Born to Hand Jive

"Born to Hand Jive" by Sha-Na-Na is a high-energy rock 'n' roll song that crlebrates the joy and natural inclination towards dancing, specifically the hand jive, a popular dance style in the 1950s. The song narrates a story of someone who seems predestined to dance from the very moment of birth, highlighting the innate passion and skill for rhythm and movement.

The opening lines, "Before I was born, late one night, My papa said evrrything's alright," set a tone of anticipation and excitement. The song immediately establishes a connection between the birth of the narrator and the emergence of the hand jive dance. The reference to the "beebop stork" symbolically associates the arrival of the baby with the birth of this dance style, suggesting that the two are intrinsically linked.

As the song progresses, it illustrates the protagonist's natural affinity for dancing from an early age. Phrases like "I could barely walk when I milked a cow" and "While chopping wood I moved my legs" depict a child whose every action is rhythmically charged, turning mundane chores into opportunities for dance. The townspeople's reaction, "The townfolk clapped, I was only five," underscores the awe and admiration of the community, recognizing the child's extraordinary talent.

The chorus, "Born to hand-jive, baby," is a catchy and repetitive hook that reinforces the theme of being destined to dance. The song conveys a sense of inescapable destiny, implying that dancing is not just a skill but an inherent part of the narrator's identity.

In essence, "Born to Hand Jive" is a celebration of dance as an innate, joyous, and integral part of life. It speaks to the power of music and rhythm to inspire and invigorate, suggesting that for some, the ability to dance is as natural and essential as life itself. The song's upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics make it a spirited tribute to the era of hand jiving and the timeless joy of dancing.