Well, if your hands start a-clapping
And your fingers start a-popping
And your feet start a-moving around
And if you start to swing and sway
When the band starts to play
A real cool way out sound
And if you get to can’t help it
And you can’t sit down
You feel like you gotta move a round
You get a shot of rhythm and blues
With just a little rock and roll on the side
Just for good measure
Get a pair of dancing shoes
Well, with your lover by your side
Don’t you know you’re gonna have a lot of pleasure?
Don’t you worry about a thing if you start to dance and sing
And chills coming up on you
And if the rhythm finally gets you and the beat gets you too
Well, here’s something for you to do
Get a shot of rhythm and blues
With just a little rock and roll on the side
Just for good measure
Get a pair of dancing shoes
Well, with your lover by your side
Don’t you know you’re gonna have a lot of pleasure?
Don’t you worry about a thing if you start to dance and sing
And chills coming up on you
And if the rhythm finally gets you and the beat gets you too
Well, here’s something for you to do
Get a shot of rhythm and blues
Get a pair of dancing shoes
Get a shot of rhythm and blues
Well, with your lover by your side
Don’t you know you’re gonna have a lot of pleasure?
Don’t you worry about a thing if you start to dance and sing
And chills coming up on you
And if the rhythm finally gets you and the beat gets you too
Well, here’s something for you to do
Well, here’s something for you to do
Well, here’s something for you to do
Feel the Beat: Lyrical Analysis
“A Shot Of Rhythm And Blues” by The Beatles is a high-energy celebration of music’s irresistible power to move and inspire. The lyrics paint a vivid scene of a dance floor where the infectious rhythms of rhythm and blues, combined with a touch of rock and roll, ignite a physical response in listeners. From hands clapping to feet moving, the song captures that magical moment when music breaks down inhibitions and brings people together in shared joy. The repeated encouragement to “get a pair of dancing shoes” and let the music take over is a call to embrace the pleasure and freedom that comes from letting loose to a great tune. It’s a testament to the transformative nature of music and the universal appeal of rhythm and blues.
Song Credits
Written by Terry Thompson. Originally released by Arthur Alexander in 1961. Covered by The Beatles during their BBC sessions.