About the song
“Buddy Holly,” a quintessential track by the American rock band Weezer, stands as a vibrant homage to the 1950s rock-and-roll icon of the same name. Penned by the band’s frontman Rivers Cuomo, the song was released as the second single from their debut album, *Weezer* (The Blue Album), in 1994 under DGC Records.
Cuomo’s inspiration for “Buddy Holly” stemmed from a personal anecdote: he wrote the song after facing ridicule from friends over his Asian girlfriend, reflecting his desire to address themes of identity and societal perceptions through music. Initially hesitant about its inclusion on the album due to concerns about its perceived cheesiness and stylistic fit, Cuomo was persuaded by producer Ric Ocasek to give the song a chance. Ocasek recognized its potential, urging Cuomo to proceed with recording, assuring him they could reassess its suitability later if needed.
Released on September 7, 1994, which would have marked Buddy Holly’s 58th birthday, the song swiftly gained traction, peaking at number two on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and making significant international strides. It reached number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart, while achieving notable positions in Canada, the United Kingdom, Iceland, and Sweden.
The accompanying music video for “Buddy Holly,” directed by Spike Jonze, played a pivotal role in its success. Known for its innovative concept, the video seamlessly integrated footage of Weezer performing at Arnold’s Drive-In from the 1970s TV show “Happy Days.” This blending of retro television nostalgia with modern rock music resonated widely, especially as it was featured as a bonus video on Microsoft’s Windows 95 release, garnering immense exposure.
Critically acclaimed for its infectious melody and clever lyrics, “Buddy Holly” secured a lasting legacy. Rolling Stone recognized its significance by ranking it number 484 in their esteemed list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time” in 2021, highlighting its enduring appeal and cultural impact. Moreover, VH1 placed it at number 59 on their “100 Greatest Songs of the 90s” list in December 2007, underscoring its place as a definitive track of the era.
Beyond its commercial success and critical acclaim, “Buddy Holly” embodies Weezer’s ability to blend humor with heartfelt sincerity, making it a cornerstone of their discography and a beloved anthem for fans worldwide. Its recognition as a gold-certified digital single by the RIAA in 2006 further underscores its enduring popularity and influence in the realm of alternative rock music.
Video
Lyrics
What’s with these homies, dissing my girl?
Why do they gotta front?
What did we ever do to these guys
That made them so violent?
Woo-hoo
But you know I’m yours
Woo-hoo
And I know you’re mine
Woo-hoo
(And that’s for all time)
Ooh-wee-hoo, I look just like Buddy Holly
Oh-oh, and you’re Mary Tyler Moore
I don’t care what they say about us anyway
I don’t care about that
Don’t you ever fear, I’m always near
I know that you need help
Your tongue is twisted, your eyes are slit
You need a guardian
Woo-hoo
And you know I’m yours
Woo-hoo
And I know you’re mine
Woo-hoo
(And that’s for all time)
Ooh-wee-hoo, I look just like Buddy Holly
Oh-oh, and you’re Mary Tyler Moore
I don’t care what they say about us anyway
I don’t care about that
I don’t care about that
Bang, bang, a knock on the door
Another big bang and you’re down on the floor
Oh no! What do we do?
Don’t look now, but I lost my shoe
I can’t run, and I can’t kick
What’s the matter babe, are you feeling sick?
What’s the matter, what’s the matter, what’s the matter you?
What’s the matter babe, are you feeling blue?
Ooh-wee-hoo, I look just like Buddy Holly
Oh-oh, and you’re Mary Tyler Moore
I don’t care what they say about us anyway
I don’t care about that
I don’t care about that
I don’t care about that
I don’t care about that