want You to

Roll me daddy, Roll Me Over Slow

I want you to Roll Me, 'till I want no more

Then I Told Him

When you see Me coming,

go get your rockin' chair, aah

When you see Me coming, go get your rockin' chair

I want you to Rock Me, Rock Me FAR AWAY from here

*Ooh, Play the Song

(SOLO)

Rock Me baby, Rock Me all night long (rock me baby, rock me baby)

I said I want you to

Rock Me baby, Rock Me all night long (rock me baby, rock me baby)

I want you to Rock me, like my back ain't got no bones, ooh

Mmm, Roll Me Daddy, Roll Me Over Slow

Mmm, I Want You to

Roll me daddy, Roll Me Over Slow

I Want You to Roll Me, 'till I Want No More