The Meaning Behind The Song: Clapping Song by Shirley Ellis - Beat Crave (2024)

The Meaning Behind The Song: Clapping Song by Shirley Ellis

Shirley Ellis was an American soul music singer and songwriter in the 1960s. The Clapping Song was one of her biggest hits. The song was released in 1965 and was written by Lincoln Chase. It is a popular playground game that makes use of handclapping and a rhyming song, often played by children. The song was also used in television shows and movies such as The Cosby Show, The Wayans Bros, and Disney’s Herbie Fully Loaded.

Table of Contents

The Lyrics and Message of the Song

The Clapping Song has a catchy tune and simple lyrics that are easy to remember. The song starts with the lyrics, “Three-six-nine, the goose drank wine, The monkey chewed tobacco on the streetcar line”, which is repeated several times throughout the song. The song’s message is simple – it’s a fun song to sing and dance to.

The Cultural Significance of the Song

The Clapping Song has cultural significance and has been passed down from generation to generation. It is a traditional game that is still played in playgrounds across the world. The song contains rhyming lyrics that help children develop language skills and strengthen their memory. Additionally, the handclapping in the song helps improve motor skills and coordination.

The Evolution of Hand-Clapping Games

Handclapping games have been around for centuries. They have evolved from simple repetitive patterns to complex routines that require specific hand movements. Hand-clapping games have been played in schools, playgrounds, and at home, becoming a cultural tradition passed down through generations. In the 1960s, with the emergence of soul music, handclapping games became more popular and were incorporated into songs like The Clapping Song.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1. What is the cultural significance of The Clapping Song?

The Clapping Song is a traditional track that has been passed down from generation to generation. It is a popular hand-clapping game that’s played in playgrounds across the world, strengthening children’s memory and motor skills.

Q2. What is the message behind the lyrics of The Clapping Song?

The lyrics of The Clapping Song are simple and straightforward. It’s a fun song that encourages singing and dancing without any deeper meaning.

Q3. Who wrote The Clapping Song?

The Clapping Song was written by Lincoln Chase and released by Shirley Ellis in 1965.

Q4. What makes The Clapping Song unique?

The Clapping Song is unique because it incorporates handclapping and singing, making it a fun and entertaining song that’s easy to learn and participate in.

Q5. What inspired Shirley Ellis to sing The Clapping Song?

Shirley Ellis was inspired to sing The Clapping Song because of the song’s unique and catchy tune, which she believed would appeal to a wide audience.

Q6. Are there any other songs similar to The Clapping Song?

There are many other songs that incorporate handclapping, such as Miss Mary Mack, Double Dutch Bus, and Down by the Bay.

Q7. What is the history of handclapping games?

Handclapping games have been around for centuries and have evolved from simple repetitive patterns to complex routines. The games have been played in schools, playgrounds, and at home, becoming a cultural tradition passed down through generations.

Q8. Did The Clapping Song influence other songs in the 1960s?

The Clapping Song was a popular hit in the 1960s and played a significant role in the emergence of soul music.

Q9. Can The Clapping Song be used as an educational tool?

Yes, The Clapping Song can be used as an educational tool to improve memory, motor skills, and coordination.

Q10. Has The Clapping Song been covered by any other musicians?

The Clapping Song has been covered by several other musicians, including Belle Perez, Queen Latifah, and The Belle Stars.

Q11. What is the meaning behind the lyrics “Three-six-nine, the goose drank wine, The monkey chewed tobacco on the streetcar line”?

The lyrics rhyme and don’t have a deeper meaning. They are just a fun and catchy tune to sing and dance to.

Q12. What is the significance of incorporating hand-clapping in songs?

Incorporating handclapping in songs makes them more interactive and entertaining. The rhythm and beat created by the handclapping add to the overall effect of the song and make it more fun and engaging for listeners.

The Meaning Behind The Song: Clapping Song by Shirley Ellis - Beat Crave (2024)

FAQs

When did the clapping song by Shirley Ellis come out? ›

"The Clapping Song" is an American song, written by Lincoln Chase, originally arranged by Charles Calello and recorded by Shirley Ellis in 1965.

What message does the song one day want to express? ›

The song expresses a hope for an end to violence, and a prayer for a new era of peace and understanding.

What song samples the clapping song? ›

Sampled in 17 songs
Get LowLil Jon and The East Side Boyz feat. Ying Yang Twins2002
369Cupid feat. B.o.B2007
Red Red Wine (Extended Version)UB401983

What movie is the clapping song in Netflix? ›

Shirley Ellis, “The Clapping Song"

Aside from the powerhouse, “Feels Like Home,” this might be the second most important song in the movie. All Together Now actually starts with Amber teaching her ESL class this song as they all sing and dance along to it.

Who wrote the sound of one hand clapping? ›

The Sound of One Hand Clapping is a 1997 novel by Australian author Richard Flanagan. The title is adapted from the famous Zen kōan of Hakuin Ekaku. The Sound of One Hand Clapping was Flanagan's second novel.

What year did applause start? ›

Taking it way back to 6th century BC, lawmaker Kleisthénes of Athens made it so that audiences would have to clap in approval of their leader, since there were too many people to meet individually. Through this came the “applause”, the unified voices of all these people in the form of clapping together in admiration.

What song uses the beat from the message? ›

The rhythm track has been sampled in various hip hop songs, including Sinbad's 1990 comedy song "Brain Damaged", the remix for the 1993 song "Check Yo Self" by Ice Cube, the 1997 song "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down" by Puff Daddy, the 2011 song "Teen Pregnancy" by Blank Banshee, and the 2022 song "Players" by Coi Leray.

What is the message of song of the song? ›

The book offers a helpful message for all kinds of desires, sexual and others. The focus on sexual desire might function as a metaphor for all women and men who yearn and crave to usher in a new world, a world of equality, peace, and justice.

Why was the song the message so important? ›

But most influential of all is the song's searing, personal social commentary, which expanded the frontiers of hip-hop and paved the way for acts as diverse as Public Enemy, Boogie-Down Productions, NWA, Kendrick Lamar, Lauryn Hill, The Coup, and Janelle Monae.

What does clapping express? ›

Clapping and Applauding Are Two Separate Things

Clapping can capture attention, convey specific messages like "hurry up," or contribute to maintaining a rhythm. On the other hand, applause is when the claps carry specific meanings, just as certain stylized hand movements do, such as the "thumbs up" or "okay" signs.

What is sound clapping? ›

A clap is the percussive sound made by striking together two flat surfaces, as in the body parts of humans or animals.

What scary movie claps? ›

If you saw the horror movie "The Conjuring" you probably remember the hide and clap game the family plays in their new home. The game combines the ideas of Hide and Go Seek and Marco Polo.

When did the book clap when you land come out? ›

Clap When You Land, written by Elizabeth Acevedo, is a young adult novel published by HarperTeen on May 5, 2020.

What year did clap on come out? ›

The Clapper is a sound-activated electrical switch, sold since 1984 by San Francisco, California based Joseph Enterprises, Inc. Joseph Pedott marketed the clapper with the slogan "Clap On! Clap Off! The Clapper!".

Who wrote clapping music for 2 musicians in 1972? ›

Clapping Music is a minimalist piece written by Steve Reich in 1972. It is written for two performers and is performed entirely by clapping.

When did the song lullaby come out? ›

"Lullaby" is a song by English rock band the Cure from their eighth studio album, Disintegration (1989). Released as a single on 10 April 1989, the song is the band's highest-charting single in their home country, reaching number five on the UK Singles Chart.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Francesca Jacobs Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 5361

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (68 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Francesca Jacobs Ret

Birthday: 1996-12-09

Address: Apt. 141 1406 Mitch Summit, New Teganshire, UT 82655-0699

Phone: +2296092334654

Job: Technology Architect

Hobby: Snowboarding, Scouting, Foreign language learning, Dowsing, Baton twirling, Sculpting, Cabaret

Introduction: My name is Francesca Jacobs Ret, I am a innocent, super, beautiful, charming, lucky, gentle, clever person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.