Hippy Hippy Shake

Album: Hippy Hippy Shake (1959)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Romero was just 17 when he wrote this song, which is just 1:43 long. According to his entry in the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, he was inspired by the song "Come On, Let's Go" by Ritchie Valens. This being the early days of Rock and Roll, many songs were about dancing to the music - often in an uncontrollable manner. A good example is Jerry Lee Lewis' hit "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On."
  • The Beatles played this in their early days when they performed in small clubs. A recording of their version can be found on the album Live at the BBC.
  • Romero's version hit #3 in Australia, but failed to chart elsewhere. In 1963, the UK group The Swinging Blue Jeans hit #21 US and #2 UK with their version. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Martin - London, England
  • Some of the movies this has appeared in include Uncle Buck and Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery. It was also recorded by The Georgia Satellites for the Coctail soundtrack.

Comments: 3

  • Jennifur Sun from RamonaHeard Paul and company's version first but prefer the Swinging Blue Jeans version the best. Would have loved to have heard Paul and their lead singer together on this tune.
  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn February 1st 1962, the Beatles performed "Hippy Hippy Shake" at the Oasis Club in Manchester (this was their first appearance outside of a Liverpool venue)...
    Two years later on March 1st, 1962 the Swinging Blue Jeans' covered version entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; and on March 29th it peaked at #24 (for 2 weeks) and spent 8 weeks on the Top 100...
    The group's only two other Top 100 records were also covered versions; Little Richard's "Good Golly Miss Molly" (at #43) and Betty Everett's "You're No Good" (at #97).
  • Herald from Los Angeles, Cathe Live at the BBC version of this by the Beatles is one bloody good rocker!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

AC/DC

AC/DCFact or Fiction

Does Angus really drink himself silly? Did their name come from a sewing machine? See if you can spot the real stories about AC/DC.

Rickie Lee Jones

Rickie Lee JonesSongwriter Interviews

Rickie Lee Jones on songwriting, social media, and how she's handling Trump.

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

Grunge Bands Quiz

Grunge Bands QuizMusic Quiz

If the name Citizen Dick means anything to you, there's a chance you'll get some of these right.

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

Songs Discussed in Movies

Songs Discussed in MoviesSong Writing

Bridesmaids, Reservoir Dogs, Willy Wonka - just a few of the flicks where characters discuss specific songs, sometimes as a prelude to murder.