Cretin Hop

Album: Rocket To Russia (1977)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Joey Ramone (from Hey! Ho! Let's Go! The Ramones Anthology by David Fricke): "'Cretin Hop' came from when we were in St. Paul, Minnesota. We went some place to eat and there were just all these cretins all over the place. And there was a Cretin Avenue, where we drove into the city." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Katie - Goulburn
  • The Ramones bucked the trends of the '70s with simplistic rock songs, often about freaks and deviants. It didn't make them rich, but it appealed to core group of fans that fell in with this culture. This being the disco era, songs like "Cretin Hop" were completely at odds with what was getting airplay. The Ramones were later rewarded for their skewed view and stewardship of their genre when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.

Comments: 5

  • Luna Loud from Royal Woods, MichiganChunk is my roadie.
  • Chunk from New Hope MnCretin is a Catholic High School, and you need money to bring your kid there.
  • Zero from The Abyss, NjFor those that don't know a cretin is a person who is physically deformed from a congenial thyroid deficiency or it also be used as a derogatory term for a stupid or unintelligent person.

    This song rocks.
  • Gabriel from Saint Sebastian, Puerto RicoI don't thinks it's a PARODY... more like a tribute or "copied in a good way", they where huge Beatles fans
  • Kendall from Thomasville, GaI think the part "4,5,6,7, all good cretins go to heaven" is a parody of the Beatles song You Never Give Me Your Money where Paul says "1,2,3,4,5,6,7, all good children go to heaven" 21 times I think.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.

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.

James Williamson of Iggy & the Stooges

James Williamson of Iggy & the StoogesSongwriter Interviews

The Stooges guitarist (and producer of the Kill City album) talks about those early recordings and what really happened with David Bowie.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Bob Dylan Lyric Quiz

Bob Dylan Lyric QuizMusic Quiz

Think you know your Bob Dylan lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.