About the song
“My Sharona” stands as a quintessential anthem of late 1970s rock, marking the debut single of the Knack and catapulting them to international fame. Released in 1979 from their debut album, *Get the Knack*, the song swiftly ascended to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, where it held the number one spot for an impressive six weeks. Its infectious riff and catchy lyrics helped it become a defining track of the era, eventually earning gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America for selling over a million copies—a feat reminiscent of Capitol Records’ earlier successes with the Beatles’ “I Want to Hold Your Hand.”
The creation of “My Sharona” is rooted in a whirlwind of personal inspiration. Doug Fieger, one of the song’s co-writers, was deeply affected by his encounter with Sharona Alperin, a 17-year-old who would later become his girlfriend for four years. Fieger’s intense infatuation sparked a prolific period of songwriting, resulting in “My Sharona” being composed in a remarkably short span of 15 minutes. Despite initial reluctance from his songwriting partner Berton Averre about incorporating Alperin’s name directly into the song, Fieger’s insistence led to the song becoming a poignant, personal ode.
Musically, “My Sharona” pays homage to the rock ‘n’ roll sounds of the 1960s. Its driving beat and melodic hooks draw inspiration from classics such as the Spencer Davis Group’s “Gimme Some Lovin'” and Smokey Robinson’s “Going to a Go-Go.” Drummer Bruce Gary’s innovative stuttering beat and flam technique added a distinctive edge that contributed significantly to the song’s success. The song’s blend of energetic rhythm and memorable chorus earned it accolades from critics, with Billboard Magazine describing it as “an energetic raker with a subtle melody.”
The song’s legacy has endured over the decades. It was ranked 75 on Billboard’s Hot 100 All-Time Top Songs and 16 on their Top Rock Songs list. Notably, its resurgence in 1994, when it was featured on the *Reality Bites* soundtrack, introduced it to a new generation of listeners. Additionally, the song’s influence extended into the realm of pop culture, inspiring other artists and even catching the attention of President George W. Bush, who included it on his iPod playlist.
“My Sharona” remains a testament to the fleeting yet impactful nature of pop stardom, encapsulating the spirit of an era and leaving a lasting imprint on the world of rock music.
Video
Lyrics
Ooh, my little pretty one, pretty one
When you gonna give me some time, Sharona?
Ooh, you make my motor run, my motor run
Gun it coming off of the line, Sharona
Never gonna stop, give it up, such a dirty mind
I always get it up for the touch of the younger kind
My, my, my, I, yi, woo!
M-m-m-my Sharona
Come a little closer, huh, ah, will ya, huh?
Close enough to look in my eyes, Sharona
Keeping it a mystery gets to me
Running down the length of my thighs, Sharona
Never gonna stop, give it up, such a dirty mind
I always get it up for the touch of the younger kind
My, my, my, I, yi, woo!
M-m-m-my Sharona
M-m-m-my Sharona
When you gonna give to me, g-give to me?
Is it just a matter of time, Sharona?
Is it j-just destiny, d-destiny
Or is it just a game in my mind, Sharona?
Never gonna stop, give it up, such a dirty mind
I always get it up for the touch of the younger kind
My, my, my, I, yi, woo!
M-m-m-my, my, my, I, yi, woo!
M-m-m-my Sharona
M-m-m-my Sharona
M-m-m-my Sharona
M-m-m-my Sharona
Mmh, ohh, my Sharona
Mmh, ohh, my Sharona
Mmh, ohh, my Sharona
Thank you, Hollywood? Goodnight
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