Meaning of "Everybody Jam!" by Scatman John

"Everybody Jam!" is a tribute to Louis Armstrong, also known as Satchmo, and his contribution to music. The song starts with a playful dialogue between Scatman John and Louis, setting the stage for a fun and energetic celebration. The lyrics emphasize the impact Armstrong had on the Scatman and the music industry as a whole. Armstrong's trumpet playing and his incorporation of scat singing, a vocal improvisational style, revolutionized jazz and inspired generations of musicians.

The song suggests that Armstrong's music has a spiritual quality, with the line "Satchmo's breathing deep in my soul." This connects his musical prowess and the emotions it evoked to a higher power, echoing the sentiment that music has the ability to touch people's souls and bring them closer to a divine experience. The repeated phrase "Hallelujah hey hey whaddya say" further emphasizes this connection between music and spirituality.

The lyrics also emphasize the inclusivity and unifying nature of music. The line "Love is the answer, scat's where it's at," suggests that music, specifically scat singing, can transcend language and cultural barriers, bringing people together through its universal language. By learning from Armstrong, the Scatman believes that even a cat could learn to scat, suggesting that anyone can participate in and appreciate music.

The song encourages audience participation and celebration, with lines such as "Join me in the opening and join me in the bow" and "Singing in the sunset singing at the dawn." It promotes a sense of togetherness and joy, inviting everyone to join in and take a ride with the Scatman. The energetic and playful nature of the song embodies the spirit of New Orleans and its vibrant music scene.