About the song
“Hang On Sloopy,” originally known as “My Girl Sloopy,” is a dynamic rock and roll anthem that has captured the spirit of American music since its release in 1964. Crafted by the prolific songwriting duo Wes Farrell and Bert Berns, this iconic track was first recorded by the Rhythm and Blues group The Vibrations. Released under Atlantic Records, their version reached No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100, setting the stage for its future success.
The song’s journey from a relatively obscure release to a celebrated hit began with its garage band appeal. In 1965, the song was embraced by The Yardbirds, featuring Jeff Beck on guitar, who recorded a notable extended jam of the track. Despite this, it was the rock group The McCoys who truly brought “Hang On Sloopy” into the limelight. Their rendition, recorded under the name Rick and the Raiders, soared to the top of the charts, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October 1965. The McCoys’ version was notable for its catchy rhythm and energetic delivery, which helped cement the song’s place in rock history.
The song’s title and its catchy chorus are linked to a charming anecdote involving Dorothy Sloop, a jazz singer from Steubenville, Ohio. The phrase “Hang On Sloopy” became ingrained in local culture, particularly through its association with Ohio State University, where it was adopted by the university’s marching band. The band’s performance of “Hang On Sloopy” has become a cherished tradition at football games, marking the transition from the third to the fourth quarter with enthusiastic fan participation.
Beyond its association with Ohio State University, the song has achieved broader recognition as Ohio’s official rock song, a designation solidified by the Ohio General Assembly in 1985. Its influence has extended into various genres and languages, with notable covers in Spanish and Portuguese, and it continues to be a staple in American sports venues, including stadiums for the Cleveland Guardians, Cleveland Browns, and Cleveland Cavaliers.
“Hang On Sloopy” remains a testament to the enduring appeal of mid-60s rock and roll, characterized by its infectious rhythm and the deep connection it has forged with Ohio’s cultural identity. Its journey from a garage band hit to an enduring state anthem highlights its significance in American music and popular culture.
Video
Lyrics
Hang on, Sloopy
Sloopy, hang on
Hang on, Sloopy
Sloopy, hang on
Sloopy lives in a very bad part of town (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
And everybody, yeah, tries to put my Sloopy down (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
Sloopy, I don’t care what your daddy do (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
‘Cause you know, Sloopy, girl, I’m in love with you (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
And so I say now
Hang on, Sloopy
Sloopy, hang on
Hang on, Sloopy
Sloopy, hang on
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Give it to ’em (yeah)
Sloopy, let your hair down, girl
Let it hang down on me (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
Sloopy, let your hair down, girl
Let it hang down on me, yeah, yeah (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
Come on, Sloopy (come on, come on)
Well, come on, Sloopy (come on, come on)
Well, come on, Sloopy (come on, come on)
Well, come on, Sloopy (come on, come on)
Well, it feels so good (come on, come on)
You know, it feels so good (come on, come on)
Oh, shake it, shake it, shake it, Sloopy (come on, come on)
Oh, shake it, shake it, shake it, yeah (come on, come on)
Ohh
Hang on, Sloopy
Sloopy, hang on
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Hang on, Sloopy
Sloopy, hang on
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Hang on, Sloopy
Sloopy, hang on