Bobby Darin performs “Splish Splash” in 1960

About the song

Bobby Darin’s “Splish Splash” is a delightful novelty song that burst onto the scene in 1958, injecting a playful and energetic vibe into the pop music landscape. The track’s origins are as quirky as its lyrics, stemming from a friendly wager with DJ Murray the K. Darin, ever the game show enthusiast, accepted the challenge to pen a song beginning with the nonsensical phrase “Splish splash, I was takin’ a bath.” The result was a catchy, upbeat tune that quickly became a hit.

The song’s success was not just due to its quirky premise. Darin’s charismatic delivery, coupled with the energetic backing band, created a infectious energy that was irresistible to listeners. The lyrics, filled with references to other popular songs of the era, added a layer of self-referential humor that made the track even more enjoyable.

“Splish Splash” was a major breakthrough for Darin, propelling him to stardom. The song reached the top three on both the U.S. pop and R&B charts, and even made a brief appearance on the country charts. Its success was a testament to Darin’s versatility as an artist, proving that he could excel in a variety of genres.

Beyond its commercial success, “Splish Splash” remains a beloved classic. Its quirky charm and infectious energy have ensured its place in the pantheon of pop music. It’s a song that can still bring a smile to your face and a tap to your foot, reminding us of the simple pleasures of a well-crafted pop tune.

Video

Lyrics

splish splash
I was taking a bath
long about a saturday night

Ruba dub
Just relaxin in the tub
Thinkin everything was alright

Well I stepped out the tub
Put my feet on the floor
I wrapped my towel around me
And I opened up the door
and then
Splish Splash
I jumped back in the bath
well how was I to know there
was a party goin on?

There was a splishin and splashin
(splishin’ and a splashin)
Rollin and a strollin
(Rollin and a strollin)
movin and a grovin
(Movin and a grovin)
Reeling with the feeling
(Reellin with the feeling)
Rollin and a strollin
Movin and a groovin
Splish Splash

Bing bang
I saw the whole gang
Dancin on my livin room rug
Flip Flop
They were doin the bop
All the teen had the dancing bug
There was lollipop, and peggy sue,
good Golly miss molly was even there too
well a Splish splash
I forgot about the bath
I went and put my dancin shoes on

There was a splishin and splashin
(splishin’ and a splashin)
Rollin and a strollin
(Rollin and a strollin)
movin and a grovin
(Movin and a grovin)
Reeling with the feeling
(Reellin with the feeling)
Rollin and a strollin
Movin and a groovin
Splish Splash

I was splishin and a splashin
rollin and a strollin
movin and a groovin
realin with the feelin

Splishin and a splashin
on a saturday night