About the song
“These Boots Are Made for Walkin'” is a definitive hit song that marked a pivotal moment in pop music when it was recorded by American singer Nancy Sinatra and released in December 1965. Written by Lee Hazlewood, the song emerged as a standout track from Sinatra’s debut album, *Boots* (1966), and was the follow-up to her minor hit “So Long, Babe.” Inspired by a line from the comedy-western film *4 for Texas* (1963), which featured the quote “They tell me them boots ain’t built for walkin’,” Hazlewood crafted a song that combined a sassy, self-assured attitude with a distinctive musical style.
Upon its release, Sinatra’s rendition of “These Boots Are Made for Walkin'” quickly captured the public’s imagination, climbing to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in late February 1966 and achieving similar success in the UK Singles Chart. The song’s success was not only a testament to Sinatra’s charismatic vocal delivery but also to the song’s infectious folk-rock beat. The driving dance rhythm, arranged by Billy Strange, and Sinatra’s confident declaration of independence resonated with listeners, making the track an anthem of empowerment.
Billboard hailed the song as “fine folk-rock material,” emphasizing Sinatra’s dynamic vocal performance and the compelling beat. Cash Box praised it as a “funky, slow-shufflin’ folk-rocker” with a rebellious edge, describing how the song’s narrative centers on a woman who asserts herself and refuses to be mistreated by her boyfriend.
The impact of “These Boots Are Made for Walkin'” extended beyond its initial release, as the song was covered by various artists across multiple genres, including metal, rock, punk rock, country, dance, and industrial. Notable cover versions include those by Megadeth, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Jessica Simpson, illustrating the song’s enduring appeal and versatility.
In 2020, the 1965 recording of “These Boots Are Made for Walkin'” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, cementing its status as a classic and influential track in music history. Nancy Sinatra’s rendition remains a celebrated piece of pop culture, encapsulating the bold spirit and innovation of 1960s music.
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Lyrics
You keep sayin’ you’ve got somethin’ for me
Somethin’ you call love but confess
You’ve been a’messin’ where you shouldn’t ‘ve been a’messin’
And now someone else is getting all your best
These boots are made for walkin’
And that’s just what they’ll do
One of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you
Ya
You keep lyin’ when you oughta be truthin’
And you keep losing when you oughta not bet
You keep samin’ when you oughta be a’changin’
Now what’s right is right but you ain’t been right yet
These boots are made for walkin’
And that’s just what they’ll do
One of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you
You keep playin’ where you shouldn’t be playin’
And you keep thinkin’ that you’ll never get burnt (ha)
I just found me a brand new box of matches, yeah
And what he knows you ain’t had time to learn
These boots are made for walkin’
And that’s just what they’ll do
One of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you
Are you ready, boots? Start walkin’