Wig-Wam Bam - song and lyrics by Sweet | Spotify

About the Song

In the annals of rock history, few genres evoke as much nostalgia and sheer fun as glam rock. With its catchy hooks, flamboyant fashion, and larger-than-life personalities, glam rock was a breath of fresh air in the early 1970s. And among the bands that defined this era, Sweet stands out as a true powerhouse.

Formed in London in 1968, Sweet quickly gained a reputation for their infectious blend of pop melodies and hard-rocking riffs. Their music was the perfect soundtrack for a generation eager to embrace a new sense of freedom and expression. And in 1972, they released a song that would become an anthem of the glam rock movement: “Wig Wam Bam.”

From the opening guitar riff, “Wig Wam Bam” grabs your attention and never lets go. It’s a high-energy rocker with a driving beat, catchy lyrics, and irresistible sing-along chorus. The song’s playful spirit and infectious energy perfectly captured the mood of the times, making it an instant hit with audiences around the world.

But “Wig Wam Bam” is more than just a fun, catchy tune. It’s also a testament to Sweet‘s musical prowess. The band’s tight instrumentation, dynamic vocals, and clever songwriting are all on full display here. And while the song may seem simple on the surface, there’s a depth and sophistication to its arrangement that reveals itself with repeated listens.

Over the years, “Wig Wam Bam” has become a classic rock staple, a beloved reminder of the glam rock era. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal, its ability to connect with listeners of all ages. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Sweet or a newcomer to their music, “Wig Wam Bam” is sure to get your toes tapping and your head bobbing.

So, crank up the volume, let the music wash over you, and get ready to experience the pure, unadulterated joy of Sweet‘s “Wig Wam Bam.” It’s a song that will take you back to a time when rock and roll was all about having fun and letting loose. And in a world that often takes itself too seriously, that’s something worth celebrating.The Sweet - Wig-Wam Bam - 1972

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Lyrics: Wig Wam Bam

Hiawatha didn’t bother too much
About Minnehaha and her tender touch
Till she took him to the silver stream
Then she whispered words like he’d never heard
That made him all shudder inside when she said

Wig wam bam, gonna make you my man
Wam bam bam, gonna get you if I can
Wig wam bam, wanna make you understand
Try a little touch, try a little too much
Just try a little wig wam bam

Running Bear never cared enough
About Little White Dove and her tender love
Till she took him to the silver stream
She told him all about what he couldn’t live without
And made him all weak inside when she said

Wig wam bam, gonna make you my man
Wam bam bam, gonna get you if I can
Wig wam bam, wanna make you understand
Try a little touch, try a little too much
Just try a little wig-wam bam

Wig wam, bam sham-a-lam
Wam bam, bam sham-a-lam
Wig wam, bam sham-a-lam
Wam bam, bam sham-a-lam

Hiawatha didn’t bother too much
About Minnehaha and her tender touch
Till she took him to the silver stream
Then she whispered words like he’d never heard
That made him all shudder inside when she said

Wig wam bam, gonna make you my man
Wam bam bam, gonna get you if I can
Wig wam bam, wanna make you understand
Try a little touch, try a little too much
Just try a little wig-wam bam, and she said

Wig wam bam, gonna make you my man
Wam bam bam, gonna get you if I can
Wig wam bam, wanna make you understand
Try a little touch, try a little too much
Just try a little wig-wam

Wig wam bam, gonna make you my man
Wam bam bam, gonna get you if I can
Wig wam bam, wanna make you understand
Try a little touch, try a little too much

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Billy Joe Shaver first caught Waylon Jennings’ eye at Willie Nelson’s Dripping Springs Reunion back in 1972 while passing a guitar around backstage and picking “Willy the Wandering Gypsy and Me.” Waylon immediately stopped in his tracks, learned the chords on the spot, and promised to record the material. Instead of a quick cut, Shaver found himself stuck in Nashville for six months trying to collect on that promise while dealing with empty pockets and a songwriter dodging his calls. A sympathetic DJ eventually smuggled him right into one of Waylon’s studio dates. Still trying to brush him off, Waylon handed over a hundred-dollar bill with strict instructions to clear out. Shaver was broke enough to desperately need the cash, yet his pride won out. He fired the money right back with a harsh insult, prompting a furious Waylon to storm out into the hallway surrounded by a crowd. Shaver stood his ground and told him straight: listen to the songs, or catch a beating right there in front of God and everybody. Waylon finally sat down and listened. One track led to another until Jennings scrapped his own plans and built an entire record around Shaver’s writing. Released in 1973, Honky Tonk Heroes packed nine of Billy Joe’s compositions and turned into a crown jewel of the outlaw movement. The recording room stayed just as volatile, with Shaver loudly arguing over arrangement choices and accusing Waylon of altering his vision. Yet that exact friction gave the record its teeth. Waylon had just fought RCA for total creative freedom, and Billy Joe Shaver proved stubborn enough to demand that exact same respect for the words on the page.