"House Rockin' Boogie" by Howlin' Wolf is a lively and upbeat blues song that showcases the Wolf's talent as a performer. The lyrics are a playful rant about his own musical skills and the excitement he brings to the town he visits. The song begins with Wolf addressing the audience, claiming that he is the "Wolf" who is coming to town. He boasts about his musical abilities, specifically mentioning Willie Johnson, who plays the guitar, and instructs him to play until the guitar is smoking. He also urges the piano player to make the keys come alive and the violin player to step up their game. Wolf mentions that he is originally from California, but he is on his way to Chicago, a blues hub. He implies that people in Chicago have not seen a performer like him before and promises to deliver an unforgettable experience. He expresses his excitement about reaching the town and emphasizes that his words should be believed. Throughout the song, Wolf cheers on his bandmates, including the drummer Willie Steel, expressing appreciation for their skills. He mentions a girl he left in California and describes her in loving terms, expressing a desire to be with her. He praises California and asserts that it is a great place to live in America. The song continues with Wolf exclaiming and encouraging the musicians to give their best performances. He acknowledges the beauty of the music they are creating and appeals to the audience to get into the groove. He emphasizes that he is in their town and believes that they want to see him perform. In the end, Wolf exclaims in excitement and refers to the music as sweet. He addresses a darling (presumably the audience) and suggests enjoying the music and dancing till satisfaction is reached. "House Rockin' Boogie" is a celebration of Wolf's charisma as a performer and his love for music. It captures the essence of a live performance, with Wolf interacting with the audience and urging his band to give their all. The song's energy and enthusiasm make it a classic blues tune that showcases the spirit of Howlin' Wolf's music.
