About the song
“Little Eva” Boyd’s 1962 hit “The Loco-Motion” is a timeless classic that has delighted generations of music lovers. Written by the prolific songwriting duo Gerry Goffin and Carole King, the song quickly became a sensation upon its release, capturing the hearts of listeners with its catchy melody and infectious dance beat.
“The Loco-Motion” was released as a single in June 1962 and became an instant hit. It climbed the charts rapidly, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. This success marked Little Eva’s debut into the music industry, propelling her into stardom almost overnight. The song’s popularity was not confined to the U.S.; it also enjoyed significant success internationally, making it to the top ten in countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia.
One of the most intriguing aspects of “The Loco-Motion” is its backstory. Little Eva was initially a babysitter for Goffin and King, and they discovered her vocal talent quite by chance. Impressed by her singing abilities, they decided to have her record “The Loco-Motion,” which was initially intended for another artist. Little Eva’s vibrant and energetic performance breathed life into the song, making it an instant hit.
“The Loco-Motion” also sparked a dance craze, with its lyrics instructing listeners on how to perform the titular dance. This added to its appeal, making it not just a song, but an interactive experience that brought people together on the dance floor. The song has been covered by various artists over the years, most notably by Grand Funk Railroad in 1974, who took it to number one on the charts again, and by Kylie Minogue in 1988, who also achieved international success with her version.
Included in Little Eva’s debut album, “The Loco-Motion” remains a standout track that exemplifies the joyful, carefree spirit of early 1960s pop music. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its charm and the remarkable talents of those who created and performed it. For many, “The Loco-Motion” is not just a song, but a cherished memory of an era when music was all about having fun and bringing people together.
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Lyrics
Everybody is doin’ a brand new dance, now
(Come on baby, do the Loco-motion)
I know you’ll get to like it if you give it a chance now
Come on baby, do the Loco-motion)My little baby sister can do it with me
It’s easier than learning your A B C’s
So come on, come on, do the Loco-motion with meYou gotta swing your hips, now
Come on, baby Jump up, jump back
Well, now, I think you’ve got the knackNow that you can do it, let’s make a chain, now
(Come on baby, do the Loco-motion)
A chug-a chug-a motion like a railroad train, now
(Come on baby, do the Loco-motion)Do it nice and easy, now, don’t lose control
A little bit of rhythm and a lot of soul
So come on, come on, do the Loco-motion with meMove around the floor in a Loco-motion
(Come on baby, do the Loco-motion)
Do it holding hands if you get the notion
(Come on baby, do the Loco-motion)There’s never been a dance that’s so easy to do
It even makes you happy when you’re feeling blue
So come on, come on, do the Loco-motion with me