The McCoys – Hang On Sloopy

About The Song

Hang On Sloopy: A Rock and Roll Anthem with Ohio Roots

In the mid-1960s, the rock and roll scene was abuzz with catchy tunes and electrifying performances. Amidst this vibrant era, a song emerged that would become an enduring classic, forever etched in the annals of music history – “Hang On Sloopy” by The McCoys.

The song’s origins trace back to 1964, when songwriters Wes Farrell and Bert Berns penned the initial version titled “My Girl Sloopy.” This rendition, performed by the R&B vocal group The Vibrations, failed to achieve widespread commercial success. However, fate had different plans for the melody that would soon capture the hearts of music lovers worldwide.

Enter The McCoys, a garage rock band from Ohio, who stumbled upon “My Girl Sloopy” and saw its untapped potential. With a touch of their own musical flair, they transformed the song into “Hang On Sloopy,” infusing it with an infectious energy that resonated with audiences across the country.

Released in 1965, “Hang On Sloopy” propelled The McCoys to stardom, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s popularity extended beyond the charts, becoming an unofficial anthem for the city of Cleveland, Ohio, and its Major League Baseball team, the Cleveland Guardians.

The song’s enduring appeal lies in its simple yet powerful message of hope and resilience. The lyrics, “Hang on Sloopy, hang on,” became a rallying cry for those facing challenges, urging them to persevere and hold on to their dreams.

“Hang On Sloopy” transcended its musical roots, becoming a symbol of unity and pride for Cleveland and beyond. Its infectious melody and uplifting message continue to inspire generations, ensuring its place as a timeless rock and roll classic.

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 sing out

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)
Well, shake it, shake it, shake it, Sloopy (Come on, come on)
Well, shake it, shake it, shake it, yeah (Come on, come on)
Ohhhhhhhh

Hang on, Sloopy
Sloopy, hang on
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Hang on, Sloopy
Sloopy, hang on
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Hang on, Sloopy
Sloopy, hang on