About the song
Little Eva’s “The Loco-Motion” stands as a quintessential artifact of the early 1960s, a song that transcended its era to become an enduring cultural touchstone. Released in 1962, it rapidly ascended to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, a testament to its infectious rhythm and relatable lyrics.
Emerging from the fertile creative landscape of the Brill Building, “The Loco-Motion” was the brainchild of the songwriting duo Carole King and Gerry Goffin. Their ability to capture the zeitgeist of youth culture is evident in the song’s energetic and exuberant tone. Notably, Little Eva, whose real name is Eva Ritchie, was King’s babysitter, providing a unique connection between artist and creators. Her raw, youthful vocal style imbued the song with a spontaneous energy that resonated deeply with audiences.
Beyond its commercial success, “The Loco-Motion” played a pivotal role in shaping the sound and aesthetic of early 1960s pop music. Its simple, repetitive structure and danceable beat established a formula that would be replicated countless times. The song’s impact extends beyond music, serving as a cultural barometer of a period characterized by optimism and social change.
In retrospect, “The Loco-Motion” remains a compelling example of how music can serve as a unifying force, transcending generational and cultural boundaries. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to evoke feelings of joy, nostalgia, and carefree abandon.
Video
Lyrics
“The Loco-Motion”
(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 me
You gotta swing your hips, now
Come on, baby Jump up, jump back
Well, now, I think you’ve got the knack
Now 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 me
Move 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