About the song
“Celebration” by Kool & the Gang stands as an iconic anthem of joy and festivity, etched into the annals of music history with its vibrant rhythms and infectious energy. Released in 1980 as the lead single from their album *Celebrate!*, the song skyrocketed to the top of the charts, marking the pinnacle of the band’s success by claiming the coveted No. 1 spot on the US Billboard Hot 100. This achievement not only solidified its place in pop culture but also earned it enduring recognition, culminating in its induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2016 and selection by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry in 2021.
The genesis of “Celebration” can be traced back to co-founder Ronald Bell, whose inspiration came from a passage in the Quran depicting angels celebrating the creation of Adam. This spiritual spark ignited the creation of the song’s upbeat melody and its universal message of unity and jubilation. Written collaboratively by the band, the composition features lively instrumentation in the Aâ™ Mixolydian mode, set to a tempo of 123 beats per minute, with vocals spanning from Aâ™3 to Eâ™5. Its catchy chorus and pulsating bassline earned praise from critics and listeners alike, described by Record World as “One big party hook.”
Upon its release, “Celebration” became a cultural phenomenon, transcending musical boundaries to become a fixture at weddings, parties, and sporting events worldwide. Beyond its commercial success, the song held deeper cultural significance, resonating during historic moments such as the release of American hostages from Iran in 1981 and becoming a rallying cry for celebratory moments globally. Its impact extended internationally, achieving a peak position of No. 7 on the UK charts and maintaining popularity for weeks thereafter.
Even decades after its debut, “Celebration” continues to evoke feelings of happiness and camaraderie, its timeless appeal ensuring it remains a cherished classic in popular music. With its infectious optimism and universal themes, the song not only celebrates life’s milestones but also serves as a testament to the enduring power of music to unite and uplift people around the world.
Video
Lyrics
Yahoo! This is your celebration
Yahoo! This is your celebration
Celebrate good times, come on (Let’s celebrate)
Celebrate good times, come on (Let’s celebrate)
There’s a party goin’ on right here
A celebration to last throughout the years
So bring your good times and your laughter too
We gonna celebrate your party with you
Come on now
Celebration
Let’s all celebrate and have a good time
Celebration
We gonna celebrate and have a good time
It’s time to come together
It’s up to you, what’s your pleasure?
Everyone around the world, come on
Yahoo!
It’s a celebration
Yahoo!
Celebrate good times, come on
It’s a celebration
Celebrate good times, come on
Let’s celebrate
There’s a party goin’ on right here
A dedication to last throughout the years
So bring your good times and your laughter too
We gonna celebrate and party with you
Come on now
Celebration
Let’s all celebrate and have a good time, yeah yeah
Celebration
We gonna celebrate and have a good time
It’s time to come together
It’s up to you, what’s your pleasure
Everyone around the world, come on
Yahoo! It’s a celebration
Yahoo! It’s a celebration
Celebrate good times, come on
Let’s celebrate, come on now
Celebrate good times, come on
Let’s celebrate
We’re gonna have a good time tonight
Let’s celebrate, it’s all right
We’re gonna have a good time tonight
Let’s celebrate, it’s all right, baby
We’re gonna have a good time tonight (Celebration)
Let’s celebrate, it’s all right
We’re gonna have a good time tonight (Celebration)
Let’s celebrate, it’s all right
Yahoo!
Yahoo!
Celebrate good times, come on (Let’s celebrate)
Celebrate good times, come on (It’s a celebration)
Celebrate good times, come on (Let’s celebrate)
Celebrate good times, come on
(Baby everything’s gonna be alright, let’s celebrate)
Celebrate good times, come on
Celebrate good times, come on (Let’s have a great time, celebrate)