Shout – The Isley Brothers: A High-Energy Anthem That Still Gets the Party Started

“Shout” by The Isley Brothers is a classic anthem that continues to fill dance floors and electrify audiences, more than 60 years after its release. Originally recorded in 1959 and re-released in 1962, this song is a powerhouse of energy and passion, blending rock, soul, and rhythm and blues in a way that only the Isley Brothers could. Its call-and-response vocals, infectious rhythm, and call to action make “Shout” a timeless track that has become a cultural mainstay in music history.

A High-Energy Anthem

“Shout” is more than just a song; it’s an invitation to let loose and give in to the music. The track’s infectious refrain — “Shout! Shout! Shout!” — has become one of the most iconic and immediately recognizable calls in pop and soul music. It encourages listeners to abandon their inhibitions and “shout” in celebration. It’s that raw energy and emotion that makes this track so unforgettable.

The song is built around the Isley Brothers’ harmonies, which blend soulful vocalizations with a rock-infused rhythm. The up-tempo beat combined with the call-and-response structure creates an almost hypnotic energy that is perfect for dancing or just letting go. The Isley Brothers’ James and Ronald Isley, along with their brothers, captured that spirit of freedom and joy in a way that few others could.

Chart Success and Lasting Impact

“Shout” was originally recorded as a B-side to their hit “Tears” in 1959. However, its undeniable popularity led to its re-release in 1962 as a stand-alone single. It became a hit, reaching #47 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it quickly became one of the band’s signature songs.

The song’s influence has been profound—“Shout” became a party anthem and was one of the first songs to successfully merge rock and roll with soul and rhythm and blues, paving the way for future soul artists to push the boundaries of genre and style. The track is a key part of the Isley Brothers’ legacy and continues to be a go-to song for celebrations, parties, and sporting events.

A Cultural Icon

Over the years, “Shout” has become ingrained in American pop culture, used in countless films, TV shows, commercials, and public events. It’s a staple of high-energy live performances and remains a fan favorite at concerts, proving that its appeal crosses generations.

The track was prominently featured in the 1964 film Animal House, where it played during the famous party scene, cementing its status as a celebration anthem that still gets audiences on their feet. From weddings to sporting events, “Shout” remains a go-to song for any occasion where people are looking to let loose and have fun.

The Isley Brothers’ Influence on Music

The Isley Brothers are one of the most influential and versatile groups in the history of music. Starting with doo-wop and R&B in the 1950s, the band evolved their sound over time to incorporate funk, rock, and disco. Their ability to transcend genres and create timeless music is exemplified in “Shout,” which is a perfect representation of the energy and musicality they brought to the world.

The Isley Brothers’ influence can be heard in the works of later artists like Prince, Luther Vandross, and George Clinton, all of whom drew from the Isley Brothers’ deep well of creativity and genre-blending ability.

A Timeless Call to Dance and Celebrate

Whether you’re listening to the original version from the early ’60s or a live rendition from a later performance, “Shout” is still just as powerful today as it was when it first hit the charts. Its ability to energize, unite, and get people to dance makes it a timeless classic, continuing to connect new generations of music lovers with the joyful spirit of The Isley Brothers.

Lyrics: Shout 

Well
You know you make me wanna (Shout)
Kick my heels up and (Shout)
Throw my hands up and (Shout)
Throw my head back and (Shout)
Come on now (Shout)

Don’t forget to say you will
Don’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 that you
(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
(Shooby-doo-wop-do-wop-wop-wop-wop)
When you used to be 9 years old
(Shooby-doo-wop-do-wop-wop-wop-wop)
Yeah, yeah
I was a fool for you, from the bottom of my soul, yeah
(Shooby-doo-wop-do-wop-wop-wop-wop)

Now that you’ve grown up
(Shooby-doo-wop-do-wop-wop-wop-wop)
Grown enough to know, yeah, yeah
(Shooby-doo-wop-do-wop-wop-wop-wop)
You wanna leave me, you wanna let me go
(Shooby-doo-wop-do-wop)

I want you to know
I said, I want you to know right now, yeah
You been good to me baby
Better than I been to myself, hey, hey
And if you ever leave me
I don’t want nobody else, hey, hey
I said I want you to know, hey
I said I want you to know right now, hey, hey

You know you make me wanna
(Shout, whoo) Hey, yeah
(Shout, whoo) Yeah, yeah, yeah
(Shout, whoo) All right
(Shout, whoo) All right
(Shout, whoo) Come on now
(Shout) Come on now
(Shout) Yeah, yeah, yeah
(Shout) Yeah, yeah, yeah (Good sound)
(Shout) Yeah, yeah, yeah (Good sound)
(Shout) Yeah, yeah, yeah (Good sound)
(Shout) All right (Good sound)
(Shout) All right (Good sound)
(Shout) All right (Good sound)
(Shout) All right

Now wait a minute
I feel all right (Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
(Ooh)
Now that I got my woman
I feel all right (Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Every time I think about you
You been so good to me
You know you make me wanna
(Shout, whoo) Lift my heels up and
(Shout, whoo) Throw my head back and
(Shout, whoo) Kick my heels up and
(Shout, whoo) Come on now
(Shout, whoo) Take it easy
(Shout, whoo) Take it easy
(Shout, whoo) Take it easy (Higher)

(Shout) A little bit softer now (Whoo)
(Shout) A little bit softer now
(Shout) A little bit softer now
(Shout) A little bit softer now
(Shout) A little bit softer now
(Shout) A little bit softer now
(Shout) A little bit softer now
(Shout) A little bit softer now
(Shout) A little bit softer now
(Shout) A little bit softer now
(Shout) A little bit softer now
(Shout) A little bit softer now
(Shout) A little bit softer now
(Shout) A little bit softer now
(Shout) A little bit softer now
(Shout) A little bit softer now
(Shout) A little bit softer now

(Shout) A little bit louder now
(Shout) A little bit louder now
(Shout) A little bit louder now (Ooh)
(Shout) A little bit louder now
(Shout) A little bit louder now
(Shout) A little bit louder now
(Shout) A little bit louder now (Whoo)
(Shout) A little bit louder now (Whoo)
(Shout) A little bit louder now (Whoo)
(Shout) A little bit louder now (Whoo)
(Shout) A little bit louder now (Whoo)
(Shout) A little bit louder now
(Shout)

Hey, hey, hey, hey
(Hey, hey, hey, hey)
Hey, hey, hey, hey
(Hey, hey, hey, hey)
Hey, hey, hey, hey
(Hey, hey, hey, hey)
Hey, hey, hey, hey
(Hey, hey, hey, hey)

Jump now
Jump up and shout now (Whoo)
Jump up and shout now (Whoo)
Jump up and shout now (Whoo)
Jump up and shout now (Whoo)
Jump up and shout now (Whoo)
Everybody shout now
Everybody shout now
Everybody, shout, shout
Shout, shout, shout
Shout, shout, shout
Shout, shout, shout
Shout, shout, shout, shout (Oh, whoa, yeah)
Shout, shout, shout, shout (Oh, yeah)
Shout, shout, shout, shout
Everybody shout now (Ooh)
Jump up and shout now
Shout, shout, shout, shout
Shout, shout, shout, shout
Shout, shout, shout, shout
Shout, shout, shout, shout
Shout, shout, shout, shout
Shout, shout, shout, shout
(Shout)