About the song
Background
- A Return To Form: After a period of focusing on gospel music in the early 1960s, Little Richard made a triumphant return to his signature raucous rock and roll style with “Bama Lama Bama Loo”.
- Label Comeback: The song marked his return to Specialty Records, the label where he achieved his initial fame with classics like “Tutti Frutti” and “Long Tall Sally”.
- Commercial Success: While not reaching the same heights as his earlier hits, “Bama Lama Bama Loo” became a moderate chart success both in the US and the UK.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “Bama Lama Bama Loo” are pure rock and roll nonsense. They’re filled with joyous exclamations, whoops, and playful gibberish. Here’s a sample:
Bama Lama Bama Loo, Bama Lama Bama Loo I don’t care whatcha do, Bama Lama Bama Loo Bama Lama Bama Loo, Tutti Frutti A-Rootie!
Themes
- Pure Energy: The song doesn’t delve into deep meanings or complex narratives. Its primary focus is on creating an infectious energy and sense of uninhibited fun.
- Liberation and Release: Little Richard’s uninhibited vocals and the wild, nonsensical lyrics offer a sense of release from constraint and a celebration of pure exuberance.
- The Essence of Rock and Roll: “Bama Lama Bama Loo” encapsulates the core spirit of early rock and roll: its raw power, rebellious nature, and focus on having a good time.
Legacy
“Bama Lama Bama Loo,” while not as well-known as Little Richard’s groundbreaking hits of the 1950s, serves as a testament to his enduring energy as a performer. The song has been covered by numerous artists and is still a staple of classic rock and roll playlists.
Video
Lyrics
Bama lama bama loo, got a girl named LucindaWe call her the great pretender, wooGot a girl named LucindaWe call her the great pretender
And when she talksShe says, “bama lama loo”
Bama lama, bama looBama lama, now, wooBama lama, bama looBama lama, bama loo
Now, I dig that style, it’s ’bout to drive me wildWith bama lama, bama loo
I asked my baby for kissShe shook her head like this, wooI asked my little girl for kissShe shook her head around like thisShe said, “ooh, yeah”
Bama lama, bama looBama lama, bama looBama lama, bama looBama lama, bama loo
Now, I dig that style, it’s ’bout to drive me wildWith bama lama, bama loo, ooh
I asked my baby for kissShe shook her head like, wooAsked my little girl for kissShe shook her head around like thisShe said, “ooh, yeah”
Bama lama, bama looBama lama, now, wooBama lama, bama looBama lama, bama loo
Now, I dig that style, it’s ’bout to drive me wildWith bama lama, bama loo, ooh