About the song
Released in 1958, “Yakety Yak” is a timeless classic by the legendary American doo-wop group, The Coasters. Written, produced, and arranged by the iconic songwriting duo, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, this song has become an enduring staple of rock and roll music, captivating audiences for generations with its catchy melody, witty lyrics, and signature harmonies.
This song was one of a string of hit singles released by The Coasters between 1957 and 1959, which dominated the charts and cemented their status as one of the biggest performing acts of the rock and roll era. The song’s success was not limited to its chart performance, as it was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999, recognizing its enduring impact on the music industry.
The song’s lyrics, penned by Leiber and Stoller, are a masterclass in storytelling, painting a vivid picture of a teenager’s daily life and the humorous interactions between parents and children. The song’s “playlet” style, as described by Stoller, provides a glimpse into the daily struggles and conflicts faced by teenagers, with the Coasters’ signature harmonies and vocal inflections adding a layer of emotional depth to the song.
The song’s chorus, “Yakety yak. Don’t talk back,” has become an iconic phrase, symbolizing the struggles of adolescence and the challenges of navigating relationships with parents and authority figures. The song’s lyrics are both humorous and relatable, with the Coasters’ playful delivery and the tenor saxophone of King Curtis adding a layer of energy and excitement to the song.
Throughout the years, “Yakety Yak” has been covered by numerous artists, but The Coasters’ original version remains the most iconic and beloved. The song’s influence can be heard in the work of later artists, such as The Beach Boys and The Beatles, who have cited The Coasters as a major inspiration.
In conclusion, “Yakety Yak” by The Coasters is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences with its catchy melody, witty lyrics, and signature harmonies. This song is a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll music, and its influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who have followed in The Coasters’ footsteps.
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Lyrics
Take out the papers and the trash
Or you don’t get no spendin’ cash
If you don’t scrub that kitchen floor
You ain’t gonna rock and roll no more
Yakety yak (don’t talk back)
Just finish cleanin’ up your room
Let’s see that dust fly with that broom
Get all that garbage out of sight
Or you don’t go out Friday night
Yakety yak (don’t talk back)
You just put on your coat and hat
And walk yourself to the laundromat
And when you finish doin’ that
Bring in the dog and put out the cat
Yakety yak (don’t talk back)
Don’t you give me no dirty looks
Your father’s hip, he knows what cooks
Just tell your hoodlum friend outside
You ain’t got time to take a ride
Yakety yak (don’t talk back)
Yakety yak, yakety yak
Yakety yak, yakety yak
Yakety yak, yakety yak
Yakety yak, yakety yak