Pull Up to the Bumper

Album: Nightclubbing (1981)
Charted: 12
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The instrumentation for this song was originally recorded by producers Sly Dunbar & Robbie Shakespeare during the sessions for Grace Jones' 1980 album Warm Leatherette in the Bahamas. However it wasn't used as it was the only R&B sounding tune and Island Records supremo Chris Blackwell didn't like it much. Instead it came out as an instrumental B-side (as "Peanut Butter") to Junior Tucker's 1981 single, "The Kick (Rock On)." Sly Dunbar recalled to Mojo magazine December 2008 what happened next: "Grace heard Steven (Stanley) playing the rhythm track one day in the studio, and she said, 'a my riddim that!' And she started crying, 'I want back me riddim! Make we call Chris and tell him say me want me riddim.' So they gave her back the track and she and this girl Dana Mano came up with the lyrics."
  • The song's sexually suggestive lyrics provoked some controversy at the time, which limited its radio airplay. Hence the original release in 1981 only reached #53 in the UK singles chart, but after being re-issued in late 1985 it climbed to #12.
  • Jamaican reggae singer Patra covered this in 1995, reaching #60 in the US Hot 100 and #50 on the UK singles chart. A re-mixed dance version by Danish producer Funkstar De Luxe peaked at #60 in the UK in 2000.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Zakk Wylde

Zakk WyldeSongwriter Interviews

When he was playing Ozzfest with Black Label Society, a kid told Zakk he was the best Ozzy guitarist - Zakk had to correct him.

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Greg talks about writing songs of "universal truth" for King Crimson and ELP, and tells us about his most memorable stage moment (it involves fireworks).

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song Spoofs

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song SpoofsSong Writing

When singers started spoofing their own songs on Sesame Street, the results were both educational and hilarious - here are the best of them.

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.

Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers

Bill Medley of The Righteous BrothersSongwriter Interviews

Medley looks back on "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" - his huge hits from the '60s that were later revived in movies.