About the song
Released in 1965, The McCoys’ “Hang On Sloopy” is a quintessential example of mid-1960s rock and roll. This lively track, with its infectious melody and youthful exuberance, became a defining hit of its era, embodying the spirit of pop music that captivated audiences around the world.
Originally written by Wes Farrell and Connie Clarke and recorded by The Five Zombies, “Hang On Sloopy” was brought to mainstream success by The McCoys, a young band from Ohio led by Rick Derringer (then known as Ricky Dean). The song’s energetic performance and infectious sound quickly captured the public’s attention, propelling it to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
With its catchy chorus and memorable call-and-response vocals, “Hang On Sloopy” became a favorite on dance floors and radio waves. The song’s success was not limited to the United States; it also enjoyed popularity on the charts in other countries.
Beyond its commercial success, “Hang On Sloopy” holds a special place in American pop culture. The song’s title and its enthusiastic delivery captured the zeitgeist of the 1960s, making it a timeless classic that continues to be celebrated. It has also been adopted as a sports anthem, particularly in Ohio, where it is famously associated with the Ohio State University.
In summary, “Hang On Sloopy” by The McCoys is a song that perfectly encapsulates the vibrancy of 1960s rock and roll. Its memorable melody, lively performance, and chart-topping success have solidified its place as an enduring classic in American music history.
Video
Lyrics
Hang on, Sloopy
Sloopy, hang on
Hang on, Sloopy
Sloopy, hang on
Sloopy lives in a very bad part of town (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
And everybody, yeah, tries to put my Sloopy down (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
Sloopy, I don’t care what your daddy do (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
‘Cause you know, Sloopy, girl, I’m in love with you (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
And so I say now
Hang on, Sloopy
Sloopy, hang on
Hang on, Sloopy
Sloopy, hang on
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Give it to ’em (yeah)
Sloopy, let your hair down, girl
Let it hang down on me (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
Sloopy, let your hair down, girl
Let it hang down on me, yeah, yeah (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
Come on, Sloopy (come on, come on)
Well, come on, Sloopy (come on, come on)
Well, come on, Sloopy (come on, come on)
Well, come on, Sloopy (come on, come on)
Well, it feels so good (come on, come on)
You know, it feels so good (come on, come on)
Oh, shake it, shake it, shake it, Sloopy (come on, come on)
Oh, shake it, shake it, shake it, yeah (come on, come on)
Ohh
Hang on, Sloopy
Sloopy, hang on
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Hang on, Sloopy
Sloopy, hang on
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Hang on, Sloopy
Sloopy, hang on