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Oldies Musics

Chantilly Lace – The Big Bopper

The Big Bopper performs his hit "Chantilly Lace" on stage in 1958.

About the Song

J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson Jr. wasn’t your typical rock and roll star. Despite his larger-than-life nickname, his booming baritone, and infectious personality, The Big Bopper carved a unique niche in music history. He wasn’t just a singer; he was a storyteller, a master of weaving narratives through song. And no song exemplifies this better than his biggest hit, the unforgettable “Chantilly Lace.”

Released in 1958, “Chantilly Lace” wasn’t your typical love ballad. It was a novelty song, a playful dialogue between a young man and a woman on the phone, their conversation filled with double entendres and playful teasing. The lyrics, co-written by The Big Bopper himself, were cleverly disguised as a conversation about a new kind of lace, a wink to the suggestive nature of the song’s true theme.

“Chantilly Lace” wasn’t just about the lyrics, though. The Big Bopper’s voice was the key ingredient. His booming baritone delivered the playful dialogue with a wink and a smile, his enthusiasm infectious and impossible to resist. The backing track, a blend of rockabilly rhythms and playful saxophone riffs, perfectly complemented the song’s lighthearted mood.

The song became a sensation, reaching number five on the Billboard charts and solidifying The Big Bopper’s place as a musical innovator. “Chantilly Lace” wasn’t just a hit; it was a cultural phenomenon. It pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable on the radio at the time, paving the way for a more playful and suggestive style of rock and roll.

“Chantilly Lace” may not be a traditional love song, but it’s a testament to The Big Bopper’s unique talent. He could take a simple conversation and turn it into a musical masterpiece, his voice and personality captivating audiences with their sheer exuberance. Though his career was tragically cut short, “Chantilly Lace” remains a timeless classic, a reminder of The Big Bopper’s lasting impact on the world of rock and roll.The Big Bopper poses for a photo after a concert in 1958 in Cleveland Ohio.

Video 

Lyrics: Chantilly Lace

Hello baby yeah this is the Big Bopper speaking ha ha you sweet thing
Do I what will I what oh baby you know what I like
Chaintily lace and a pretty face and a pony tail hangin’ down
A wiggle and a walk and a giggle and a talk made the world go round
There ain’t nothing in the world
Like a big eyed girl to make me act so funny make me spend my money
Make me fool real loose like a long necked goose
Like a girl oh baby that’s what I like
What’s that honey pick you up at eight and don’t be late
But baby I ain’t got no money honey ha ha oh alright honey you know what I like(Hello you good lookin’ thing you yeah huh now this is the Killer speaking
Do I like what I sure do like it baby)
Chantilly lace pretty face pony tail hangin’ down
A wiggle in her walk giggle in her talk it gonna make that world go around
Ain’t nothing in the world like a big- eyed girl
Make me act so funny spend my doggone money
I feel real loose like a long neck goose like a whoa baby that’s what I like
(Hello) huh (hello) can I what (hello) do I what (hello) will I what (hello)
Can’t never tell baby ha ha ha ha I might But honey you knows what I like
Chantilly lace (chantilly lace) pretty face (chantilly lace)
Pony tail hanging down (chantilly lace)
A wiggle in her walk (chantilly lace) giggle in her talk (chantilly lace)
It gonna make that world go around (chantilly lace)
Ain’t nothin’ in the world like a big eyed girl
Make me act so funny spend my doggone money
I feel real loose like a long neck goose like a whoa baby that’s what I like
Huh ha ha ha ha huh what you say pick you up at eight
And don’t be late you gotta be joking woman
I thought you might pick me up at eight don’t be late
It don’t make no difference baby you know what Jerry Lee likes
Chantilly lace (chantilly lace) pretty face (chantilly lace)
Pony tail hanging down (chantilly lace)
A wiggle in her walk (chantilly lace) giggle in her talk (chantilly lace)
Oh it makes the world go around (chantilly lace)
Ain’t nothing in the world like a big eyed girl
Make me act so funny spend my doggone money
I feel real loose like a long neck goose like a whoa baby that’s what I like
Ooh ha ha ha ha honey you tearin’ me up on this telephone
I swear I don’t know what in the world I’m gonna do with you
You yap and yap and yap and yap and yap
But when you break it all down you know what I like
Chantilly lace (chantilly lace) pretty face (chantilly lace)
Pony tail hanging down (chantilly lace)
A wiggle in her walk (chantilly lace) giggle in her talk (chantilly lace)
It gonna make that world go around (chantilly lace)
Ain’t nothing in the world like a big eyed girl
Make me act so funny spend my doggone money
I feel real loose like a long neck goose like a whoa baby that’s what I like

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