About the song
“Hang On Sloopy,” originally titled “My Girl Sloopy,” is a vibrant piece of musical history that emerged in 1964, penned by Wes Farrell and Bert Berns. This song first came into the limelight when the Rhythm and Blues group The Vibrations recorded it, with Atlantic Records releasing it as a single. The track made a notable impression, climbing to No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Over time, it has gained a special place in the cultural fabric of Ohio, being officially recognized as Ohio’s rock anthem, especially associated with Ohio State University.
The song’s journey didn’t end with The Vibrations’ version. It became a staple for garage bands and was notably covered by The Yardbirds in 1965, featuring guitarist Jeff Beck. However, it was The McCoys’ rendition that catapulted the song to the forefront of popular music. Released in July 1965, The McCoys’ version topped the charts, reaching number one and solidifying its status as a rock classic. This version was recorded under the guidance of Bob Feldman, Jerry Goldstein, and Richard Gottehrer, with Rick Zehringer, then known as Rick Derringer, leading the vocals. The track, which was recorded at Bell Sound Studios in New York City, was initially intended to be performed by another group, but a strategic change led to The McCoys recording it, creating a memorable and enduring hit.
The song’s origin story hints at a personal touch, with Dorothy Sloop, a jazz singer from Steubenville, Ohio, reportedly serving as the inspiration behind the track. Over the years, “Hang On Sloopy” has not only been covered by various artists but also has seen versions in Spanish and Portuguese, illustrating its widespread appeal and adaptability across different cultures. The McCoys’ version, with its energetic delivery and catchy rhythm, remains a definitive take on the song, celebrated for its historical significance and its lasting impact on rock and roll.
Video
Lyrics
Hang on, Sloopy
Sloopy, hang on
Hang on, Sloopy
Sloopy, hang on
Sloopy lives in a very bad part of town (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
And everybody, yeah, tries to put my Sloopy down (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
Sloopy, I don’t care what your daddy do (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
‘Cause you know, Sloopy, girl, I’m in love with you (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
And so I say now
Hang on, Sloopy
Sloopy, hang on
Hang on, Sloopy
Sloopy, hang on
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Give it to ’em (yeah)
Sloopy, let your hair down, girl
Let it hang down on me (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
Sloopy, let your hair down, girl
Let it hang down on me, yeah, yeah (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
Come on, Sloopy (come on, come on)
Well, come on, Sloopy (come on, come on)
Well, come on, Sloopy (come on, come on)
Well, come on, Sloopy (come on, come on)
Well, it feels so good (come on, come on)
You know, it feels so good (come on, come on)
Oh, shake it, shake it, shake it, Sloopy (come on, come on)
Oh, shake it, shake it, shake it, yeah (come on, come on)
Ohh
Hang on, Sloopy
Sloopy, hang on
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Hang on, Sloopy
Sloopy, hang on
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Hang on, Sloopy
Sloopy, hang on