About the song
“Let’s Twist Again” stands as an enduring anthem of the Twist dance craze that swept the early 1960s, written by Kal Mann and Dave Appell and immortalized by Chubby Checker. Released as a single, it quickly soared to become one of the biggest hits of 1961, reaching No. 8 on the U.S. Billboard pop chart and No. 3 on Cash Box in August of that year. Its infectious rhythm and energetic lyrics propelled it to further success, reaching No. 2 on the UK charts in the spring of 1962.
The song builds on the momentum of Checker’s earlier smash hit, “The Twist,” which dominated the charts as a two-time U.S. No. 1 single in September 1960 and again in January 1962 upon re-release. “Let’s Twist Again” not only celebrates the dance craze but also solidifies Checker’s status as a key figure in popularizing the Twist worldwide.
In recognition of its impact and popularity, “Let’s Twist Again” earned the prestigious 1962 Grammy Award for Best Rock & Roll Recording. Its infectious melody and upbeat tempo made it a staple at dance parties and jukeboxes across the globe, solidifying its place in the annals of rock and roll history.
Checker’s influence extended beyond English-speaking audiences; he recorded versions of the song in German as “Der Twist Beginnt” and in Italian as “Balliamo il Twist,” demonstrating its global appeal and ensuring its resonance across different cultures and languages. The song’s versatility and catchy nature were further showcased when a sample of “Der Twist Beginnt” was used by avant-garde artists The Residents to open their innovative 1976 album “The Third Reich ‘n Roll,” underscoring its enduring impact on music beyond its initial release.
Moreover, “Let’s Twist Again” has left an indelible mark in popular culture, appearing on the soundtrack of the acclaimed 2011 film “The Help,” which further cemented its status as a timeless classic. Its inclusion in cultural touchstones underscores its enduring relevance and ability to captivate audiences across generations, ensuring that the Twist dance and its accompanying music remain a vibrant part of musical history.
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Lyrics
Come on everybody clap your hands
Ah, you’re looking good
I’m gonna sing my song and you won’t take long
We’re gonna do the twist and it goes like this
Come on let’s twist again like we did last summer
Yeah, let’s twist again like we did last year
Do you remember when things were really hummin’?
Yeah, let’s twist again, twistin’ time is here
Round ‘n around ‘n up ‘n down we go again
Oh baby make me know you love me so and then
Twist again like we did last summer
Come on twist again, like we did last year
(Twist, yow)
Who’s that, flyin’ up there?
Is it a bird? No
Is it a plane? No
Is it the twister? Yeah
Yeah, twist again like we did last summer
Come on let’s twist again, like we did last year
Do you remember when things were really hummin’?
Come on let’s twist again, twistin’ time is here
Round ‘n around ‘n up ‘n down we go again
Oh baby make me know you love me so and then
Come on twist again like we did last summer
Girl, let’s twist again, like we did last year
Come on twist again, twistin’ time is here