About the song
Background
- Songwriter: The song was co-written by Little Richard (Richard Penniman) and John Marascalco.
- Release: 1956. It reached #9 on the Billboard R&B chart.
- Movie: “She’s Got It” gained widespread fame for its appearance in the 1956 film The Girl Can’t Help It. This provided a huge boost to Little Richard’s career.
- Iconic status: The song remains one of Little Richard’s signature tunes and an early rock and roll classic.
Lyrics
The lyrics are characteristic of Little Richard’s over-the-top, energetic style:
- A celebration of desire: The lyrics are filled with exclamations and simple descriptions of a woman who drives the singer wild with passion.
- “Tutti Frutti” energy: The lyrics use non-traditional language and wordplay just like Little Richard’s other famous hit, “Tutti Frutti”. For example, lines like “Well, she makes me shiver/ Makes my knees start to quiver”.
- Emphasis on feeling: The focus isn’t on deep meaning, but rather the powerful, raw emotion and physical reaction the singer feels.
Themes
- Lust and Attraction: The central theme is pure, unbridled lust and the singer’s inability to contain his desire.
- The Power of Rock and Roll: The song embodies the energy and wildness that defined early rock and roll music and its social impact.
- Breaking Barriers: Little Richard, as a black artist, was a pioneer in breaking racial boundaries in music. The rebellious nature of his songs, including “She’s Got It,” challenged societal norms of the time.
Additional Notes
- The “it”: There’s been lots of speculation about what exactly the “it” is that the woman has. It’s likely a combination of her physical attractiveness, confidence, and overall aura of desirability.
- Influence: “She’s Got It” has been covered by many notable artists over the years, including The Beatles.
Video
Lyrics
There’s a sweet little girl that lives down the street
Some people think she’s square, but I think she’s sweet
You can see her every day, strolling up and down the way
Looking so pretty and this is what I say
She’s got it
Ooh baby, she’s got it
Ooh baby, she’s got it
I can’t do without her
Big blue eyes, long black hair
Dimpled cheeks and she’s no square
She’s got it
Ooh baby, she’s got it
Ooh baby, she’s got it
I can’t do without her
Her ruby lips, shapely hips
When she walk down the street, all the cats flip
She’s got it
Ooh baby, she’s got it
Ooh baby, she’s got it
I can’t do without her
She loves to sing, hot rod queen
She’s real gone in everything
She’s got it
Ooh baby, she’s got it
Ooh baby, she’s got it
I can’t do without her
She loves to sing, hot rod queen
She’s real gone in everything
She’s got it
Ooh baby, she’s got it
Ooh baby, she’s got it
I can’t do without her
When the music’s hot, loves to bop
She’ll dance ’til the jukebox pop
She’s got it
Ooh baby, she’s got it
Ooh baby, she’s got it
I can’t do without her
Yeah, she’s got it
Oh, oh, she’s got it
Ooh, she’s got it
Yeah, she’s got it
Oh, oh, oh, yeah, ah