The Isley Brothers – Shout: A Soulful Call to Celebration
Ah, “Shout” by The Isley Brothers – a song that needs no introduction, or does it? For some, it’s the iconic anthem blasting from car speakers on a summer road trip. For others, it’s the electrifying groove that ignites dance floors across generations.
Background
Released in 1959, “Shout” marked a turning point in the group’s career. Originally a gospel quartet, The Isley Brothers were transitioning into the realm of rhythm and blues.
“Shout” embodied this transformation, blending the soulful fervor of their gospel roots with the driving rhythms and infectious energy of R&B.
The song’s origins are as captivating as its sound.
During a live performance in Philadelphia, lead singer Ronald Isley noticed the audience’s enthusiastic response, prompting him to extend the song with improvised call-and-response sections built around the word “Shout!” This electrifying exchange between the group and the audience became the foundation of the song’s now-legendary climax.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Well…You know you make me wanna (shout)Kick my heels up and (shout)Throw my hands up and (shout)Throw my hands back and (shout)Come on now (shout)Don’t forget to say you willDon’t forget to say yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah (say you will)Say it right now, baby (say you will)Come on, come on (say you will)Say it, oh (say you will)Come on now (say)Say that you love me (say)Say that you need me (say)Say that you want me (say)You wanna please me (say)Come on now (say)Come on now (say)Come on now (say)I still remember (shoo be doo wa)When you used to be nine years old (shoo be doo wa)Yeah, yeah, I was a fool for you (shoo be doo wa)From the bottom of my soul (shoo be doo wa)Yeah, now that you’ve grown up (shoo be doo wa)Grown enough to know (shoo be doo wa)Yeah, yeah, you wanna leave me (shoo be doo wa)You wanna let me go (shoo be doo wa, shoo wop)I want you to knowI said I want you to know right now, yeahYou’ve been good to me, babyBetter than I’ve been to myself