About the song
“Pony Time” is a timeless classic that has been delighting music lovers for generations. Written by the talented duo of Don Covay and John Berry, this upbeat tune was first recorded in 1960 by Covay himself, along with his group “the Goodtimers”. However, it was Chubby Checker’s rendition of “Pony Time” in 1961 that catapulted the song to even greater heights of success. Checker’s version became his second US No.1 single, following his iconic hit “The Twist”, and also topped the R&B charts. In Canada, the song reached an impressive No. 5 on the charts.
But “Pony Time” is more than just a catchy tune with a memorable beat. The song’s lyrics also hold a fascinating secret. Did you know that the song’s chorus, which features the iconic phrase “Boogety Shoe”, was actually inspired by the traditional horse-riding commands of “Gee” and “Haw”? In the world of horsemen, “Gee” meant to turn right, while “Haw” meant to turn left. This unique reversal of the commands is reflected in the song’s lyrics, which have been delighting listeners for decades.
The influence of “Pony Time” can also be seen in other popular songs of the era. For example, Barry Mann’s hit single “Who Put the Bomp (in the Bomp, Bomp, Bomp)” (1961) features the “Boogety Shoe” phrase, demonstrating the song’s lasting impact on the music world.
In addition to its musical significance, “Pony Time” also has a rich cultural heritage. The use of “Gee” and “Haw” commands dates back centuries, and was not only used to direct horse teams but also to name geographic features such as stream branches. This fascinating history adds another layer of depth to the song, making it a true classic that continues to captivate audiences to this day.
Overall, “Pony Time” is a song that has stood the test of time, with its catchy melody, memorable lyrics, and rich cultural significance making it a true treasure of the music world.
Video
Lyrics
It’s pony time, get up
Boogety, boogety, boogety shoo
Hey now everybody (boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
In the union hall (boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
It’s pony time (boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
When ya’ hear this call (boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
So get with it
Don’t quit it
Get up (boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
Do the pony with your partner (boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
Or in a big boss line (boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
But anyway ya’ do it (boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
You’ gonna look real fine (boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
So get with it, don’t quit it
Get up (boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
Now ya’ turn to the left when I say gee
You turn to the right when I say haw
Now gee
Ya ya lil’ baby
Now haw
Ya oh baby (oh baby)
Oh baby (oh baby)
Pony baby (oh baby)
Do it baby (oh baby)
Oh baby (oh baby)
Oh baby (oh baby)
Boogety, boogety, boogety, boogety shoo
Gonna see little Suzie (boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
Who lives next door (boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
She’s doin’ the pony (boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
She’s takin’ the floor (boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
Eeea ah, so get with it, don’t quit it
Come on (boogety, boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
Do the pony with your partner
(boogety, boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
Or in a big boss line (boogety, boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
But anyway you do it (boogety, boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
You’re gonna look real fine (boogety, boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
So get with, don’t quit it
Come on. (boogety, boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
Eeeaaah, turn to the left when I say gee
You turn to the right when I say haw
Now gee
Ya ya lil’ baby
Now haw
Ya oh baby (oh baby)
Oh baby (oh baby)
Pony baby (oh baby)
Do it baby (oh baby)
Oh baby (oh baby)
Oh baby (oh baby)
Boogety, boogety, boogety, boogety shoo