Sister Kate
Ann-Margret & Al Hirt Lyrics


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I went to a dance with my sister Kate
Everybody there thought she danced so great
I realized a thing or two
When I got wise to something new

When I looked at Kate, she was in a trance
And then I knew it was in her dance
All the boys are going wild
Over sister Katie's style

Oh, I wish I could I shimmy like my sister Kate
She shimmies like a jelly on a plate
My mama wanted to know last night
What makes the boys think Kate's so nice

Now all the boys in the neighborhood
They know that she can shimmy and it's understood
I know that I'm late, but I'll be up-to-date
When I shimmy like my sister Kate
I mean, when I shimmy like my sister Kate

Now I can shimmy like my sister Kate
I know that I'm real late
I think I'll do a real shimmy dance




Dancing like my sister Kate
Sweet papa, just like my sister Kate

Overall Meaning

The song "Sister Kate" by Ann-Margret is about the singer's admiration for her sister Kate's dance skills. At the beginning of the song, the singer describes going to a dance with her sister and realizing that Kate had a unique ability to capture the attention of everyone in the room when she danced. "All the boys are going wild over sister Katie's style," the singer notes, expressing envy at her sister's natural talent. As the song progresses, the singer admits that she, too, wishes she could "shimmy" like Kate and starts to emulate her sister's style.


The song is a tribute to the power of dance and the impact that it can have on people. The singer is drawn to her sister's dancing because it brings joy and excitement to others, and she wants to experience that feeling for herself. The lyrics also suggest a sense of sisterly admiration and competition, as the singer strives to match her sister's skills and gain attention for herself. Ultimately, though, the song celebrates the joy and fun of dancing, and the way that it can bring people together.


Line by Line Meaning

I went to a dance with my sister Kate
I attended a dance with my sister Kate.


Everybody there thought she danced so great
Everyone present admired Kate's dancing skills.


I realized a thing or two
I learned a few valuable lessons.


When I got wise to something new
When I gained a new perspective on something.


When I looked at Kate, she was in a trance
I observed Kate being deeply immersed in her dance.


And then I knew it was in her dance
I realized that the essence of Kate's appeal was rooted in her dancing.


All the boys are going wild
All the boys are getting excited.


Over sister Katie's style
Because of the way Kate dances.


Oh, I wish I could I shimmy like my sister Kate
I desire to dance like Kate does, in particular, to shimmy like her.


She shimmies like a jelly on a plate
She shimmies so effortlessly and gracefully, swaying like a jelly on a plate.


My mama wanted to know last night
My mother was curious the previous night.


What makes the boys think Kate's so nice
What is it that the boys find so attractive and alluring about Kate?


Now all the boys in the neighborhood
All the boys in the area.


They know that she can shimmy and it's understood
They know that Kate is an excellent shimmy-er, and this is evident to them.


I know that I'm late, but I'll be up-to-date
I am aware that I am behind, but better late than never.


When I shimmy like my sister Kate
When I imitate Kate's famous shimmy.


I mean, when I shimmy like my sister Kate
What I'm trying to say is that I want to dance like Kate does, particularly her shimmy.


Now I can shimmy like my sister Kate
I've gotten better at shimmying like Kate now.


I know that I'm real late
I acknowledge that I'm behind the curve.


I think I'll do a real shimmy dance
I'm planning to do an authentic shimmy dance.


Dancing like my sister Kate
I will dance just like my sister Kate did.


Sweet papa, just like my sister Kate
I'm excited to dance just like Kate and hoping to impress.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ARMAND PIRON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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