Standard (EADGBE)

Verse

The warden threw a party in the county jail

The prisonband was there and they began to wail

The joint was jumping and the place began to swing

You should have heard those knocked out jailbirds sing

Chorus

Let's rock

Everybody let's rock

Everybody on the whole cell block

They was dancing to the jailhouse rock

Verse

Spider Murphy played the tenor saxophone

Little Joe was blowin' on the slide trombone

The drummerboy from Illinois went crash boom bang

The whole rhythm section was the Purple Gang

Chorus

Let's rock

Everybody let's rock

Everybody on the whole cell block

They was dancing to the jailhouse rock

Verse

Well number 47 said to number 3

You're the cutest jailbird I ever did see

I sure'll be delighted with your company

Come on and do the jailhouse rock with me

Chorus

Let's rock

Everybody let's rock

Everybody on the whole cell block

They was dancing to the jailhouse rock

Solo

same as verse & chorus):

Verse

Sad Sack was sittin' on a block of stone

Way over in the corner weepin' all alone

The warden said Hey buddy don't you be no square

If you can't find a partner use a wooden chair

Chorus

Let's rock

Everybody let's rock

Everybody on the whole cell block

They was dancing to the jailhouse rock