About the song
“Come On, Let’s Go” is a timeless rock and roll classic originally penned and performed by Ritchie Valens in 1958. This upbeat anthem marked Valens’ debut on the charts, peaking at number 42 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in May of that year. Its infectious rhythm and energetic guitar riffs quickly captured the hearts of music enthusiasts worldwide.
Following its success, “Come On, Let’s Go” inspired several notable renditions by diverse artists across decades and genres. British teen idol Tommy Steele swiftly covered the track, achieving significant acclaim with a number 10 placement on the UK charts. His rendition added a youthful exuberance that resonated well with audiences beyond Valens’ original fan base.
In 1966, American rock group The McCoys revitalized the song with their own interpretation, featuring it prominently on their album “You Make Me Feel So Good.” Their rendition, released as a single, soared into the Top 40 on both U.S. and Canadian charts, reaffirming the song’s enduring popularity and versatility.
Decades later, “Come On, Let’s Go” found a new audience through Los Lobos’ cover for the 1987 biographical film “La Bamba,” which chronicled Ritchie Valens’ life. Their rendition injected a fresh Latino rock vibe into the song, resonating strongly with fans across the globe. Achieving chart success once again, Los Lobos’ version climbed to number 18 in the UK and number 21 in the U.S., solidifying the song’s place in rock history.
The song’s influence even extended to unexpected quarters, such as Japanese experimental music group The Gerogerigegege, who included a rendition on their 1990 album “Tokyo Anal Dynamite.” Their unconventional take showcased the song’s enduring appeal and adaptability across cultural and musical boundaries.
“Come On, Let’s Go” continues to be celebrated as a quintessential rock anthem that transcends generations and genres, a testament to Ritchie Valens’ enduring legacy and the song’s timeless appeal. Its ability to resonate with audiences worldwide underscores its status as a classic that remains as vibrant and compelling today as it was over half a century ago.
Video
Lyrics
Well, come on, let’s go, let’s go, let’s go, little darling
Tell me that you’ll never leave me
Come on, come on, let’s go
And again, and again, and again
Well, now, swing me, swing me
Swing me way down there
Come on, let’s go, little darling
Let’s go, let’s go again once more
Well, I love you so, yeah
And I’ll never let you go
Come on, baby, soon
Oh, pretty baby, I, I love you so well
Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go, little sweetheart
And then, we can always be together
Come on, come on, let’s go again
Let’s go
I love you so, yeah
And I’ll never let you go
Come on, baby, soon
Oh, pretty baby, I, I love you so well
Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go, little darling
Tell me that you’ll never leave me
Come on, come on, let’s go
And again, and again, and again
Come on, let’s go, and do it again
Again, and again, and again
And again, and again, and again
Come on, let’s go, and do it again