About The Song
“Purple People Eater” is a novelty song performed by Sheb Wooley. Released in 1958, it’s known for its catchy melody and humorous lyrics. Let’s explore the details of this iconic track.
Background:
- Artist: “Purple People Eater” was recorded by Sheb Wooley, an American actor and singer known for his roles in Western films and his novelty songs.
- Release Date: The song was released in 1958 as a single and later included on Wooley’s album “The Purple People Eater.”
- Composer: It was written by Sheb Wooley himself.
Musical Style:
- Genre: The song falls into the novelty and rock and roll genres, characterized by its upbeat tempo and playful lyrics.
- Instrumentation: It features a lively musical arrangement, including electric guitars, drums, and saxophones, creating a fun and energetic sound.
- Vocals: Sheb Wooley delivers a spirited vocal performance, adopting a comical voice for the titular “purple people eater” character.
Lyrics:
- Theme: “Purple People Eater” is a humorous song about a strange creature from outer space who comes to Earth to join a rock and roll band.
- Narrative: The lyrics describe the quirky appearance and antics of the purple people eater, as well as the reactions of the humans who encounter it.
- Humor: The song is filled with playful and absurd imagery, including references to the creature’s one-eyed, one-horned appearance and its love for rock and roll music.
Cultural Impact:
- Chart Success: “Purple People Eater” was a commercial success, topping the charts in the United States and becoming one of Sheb Wooley’s most famous songs.
- Legacy: It’s considered one of the classic novelty songs of the 1950s and has been covered by various artists over the years.
- Impact: “Purple People Eater” remains a beloved favorite among fans of novelty and rock and roll music, with its catchy melody and humorous lyrics continuing to entertain listeners of all ages.
Conclusion:
“Purple People Eater” stands as a timeless classic of novelty music, showcasing Sheb Wooley’s talent for creating catchy and humorous songs. With its lively musical arrangement, playful lyrics, and spirited vocals, the song continues to bring joy and laughter to audiences, reminding us of the whimsical and irreverent spirit of 1950s popular culture. As a cultural landmark of the era, it remains a cherished favorite among fans of Sheb Wooley and novelty music, serving as a delightful reminder of the power of music to entertain and uplift the human spirit.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
A comin’ out of the sky
It had a one long horn
And a one big eye
I commenced to shakin’
And I said “oohwee
It looks like a purple
People eater to me”It was a one-eyed, one-horned
Flyin’ purple people eater
One-eyed, one-horned
Flyin’ purple people eater
One-eyed, one-horned
Flyin’ purple people eater
Sure looked strange to meWell, he came down to earth
And he lit in a tree
I said a, “mister purple people eater
Don’t eat me”
I heard him say
In a voice so gruff
“I wouldn’t eat you
Cause you’re so tough”It was a one-eyed, one-horned
Flyin’ purple people eater
One-eyed, one-horned
Flyin’ purple people eater
One-eyed, one-horned
Flyin’ purple people eater
Sure looked strange to meI said a, “mister purple people eater
What’s your line?”
He said
Eatin’ purple people
And it sure is fine
But that’s not the reason
That I came to land
I wanna get a job
In a rock ‘n roll band
Well, bless my soul, rock ‘n roll
Flyin’ purple people eater
Pigeon-toed, under-growed
Flyin’ purple people eater
One-eyed, one-horned
Flyin’ purple people eater
What a sight to see
And then he swung from the tree
And he lit on the ground
And he started to rock
A-really rockin’ around
It was a crazy ditty
With a swingin’ tune, I’m singin’
Bop bapa loop a lap
A loom bam boom
It was a one-eyed, one-horned
Flyin’ purple people eater
One-eyed, one-horned
Flyin’ purple people eater
One-eyed, one-horned
Flyin’ purple people eater
What a sight to see
Well, he went on his way
And then what-a you know
I saw him last night
On a TV show
He was blowin’ it out
Really knockin’ ’em dead
A playin’ rock ‘n roll music
Through the horn on his head
It was a one-eyed, one-horned
Flyin’ purple people eater
One-eyed, one-horned
Flyin’ purple people eater
One-eyed, one-horned
Flyin’ purple people eater
Sure looked strange to me