1.) Alfred Jesse Smith (born July 26, 1941 in Shreveport, Louisiana), better known by the stage name Brenton Wood, is an American singer and songwriter, best known for his two 1967 hits: Oogum Boogum Song and Gimme Little Sign.
When he was a child his family moved west to San Pedro in Los Angeles, California. In his high school years his family relocated to nearby Compton, where Brenton became a member of the Compton High School track team and received several awards for his athletic achievements.
Following his high school graduation, Wood enrolled in Compton College. Soon after he took the stage name Brenton Wood, possibly inspired by the wealthy Los Angeles enclave of Brentwood (some sources state that the name is in honor of his "home county"). During his period there his musical interests began to manifest themselves. He was inspired by Jesse Belvin and Sam Cooke, and he began cultivating his songwriting skills, also becoming an accomplished pianist.
After signing with Double Shot Records he had a hit with "The Oogum Boogum Song" in the spring of 1967. It reached number 19 on the R&B charts and number 34 on the pop listing. His biggest hit came in September the same year. "Gimme Little Sign" hit #9 on the pop chart and also #19 on the R&B charts. In the song gimme little sign is not sung, instead the chorus repeats "give me some kind of sign".
"Gimme Little Sign" was later covered by Danielle Brisebois who had a hit with it in 1994. "Gimme Little Sign" was also recorded by Ricky Nelson.
Some of his more unknown songs are also worth listening to, such as "Me and You," "Baby You Got It," and "18 With a Bullet."
Oogum Boogum Song
Brenton Wood Lyrics
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Boogum now, baby
You're castin' your spell on me
I say, oogum oogum boogum boogum
Boogum now, baby
You're castin' you're spell on me
You got me doin' funny things like a clown
Just look at me
When you wear your high heeled boots
With your hip hugger suit
It's all right, you're outta sight
And you wear that cute mini skirt
With your brother's sloppy shirt
I admit it, girl, that I can dig it
Well, then I says
Oogum oogum boogum boogum
Boogum now, baby
You're castin' your spell on me
I say, oogum oogum boogum boogum
Boogum now, baby
You're castin' your spell on me
You got me doin' funny things like a clown
Just look at me
When you wear your bell bottom pants
I just stand there in a trance
I can't move, you're in the groove
Would you believe, little girl
That I am crazy 'bout you
Now go on now with your bad self
Ooh ooh my my my baby's got that spell on me
Ooh ooh now mercy, mercy on me
Alright
When you wear those big earrings
Long hair and things
You got style, girl, that sure is wild
And you wear that cute trench coat
And you're standin' and posin'
You got soul, you got too much soul
I just say who got the blues
Say who got the blues
Say who got the blues now
Castin' your spell on me
Well, I say who got the blues
Say who got the blues
Say who got the blues
Now castin' your spell on me
"Brenton Wood's Oogum Boogum Song" is a fun and upbeat tune that describes how the singer is mesmerized by a woman who is casting a spell on him. The repetitive "oogum boogum boogum" is used to connote the effect of the woman's charms on the singer, making him act in a comical manner. The lyrics describe how this woman's fashion sense and style is driving the singer crazy. When she wears her high heeled boots and hip hugger suit or when she wears her cute mini skirt with her brother's sloppy shirt, the singer can't help but feel drawn towards her. The woman's sense of fashion and style is so wild and captivating that it casts a spell on the singer making him powerless to resist her.
The song has an overall positive vibe that makes it a feel-good tune. It portrays how the singer is caught under the spell of this captivating woman, and he enjoys it while it lasts. The lyrics also convey how the woman's fashion sense, including bell bottom pants, trench coats, big earrings, and long hair, add an extra layer of charm that makes the singer fall even harder under her spell.
Line by Line Meaning
Oogum oogum boogum boogum
Boogum now, baby
You're castin' your spell on me
I say, oogum oogum boogum boogum
Boogum now, baby
You're castin' you're spell on me
You got me doin' funny things like a clown
Just look at me
I'm so entranced by you and the way you look at me. Every time you're around, I feel like I'm under a spell. You're making me act silly like a clown, but I can't help it.
When you wear your high heeled boots
With your hip hugger suit
It's all right, you're outta sight
And you wear that cute mini skirt
With your brother's sloppy shirt
I admit it, girl, that I can dig it
Well, then I says
I can't resist the way you dress. Those boots and that suit with the mini skirt and shirt mixed in...you've got a unique style that I really appreciate. I can't help but tell you how I feel.
When you wear your bell bottom pants
I just stand there in a trance
I can't move, you're in the groove
Would you believe, little girl
That I am crazy 'bout you
Now go on now with your bad self
Those bell bottom pants look amazing on you. I get so captivated by your movement and groove that I can't even move myself. I hope you know how much I like you and how much you're driving me wild.
Ooh ooh my my my baby's got that spell on me
Ooh ooh now mercy, mercy on me
Alright
You've got me so hypnotized that I can't even think straight. I need some mercy because you have me so wrapped up in your spell.
When you wear those big earrings
Long hair and things
You got style, girl, that sure is wild
And you wear that cute trench coat
And you're standin' and posin'
You got soul, you got too much soul
You have so much style that it's impossible for me not to be impressed. From your big earrings to your unique trench coat, you're always looking good. Plus, your soul is almost too much to handle.
I just say who got the blues
Say who got the blues
Say who got the blues now
Castin' your spell on me
Well, I say who got the blues
Say who got the blues
Say who got the blues
Now castin' your spell on me
I'm so caught up in your spell that I don't know what to do. I'm feeling a little blue because I'm so in love with you, and it seems like you have the same effect on everyone. Who else is caught up in your spell?
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Alfred J. Smith
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind