About the song
“Grease” isn’t just a catchy song; it’s a high-octane anthem that perfectly encapsulates the energy and spirit of the 1978 movie musical of the same name. Written by Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees and delivered with iconic flair by Frankie Valli, the song serves as both an introduction and a concluding statement to this beloved film.
Though the stage version of Grease had its own title track, the film called for a fresh take. This responsibility fell upon Barry Gibb, who crafted a song that celebrated the “greaser” lifestyle – a subculture defined by slicked-back hair, leather jackets, and a love for hot rods. “Grease” pulsates with a disco beat, a sound that some felt clashed with the late-50s/early-60s setting of the film. However, the undeniable energy and Valli’s powerful vocals won over audiences, making it a number-one hit in the US.
The song’s production boasts a unique lineage. Recorded after filming wrapped, it featured Peter Frampton, a cast member from Gibb’s previous project “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” on guitar. Frankie Valli, known for his soaring vocals with The Four Seasons, was a natural choice. His voice, similar in range to Gibb’s, perfectly captured the song’s enthusiasm.
Interestingly, Valli was initially offered the role of Teen Angel in the movie, a character with a song (“Beauty School Dropout”) that didn’t achieve the same level of success. Ultimately, both Valli and Frankie Avalon (who played Teen Angel) benefited more from the massive popularity of “Grease” through royalties.
Despite some initial reservations from the film’s director, “Grease” remained in the final cut. Its infectious energy proved to be a perfect complement to the film’s opening title sequence, featuring vibrant animation that set the stage for the nostalgic world of Greasers and Pink Ladies.
“Grease” transcended the movie’s success. It became Valli’s final Top 40 hit, a testament to the song’s enduring appeal. Though never officially recorded by The Bee Gees, they included a live performance (featuring a virtual duet with Valli’s original vocals) on their “One Night Only” album, showcasing the song’s lasting impact on their own musical legacy.
So, the next time you hear “Grease” pumping through your speakers, take a moment to appreciate its rich history. It’s a song that captures the essence of a bygone era, the thrill of cruising in a hot rod, and the timeless power of a great melody.
Video
Lyrics
solve my problems, and I see the light
We got a lovin’ thing, we gotta feed it right
There ain’t no danger we can go too far
We start believing now that we can be who we are
Grease is the word
They think our love is just a growing pain
Why don’t they understand, it’s just a crying shame
Their lips are lying, only real is real
We stop the fight right now, we got to be what we feel
Grease is the word
It’s got a groove, it’s got a meaning
Grease is the time, is the place, is the motion
Grease is the way we are feeling
We take the pressure and we throw away
Conventionality belongs to yesterday
There is a chance that we can make it so far
We start believing now that we can be who we are
Grease is the word
It’s got a groove, it’s got a meaning
Grease is the time, is the place, is the motion
Now, grease is the way we are feeling
This is a life of illusion
Wrapped up in trouble
Laced with confusion
What we doing here?
We take the pressure and we throw away
Conventionality belongs to yesterday
There is a chance that we can make it so far
We start believing now that we can be who we are
Grease is the word
It’s got a groove, it’s got a meaning
Grease is the time, is the place, is the motion
Now, grease is the way we are feeling
It’s got a groove, it’s got a meaning
Grease is the time, is the place, is the motion
Now, grease is the way we are feeling
Grease is the word
Is the word
Is the word
Is the word
Is the word
Is the word
Is the word
Is the word
Is the word
Is the word
Is the word