About the Song
“Clap for the Wolfman” by The Guess Who is a playful and infectious rock tune that combines the band’s signature style with a tribute to a legendary pop culture figure. Released in 1974 as part of their album Road Food, the song stands out as a fun, radio-friendly hit that captures the spirit of 70s rock and roll with a humorous twist. Peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, it remains one of the most distinctive tracks in the band’s catalog.
The song is an homage to Wolfman Jack, the iconic DJ known for his gravelly voice and charismatic on-air persona. “Clap for the Wolfman” cleverly weaves Wolfman Jack’s voice into the track, with the DJ himself making vocal cameo appearances throughout the song. His interjections add a layer of personality and humor, transforming the track into a lively celebration of radio culture and the influential role DJs played in the era’s music scene.
Musically, “Clap for the Wolfman” is a blend of rock, pop, and funk influences, featuring groovy basslines, catchy guitar riffs, and rhythmic piano that drive the song’s upbeat energy. Burton Cummings’ distinctive vocals deliver the lyrics with a cheeky enthusiasm that matches the song’s playful tone. The track has a loose, almost jam-like feel, which complements its theme of spontaneity and fun.
Lyrically, the song paints a vivid picture of Wolfman Jack’s influence, celebrating his ability to connect with listeners and make the radio feel alive. Lines like “Clap for the Wolfman, he gonna rate your record high” highlight his role as a tastemaker and a beloved figure in pop culture.
“Clap for the Wolfman” is not just a tribute; it’s also a nostalgic reminder of an era when radio DJs were as influential as the artists they played. The Guess Who managed to capture this sentiment with a song that feels like a party in itself, inviting listeners to join in the celebration.
For fans of classic rock and those who appreciate a bit of humor and history in their music, “Clap for the Wolfman” is a standout track. It’s a reminder of the golden age of radio, delivered with the wit, charm, and musical excellence that The Guess Who are known for.
Video
Lyrics: Clap For The Wolfman
Clap for the Wolfman
He gonna rate your record high
Clap for the Wolfman
You gonna dig him ’til the day you dieClap for the Wolfman
He gonna rate your record high (Mmm, yes gracious)
Clap for the Wolfman
You gonna dig him ’til the day you die (Heh heh heh, oh wow)Doo Ron Ron and The Duke of Earl, they were friends of mine
And I was on my moonlight drive
Snuggled in, said “Baby, just one kiss”, she said “No, no, no”
“Romance ain’t keeping me alive”
Said “Hey babe, d’you wanna coo, coo, coo?”, she said “Ah, ah, ah”
So I was left out in the cold
I said “You’re what I’ve been dreaming of”, she said “I don’t want to know”
(Oh you know, she was diggin’ the cat on the radio)Clap for the Wolfman
He gonna rate your record high (Yes baby, I your doctor love)
Clap for the Wolfman
You gonna dig him ’til the day you die
(Heh heh, everybody’s talking about the Wolfman’s “pompatous of love”)Seventy-five or eighty miles an hour, she hollered “Slow, slow, slow”
Baby, I can stop right on a dime
I said “Hey baby, give me just one kiss”, she said “No, no, no”
But how was I to bide my time?
Said “Hey babe, d’you wanna coo, coo, coo?”, she said “Ah, ah, ah”
Said “I’m about to overload”
I said “You’re what I been living for”, she said “I don’t know want to know”
(Oh, you thought she was diggin’ you but she was diggin’ me, nyhahaha)Clap for the Wolfman
He gonna rate your record high
(As long as you got the curves, baby, I got the angles)
Clap for the Wolfman
You gonna dig him ’til the day you die
(It’s all according to how your boogaloo situation stands, you understand?)Clap for the Wolfman
He gonna rate your record high
(You ain’t gonna get ’em, ’cause I got ’em, haaa yeah)
Clap for the Wolfman
You gonna dig him ’til the day you die
(You might wanna try, but I gonna keep ’em, ain’t that right girls?)Clap for the Wolfman
Clap for the Wolfman
Clap for the Wolfman
Clap for the Wolfman
Clap for the Wolfman (And I got ’em all)
Clap for the Wolfman (Yes you go right on and try)
Clap for the Wolfman (I’m gonna say bye)
Clap for the Wolfman
Clap for the Wolfman
Clap for the Wolfman
Clap for the Wolfman
Clap for the Wolfman
Clap for the Wolfman
Clap for the Wolfman