About the song
## The Purple People Eater: A Classic of 1950s Pop Culture
The Purple People Eater, a novelty song by Sheb Wooley released in 1958, quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Its catchy tune and quirky lyrics captivated audiences of all ages, making it one of the most iconic songs of the 1950s. While the song’s subject matter may seem simple, its enduring popularity is a testament to Wooley’s songwriting skills and the timeless appeal of a well-crafted pop song.
The Purple People Eater tells the story of a mysterious creature that terrorizes a small town. With its “googly eyes” and “fuchsia fur,” the creature is both comical and unsettling. The song’s repetitive chorus, “The purple people eater,” is instantly memorable and serves as a powerful hook that draws the listener in.
Beyond its catchy melody and humorous lyrics, The Purple People Eater also offers a glimpse into the social and cultural climate of the 1950s. The song’s popularity coincided with the rise of rock and roll, a genre that challenged traditional notions of music and popular culture. The Purple People Eater, with its quirky subject matter and infectious energy, represented a departure from the more conventional pop music of the era.
Wooley, a country music singer and songwriter, brought his unique style to The Purple People Eater. His distinctive voice and delivery added a touch of humor and charm to the song. The backing band, featuring a simple arrangement of guitar, bass, and drums, provided a solid foundation for Wooley’s vocals and the song’s catchy melody.
The Purple People Eater’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its ability to connect with people on a fundamental level. The song’s simple message and catchy tune make it easy to enjoy, regardless of one’s age or musical taste. The song’s enduring appeal is a testament to the power of music to bring people together and create lasting memories.
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Lyrics
Well I saw the thing comin’ out of the sky
It had the one long horn, and one big eye
I commenced to shakin’ and I said “Ooh-eee”
It looks like a purple people eater to me
It was a one-eyed, one-horned, flyin’ purple people eater
(One-eyed, one-horned, flyin’ purple people eater)
A one-eyed, one-horned, flyin’ purple people eater
Sure looks strange to me (one eye?)
Well he came down to earth and he laid in the tree
I said Mr. Purple People Eater, don’t eat me
I heard him say in a voice so gruff
“I wouldn’t eat you ’cause you’re so tough”
It was a one-eyed, one-horned, flyin’ purple people eater
One-eyed, one-horned flyin’ purple people eater
One-eyed, one-horned, flyin’ purple people eater
Sure looks strange to me (one horn?)
I said Mr. Purple People Eater, what’s your line?
And he said, “Eatin’ purple people and it sure is fine”
But that’s not the reason that I came to land
“I wanna get a job in a rock and roll band”
Well bless my soul, rock and roll, flyin’ purple people eater
Pigeon-toed, undergrowed, flyin’ purple people eater
(We wear short shorts)
Friendly little people eater
What a sight to see
And then he swung from the tree and he laid on the ground
And he started to rock, really rockin’ around
It was a crazy ditty with a swingin’ tune
“Sing a bop-bop aboopa-lopa, loom bam-boom”
Well bless my soul, rock and roll, flyin’ purple people eater
Pigeon-toed, undergrowed, flyin’ purple people eater
“I like short shorts”
Flyin’ purple people eater
Quite a sight to see (purple people?)
Well he went on his way, and then what do ya know
I saw him last night on a TV show
He was blowing it out, a-really knockin’ em dead
Playin’ rock and roll music through the horn in his head