Cobb (along with bandmates Robert Nix and Dean Daughtry) later became part of the Atlanta Rhythm Section and re-recorded "Spooky" in 1979. ARS's version hit #48 in the UK and #17 in the US.[4]
"Spooky" has also been covered by a number of artists including Dusty Springfield, The Fame Gang, Michel Pagliaro (recorded song in French), Velvet Monkeys, Daniel Ash, R.E.M., Imogen Heap and David Sanborn.
Spooky
Atlanta Rhythm Section Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I call you up and ask you if you'd like to go with me and see a movie
First you say "no", you've got some plans for the night
And then you stop, and say, "all right"
Love is kinda crazy with a spooky little girl like you
You always keep me guessin', I never seem to know what you are thinkin'
And if some fellow looks at you, it's for sure your little eye will be a-winkin'
And then you smile, and hold my hand
Love is kinda crazy with a spooky little girl like you
Spooky spooky yeah, yeah
If you decide someday to stop this little game that you are playin'
I'm gonna tell you all that my heart's been a-dyin' to be sayin'
Just like a ghost, you've been a-hauntin' my dreams
So I'll propose on Halloween
Baby, love is kinda crazy with a spooky little girl like you
Spooky, yeah, yeah
The lyrics of "Spooky" by Atlanta Rhythm Section tell the story of a man who is trying to navigate the unpredictability of his relationship with a "spooky little girl". The cool of the evening sets the scene for a night out at the movies, but the man is never quite sure where he stands with the girl. He asks her out, and she initially declines, but then changes her mind. This back-and-forth dynamic is a recurring theme in the song, as the man is always guessing and never quite able to read the girl's thoughts. The chorus reinforces this idea, with the repeated refrain of "Love is kinda crazy with a spooky little girl like you".
The girl is described as spooky, with her eyes constantly winking and her presence haunting the man's dreams like a ghost. Despite her mysterious and somewhat ominous nature, the man is clearly drawn to her and willing to put up with her unpredictability. The song ends with the man proposing to the girl on Halloween, emphasizing their uniquely spooky connection.
Overall, "Spooky" is a catchy and fun song that captures the thrill and confusion of a relationship with someone who is both alluring and enigmatic.
Line by Line Meaning
In the cool of the evenin' when ev'rything is gettin' kind of groovy
During a relaxed and calming evening, when everything is going well
I call you up and ask you if you'd like to go with me and see a movie
I invite you to go out to a movie with me
First you say "no", you've got some plans for the night
You decline my invitation initially, stating that you have other plans for the night
And then you stop, and say, "all right"
Later, you reconsider and accept my invitation
Love is kinda crazy with a spooky little girl like you
Being in love with someone like you, who is mysterious and unpredictable, makes me feel crazy.
You always keep me guessin', I never seem to know what you are thinkin'
You are always unpredictable, and I can never anticipate what you are thinking or feeling.
And if some fellow looks at you, it's for sure your little eye will be a-winkin'
If another guy looks at you, you respond with a playful wink.
I get confused, 'cause I don't know where I stand
I often feel uncertain and confused about the status of our relationship.
And then you smile, and hold my hand
You reassure me with a sweet smile and by holding my hand.
If you decide someday to stop this little game that you are playin'
If you choose to end this flirtatious and mysterious behavior
I'm gonna tell you all that my heart's been a-dyin' to be sayin'
I will finally tell you the feelings about you that I have been keeping hidden and holding back for so long.
Just like a ghost, you've been a-hauntin' my dreams
You have always been on my mind, even when I'm asleep or when I'm not with you.
So I'll propose on Halloween
I will take the opportunity of Halloween to finally reveal my feelings and ask you to be my partner.
Baby, love is kinda crazy with a spooky little girl like you
My feelings and emotions about you are complex and unpredictable, but I cannot resist you or my desire for you
Spooky, yeah, yeah
Your mysteriousness and unpredictability fascinate me, even though it can be unnerving at times
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Buddy Buie, Harry Middlebrooks, James B. Cobb Jr., Mike Shapiro
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Becky Nance
I was SOOOOO LUCKY to have been GROOVING when this kind of MAGICAL music was what MATTERED😊
Jaime Negron
🎉me too 😊
Enrique Pina
Yes , Becky , I'm 70 still Rock n Roll!!!!!! Great Song!!!! Great Era!!!!!!! Keep Rocking!!!!
Joel Bennett
Rest In Peace, Barry Bailey. One of the world’s most under rated and unappreciated rock guitarists. Always one of my favorites. The solos and rhythm in this version of “Spooky” showcase his fantastic talent. Thank you my brother for a lifetime of inspiration.
Ronnie Hammond, brother Steve
One of the greatest guitarists of all time. Will be missed greatly! ❤️
Leon Naveaux
Yeah Man. Great picker . These guys were amazing musicians. Peace Out Barry B. ✌
Sandra Gonzalez
WOW COULD NOT HAVE SAID IT ANY BETTER
Sandra Gonzalez
Yeah honey the good old days .I love and hate getting ade
nd being ol
Richard Christie
A lot of music from a handful of notes, these solos included tasteful slurs and phrasing, subtle pitch bending, double stops and great placement of pinch harmonics.
Barry's solos here always stood stood out as mini masterpieces of the well constructed rock guitar solo, in same manner as Duane Allman's blues solo on Stormy Monday stood out (Fillmore East).
Carol Colose
Spooky is an amazing classic. All the instruments and vocals in this arrangement are awesome