About the song
Background
- Original Writer: The song was originally written and recorded by Dave Bartholomew in 1952. However, Berry’s version became the iconic one.
- Multiple Versions: Chuck Berry recorded it several times with adjusted titles like “My Tambourine” before releasing the infamously titled version in 1972.
- Live Recording: The hit version was a live recording from the Lanchester Arts Festival in Coventry, England. The crowd’s enthusiastic participation is crucial to the song’s appeal.
Lyrics
- Childish Euphemism: The song uses the term “ding-a-ling” as a playful and obvious euphemism for a child’s genitals.
- Storytelling Structure: The verses tell anecdotes about the narrator playing with his “ding-a-ling” as a child, using scenarios like climbing trees and swimming.
- Double Entendres: Filled with double meanings, making it humorous for adults while also seemingly innocent to children.
Themes
- Novelty Fun: Primarily, the song is a lighthearted, humorous novelty track. It’s meant to be silly and catchy.
- Sexual Suggestiveness: There’s no denying the underlying sexual connotations and innuendos in the lyrics. This is the primary source of the song’s continued controversy.
- Audience Participation: The live version is fueled by call-and-response between Berry and the crowd, amplifying the playful and somewhat naughty energy of the song.
Controversy
“My Ding-a-Ling” was Chuck Berry’s only number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, but it came with significant criticism:
- Appropriateness: Many criticized the song for being sexually suggestive and inappropriate, especially for a performer known for appealing to younger audiences.
- Commercialization vs. Artistry: Some viewed it as a cynical ploy for commercial success rather than a reflection of Berry’s usual artistic standards.
Legacy
Despite the controversy, “My Ding-a-Ling” remains a recognizable song in popular culture. However, it’s rarely considered amongst Berry’s best or most artistically important work.
Video
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
When I was a little bitty boy
My grandmother bought me a cute little toy
Silver bells hangin’ on a string
She told me it was my ding a ling ling
[Chorus]
My ding a ling, my ding a ling
I want to play with my ding a ling
My ding a ling, my ding a ling
I wanna play with my ding a ling
[Verse 2]
When mamma took me to Sunday School
They tried to teach me the golden rule
Every time the choir would sing
I’d sit there and play with my ding a ling
[Chorus]
My ding a ling, my ding a ling
I want to play with my ding a ling
My ding a ling, my ding a ling
I wanna play with my ding a ling
[Verse 3]
When Pa started me to Grammar School
I found a place in the vestibule
And every time the bell would ring
They’d catch me playin’ with my ding a ling
[Chorus]
My ding a ling, my ding a ling
I want to play with my ding a ling
My ding a ling, my ding a ling
I want to play with my ding a ling
[Verse 4]
Once I was climbing the garden wall
Oh and I had an awful fall
I fell so hard I heard bells ring
But I never let go of my ding a ling
[Chorus]
My ding a ling, my ding a ling
I want to play with my ding a ling
My ding a ling, my ding a ling
I want to play with my ding a ling
[Verse 5]
I remember the girl next door
We used to play house on the kitchen floor
She’d be the queen, I’d be the king
Together we’d play with my ding a ling a ling
[Chorus]
My ding a ling, my ding a ling
I want to play with my ding a ling
My ding a ling, my ding a ling
I want to play with my ding a ling
[Verse 6]
This here song, it is so sad
To those of you who never had
Silver bells hanging on a string
So you could play with your own ding a ling
[Chorus]
My ding a ling, my ding a ling
I want to play with my ding a ling
My ding a ling, my ding a ling
All come on now, everybody sing
My ding a ling, my ding a ling
I want to play with my ding a ling
My ding a ling, my ding a ling
I want to play with my ding a ling (One more time)