Greased Lightnin'

Album: Grease soundtrack (1978)
Charted: 11 47
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey wrote "Greased Lightnin'" for Kenickie and the T-Birds to sing while they dream of fixing up his rundown car, but Danny (John Travolta) took the lead in the 1978 film at Travolta's request. The single was a much bigger hit in the UK, where it peaked at #11.
  • Jeff Conaway, who played Kenickie in the movie, injured his back during the sequence, leading to an addiction to painkillers that would follow him for the rest of his life.
  • In one shot, Travolta is shown rubbing plastic wrap over his crotch - a sly sexual reference to beat the censors. Back in the '50s, many misinformed teens tried to use Saran Wrap as a contraceptive when they were unable to buy condoms.
  • In high school productions (and in the 2016 Fox live adaptation), the lyrics are modified for young ears:

    "The chicks will scream" (not "cream")
    "She's a real dragon wagon" (not "pussy wagon")

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Rock Stars of Horror

Rock Stars of HorrorMusic Quiz

Rock Stars - especially those in the metal realm - are often enlisted for horror movies. See if you know can match the rocker to the role.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney Princesses

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney PrincessesSong Writing

From "Some Day My Prince Will Come" to "Let It Go" - how Disney princess songs (and the women who sing them) have evolved.

Kip Winger

Kip WingerSongwriter Interviews

The Winger frontman reveals the Led Zeppelin song he cribbed for "Seventeen," and explains how his passion for orchestra music informs his songwriting.

Stephen Christian of Anberlin

Stephen Christian of AnberlinSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist for Anberlin breaks down "Impossible" and covers some tracks from their 2012 album Vital.