About the song
“Rock the Boat” is an iconic track that propelled the American trio, The Hues Corporation, to international stardom. Penned by Wally Holmes, the song was initially featured on their 1973 debut album, “Freedom for the Stallion,” before gaining its rightful recognition as a standalone single in 1974.
Despite its infectious rhythm and soulful melody, “Rock the Boat” faced an uphill battle in its early days. The song struggled to gain traction on radio stations, and its commercial prospects seemed bleak. However, fate intervened when the track found a passionate following in New York’s burgeoning disco scene. This newfound popularity ignited a firestorm of interest, propelling “Rock the Boat” to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in a meteoric rise. Its success extended beyond the United States, with the song also achieving top ten status in the United Kingdom.
This unexpected triumph solidified “Rock the Boat’s” place in music history as one of the earliest and most influential disco anthems. While the exact title of the first disco number one remains a subject of debate, with contenders like Love Unlimited Orchestra’s “Love’s Theme” and MFSB’s “TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia),” there’s no denying the groundbreaking impact of “Rock the Boat” on the genre.
Beyond its chart-topping success, the song continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless appeal of its infectious groove and relatable lyrics.
Video
Lyrics
So I’d like to know where, you got the notion
Said I’d like to know where, you got the notion
(To rock the boat), don’t rock the boat baby
, don’t tip the boat over
(Rock the boat), don’t rock the boat baby
(Rock the boat)
Ever since our voyage of love began
Your touch has thrilled me like the rush of the wind
And your arms have held me safe from a rolling sea
There’s always been a quiet place to harbor you and me
Our love is like a ship on the ocean
We’ve been sailing with a cargo full of love and devotion
So I’d like to know where, you got the notion
Said I’d like to know where, you got the notion
, don’t rock the boat baby
(Rock the boat), don’t tip the boat over
(Rock the boat), don’t rock the boat baby
(Rock the boat)
Up to now we sailed through every storm
And I’ve always had your tender lips to keep me warm
Oh, I need to have the strength that flows from you
Don’t let me drift away my dear, when love can see me through
(Our love is like a ship on the ocean)
We’ve been sailing with a cargo full of love and devotion
So I’d like to know where, you got the notion
Said I’d like to know where, you got the notion
So I’d like to know where, you got the notion
Said I’d like to know where, you got the notion
(To rock the boat), don’t rock the boat baby
(Rock the boat), don’t tip the boat over
(Rock the boat), don’t rock the boat, baby
(Rock the boat), don’t tip the boat over
ooh-ooh
(Rock the boat) rock on with you, baby
(Rock the boat) rock on with you, baby
(Rock the boat) rock on with you, baby
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)
(Rock the boat)