About the song
Released in 1959, “Charlie Brown” is a beloved song by The Coasters, a group known for their unique blend of doo-wop, rock, and R&B. Written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, this iconic track is a testament to the duo’s ability to craft songs that are both catchy and memorable, with lyrics that explore the themes of social exclusion and the struggles of adolescence.
The song’s arrangement is a masterclass in energetic and upbeat production, with a driving beat, soaring harmonies, and a memorable melody that has become synonymous with the Coasters’ signature sound. The song’s lyrics, sung by Dub Jones, are a poignant reflection on the experiences of being an outcast, with the iconic phrase “Why’s everybody always pickin’ on me?” becoming a rallying cry for generations of music fans.
According to Jerry Leiber, the song’s creation was a labor of love, with the duo struggling to come up with a follow-up to their hit single “Yakety Yak”. After weeks of agonizing, Leiber finally came up with the name “Charlie Brown”, and the song began to take shape. The result is a song that is both a tribute to the beloved Peanuts character and a reflection of the struggles of adolescence.
The song’s production is equally impressive, with King Curtis’s tenor saxophone solo adding a touch of sophistication to the track. The song’s use of vocal harmonies and instrumentation is a testament to the Coasters’ ability to blend different musical styles and create a unique sound that is both retro and timeless.
In conclusion, “Charlie Brown” is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences with its catchy melody, poignant lyrics, and energetic production. This iconic track is a testament to the enduring power of music to bring people together and transcend generations.
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Lyrics
Fe-fe, fi-fi, fo-fo, fum
I smell smoke in the auditorium
Charlie Brown, Charlie Brown
He’s a clown, that Charlie Brown
He’s gonna get caught, just you wait and see
(Why’s everybody always pickin’ on me?)
That’s him on his knees, I know that’s him
Yellin’ “seven-come-eleven” down in the boys’ gym
Charlie Brown, Charlie Brown
He’s a clown, that Charlie Brown
He’s gonna get caught, just you wait and see
(Why’s everybody always pickin’ on me?)
Who’s always writing on the wall?
Who’s always goofin’ in the hall?
Who’s always throwin’ spit balls?
Guess who (who, me?)
Yeah, you
Who walks in the classroom, cool and slow?
Who calls the English teacher Daddy-O?
Charlie Brown, Charlie Brown
He’s a clown, that Charlie Brown
He’s gonna get caught, just you wait and see
(Why’s everybody always pickin’ on me?)
Who walks in the classroom, cool and slow?
Who calls the English teacher Daddy-O?
Charlie Brown, Charlie Brown
He’s a clown, that Charlie Brown
He’s gonna get caught, just you wait and see
(Why’s everybody always pickin’ on me?)