About the song
Today, let me take you back to the vibrant era of the early 1970s, where music was a colorful tapestry of diverse sounds and sentiments. In the midst of this musical landscape emerged a catchy tune that not only captured the hearts of listeners but also sparked its fair share of controversy and conversation. I’m talking about “My Ding-A-Ling” performed by the legendary Chuck Berry.
Released in 1972, “My Ding-A-Ling” quickly became a sensation, climbing the charts and earning its place in the annals of music history. The song, which featured Berry’s trademark guitar riffs and playful lyrics, struck a chord with audiences around the world. Written by Dave Bartholomew, the track was originally recorded by Berry in 1968 during a concert at the Lanchester Arts Festival in Coventry, England. However, it wasn’t until its official release in 1972 that “My Ding-A-Ling” catapulted to fame.
The song’s success didn’t come without its fair share of controversy. Some critics and audiences found its innuendos and suggestive lyrics scandalous, while others praised its lighthearted humor and infectious melody. Despite the mixed reactions, “My Ding-A-Ling” soared to the top of the charts, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Chuck Berry’s only single to achieve this feat.
“My Ding-A-Ling” was featured on Chuck Berry’s album “The London Chuck Berry Sessions,” which showcased his electrifying live performances. The album itself was well-received, further cementing Berry’s status as a rock and roll icon. Over the years, “My Ding-A-Ling” has remained a staple of Berry’s repertoire, delighting audiences with its playful charm and timeless appeal.
So, sit back, relax, and let the infectious rhythms of “My Ding-A-Ling” transport you to a bygone era of rock and roll magic.
Video
Lyrics
We got to do our alma matter, we must do our alma matter
When I was a little bitty boy
My grandmother bought me a cute little toy
Silver bells hanging on a string
She told me it was my ding-a-ling-a-ling, ohMy ding-a-ling, my ding-a-ling, I want you to play with my ding-a-ling!
My ding-a-ling, my ding-a-ling, I want you to play with my ding-a-ling!
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!Hmm, and then mama took me to grammar school
But I stopped off in the vestibule
Every time that bell would ring
Catch me playing with my ding-a-ling-a-ling, ohMy ding-a-ling, my ding-a-ling, I want you to play with my ding-a-ling!
My ding-a-ling, my ding-a-ling, I want you to play with my ding-a-ling!Oh, that is beautiful
You know what I heard, I heard
I heard two girls over here singing in harmony, that’s all right, honey
This is a free country, live like you wanna live, baby!
Yeah, ain’t nobody gonna knock it, doll, mm-mm
Yeah, freedom
Yes sir, there’s one guy right over here singin’ “mine” too, that’s all right, brother!
Yes sir, you got a right, baby, ain’t nobody gonna bother you, tell youOnce I was climbing the garden wall
I slipped and had a terrible fall
I fell so hard I heard bells ring
But held on to my ding-a-ling-a-lingMy ding-a-ling, my ding-a-ling, I want you to play with my ding-a-ling!
My ding-a-ling, my ding-a-ling, I want you to play with my ding-a-ling!Hmm, you know that’s future parliament out there singin’?
Oh yeah! (yeah!)Hmm, once I was swimming ‘cross turtle creek
Man, them snappers all around my feet
Sure was hard swimming ‘cross that thing
With both hands holding my ding-a-lingOh, my ding-a-ling, my ding-a-ling, I want you to play with my ding-a-ling!
My ding-a-ling, my ding-a-ling, I want you to play with my ding-a-ling!That’s so beautiful
I think it’s a beautiful little song, really I do
And guess what, everybody’s still not singing
There’s a few right down front here that’s not singing
We’re gonna dedicate this verse to those who will not sing, yes sirHmm, this here song it ain’t so sad
The cutest little song you ever had
Those of you who will not sing
You must be playing with your own ding-a-lingMy ding-a-ling, my ding-a-ling, I want you to play with my ding-a-ling!
My ding-a-ling, my ding-a-ling, I want you to play with my ding-a-ling!Oh, your own, ding-a-ling, your own ding-a-ling, we saw you playing with your ding-a-ling
Oh, my ding-a-ling, everybody sing, I want to play with my, everybodyMy ding-a-ling, oh, my, ding-a-ling
Slow down, I want to play, everybody, with my ding-a-ling!