Mary Sandeman (born November 20, 1954), is a Scottish singer better known b… Read Full Bio ↴Mary Sandeman (born November 20, 1954), is a Scottish singer better known by the name Aneka. She had an international #1 with the 1981 single "Japanese Boy". Aneka's only studio album, Aneka, failed to chart in the US; with decreasing chart placements for her follow-up singles, the last of which was released in 1984, she was forever labeled a "one-hit wonder." Aneka, whose name was chosen at random from a phone directory, is also remembered for her distinct usage of Japanese clothing.

Sandeman has since disowned her '80s act and returned to her musical beginnings in her native Scotland as a folk singer, performing and recording interpretations of Scottish folk songs with the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra. Aneka's career enjoyed a modest resuscitation as a result of "Japanese Boy" being featured on the soundtrack of the 2002 video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.

Ooh Shooby Doo Doo Lang
Aneka Lyrics

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My name is Sue and I'm a singer
I'm working nearly all the time - on the radio
And all the big rock shows and almost ev'ry record you can buy.
I know my name don't get a mention
That's 'cos someone else is singing you the song
But it's me that gets the part that goes right to your heart
Yes
I'm the one that keeps it rolling on.

When I go - ooh shooby doo doo lang
Ooh shooby doo doo lang - ooh shooby doo doo lang
That's all I ever do - oh
oh
oh
oh
oh.
I joined a band from New York City and at that time I'd never sang before
Didn't have much style
couldn't even smile
When I shooby doo'd they hit the floor.
Some cats say they like to hear the bassman
Others like it sweet and so refined
When you hear my song
you'll want to sing along
Soon you just won't get it off your mind.
When I go - ooh shooby doo doo lang
. . .
I've even worked with Stevie Wonder (Happy birthday)
Paul McCartney calls me all the time (Yeah
yeah
yeah
yeah
And I'm sure you must remember and the time when I sang
Ooh shooby doo doo lang
. . .
Ooh shooby doo doo lang
ooh shooby doo doo lang
That's all I ever do - oh
oh
oh
oh
oh.

Ooh shooby doo doo lang
. . .

Overall Meaning

The song "Ooh Shooby Doo Doo Lang" by Aneka is a tribute to the powerful and often unsung backing vocalists who support lead singers and make the songs come alive. Sue, the singer in the song, explains how she is always working hard, but her name doesn't get mentioned because she is not the lead singer. However, she is the one who adds the harmonies, the catchy hooks, and the "ooh shooby doo doo lang" that make the song unforgettable. Even when she is not in the spotlight, she is the one who keeps the music rolling on.

Sue shares her journey of how she ended up in the music industry, joining a band from New York City, despite never having sung before. But with her unique style, her cat-like shooby doo's, she soon became an integral part of the band. She explains how different people have their musical preferences, but once they hear her song, they are drawn in and eventually start singing along. Sue acknowledges some of the famous musicians she has worked with, like Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney, but it's clear that her passion lies in singing "ooh shooby doo doo lang" and making the music lively and memorable.

Overall, the song celebrates the hardworking backing vocalists who make a song complete and highlights the importance of their role in the music industry.

Line by Line Meaning

My name is Sue and I'm a singer
I am a professional singer named Sue.

I'm working nearly all the time - on the radio
I work frequently as a radio singer.

And all the big rock shows and almost ev'ry record you can buy.
I perform at most major rock concerts and have sung on many popular records.

I know my name don't get a mention That's 'cos someone else is singing you the song But it's me that gets the part that goes right to your heart Yes I'm the one that keeps it rolling on.
Although I am rarely credited by name, I am the one who sings the part of the song that people love and I keep the music going.

When I go - ooh shooby doo doo lang Ooh shooby doo doo lang - ooh shooby doo doo lang That's all I ever do - oh oh oh oh oh.
I repeat the phrase 'ooh shooby doo doo lang' several times in a row, which is my signature style.

I joined a band from New York City and at that time I'd never sang before Didn't have much style couldn't even smile When I shooby doo'd they hit the floor.
When I first joined a band from New York City, I didn't have the confidence or style to perform, but people still loved my signature 'shooby doo' sound.

Some cats say they like to hear the bassman Others like it sweet and so refined When you hear my song you'll want to sing along Soon you just won't get it off your mind.
Different people may prefer certain styles of music, but my song is one that is catchy and easy to sing along to and will stay in your head.

I've even worked with Stevie Wonder (Happy birthday) Paul McCartney calls me all the time (Yeah yeah yeah yeah And I'm sure you must remember and the time when I sang Ooh shooby doo doo lang
I have worked with music legends such as Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney, and I hope you remember the time when I performed my signature 'shooby doo' sound.

Ooh shooby doo doo lang ooh shooby doo doo lang That's all I ever do - oh oh oh oh oh.
Again, I repeat my signature 'shooby doo' sound multiple times in a row.

Contributed by David H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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