It’s the 60th anniversary of Louie Louie, one of rock & roll’s most misunderstood songs. The 1964 release of The Kingsmen’s bluesy version of a sailor’s song about missing his woman drove parents batty. Even the FBI was convinced that it contained profane lyrics to poison the minds of America’s youth.
LYRICS
Louie Louie, oh baby, I gotta go.
Yi-yi-yi-yi-yi
Louie Louie, oh baby, I gotta go.
A fine girl, who waited for me.
I catch a ship across the sea.
I sailed the ship all alone.
I wondered when I’m gonna make it home.
Louie Louie, oh baby, I gotta go.
Yi-yi-yi-yi-yi
Louie Louie, oh baby, I gotta go.
Three nights and days I sailed the sea.
I think of the girl constantly.
On the ship, I dream she there.
I smell the rose that’s in her hair.
Louie Louie, oh baby, I gotta go.
Yi-yi-yi-yi-yi
Louie Louie, oh baby, I gotta go.
I see Jamaican moon above.
See the girl I’m thinking of.
I take her in my arms and then
Say I’ll never leave again.
Louie Louie, oh baby, I gotta go.
Yi-yi-yi-yi-yi
Louie Louie, oh baby, I gotta go.
Oh, I gotta go now.
Uh-huh I gotta go.