Known in Northern soul circles as "The Human Percolator," blue-eyed soul sh… Read Full Bio ↴Known in Northern soul circles as "The Human Percolator," blue-eyed soul shouter Billy Harner was born and raised in Philadelphia, first emerging in 1964 with backing band the Expressions on the Lawn release "Anymore." His supporting unit proved short-lived, as the label of his follow-up, "Coney Island Wild Child," credited Harner alone, and in 1965 he signed to Cameo/Parkway to release "All Through the Night." After the release of 1966's "Let's Get in Line," Harner moved to the Kama Sutra imprint, where he recorded a series of cult-classic singles including "Homicide Dresser," "What About the Music," and the Northern soul favorite "Sally's Sayin' Somethin'," a minor hit that charted in Philadelphia, New York, and Los Angeles in the summer of 1967 but failed to gain national momentum. In late 1968, Harner signed to the local independent label Open/OR, where his debut release, the luminous ballad "A Message to My Baby," was licensed for wider distribution on Atlantic. Another Northern classic, the scorching Gamble-Huff track "I Struck It Rich" preceded the 1969 release of Harner's sole LP, She's Almost You. The album met the same discouraging fate as his previous releases, and after one final effort for the obscure 66 + 6 label, the Chris Kenner cover "Something You Got," the singer quit his music career to open his own barbershop in Camden, NJ. In the 1990s, Harner resurfaced on the East Coast oldies circuit. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide

Sally Sayin' Somthin'
Billy Harner Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Girl, you know what you're doing to me is wrong
You been looking so fine girl
You messed my mind for too long
I got to tell you
I I said I love you and I know the reason the why girl
Sally saying something
Girl, you got my heart a-thump thump thumping
Sally saying something baby

I want to wrap up and take you home girl
Where you belong
From front down to the back
Sally it's a natural fact that you're looking fine
You know I found the notion
That you're soulful locomotion blows my mind
I guess you know
I I said I can't help myself
Really? that no lie
Sally saying something
Got my heart a-thump thump thumping
Sally saying something baby
Going to wrap up and take you home girl
Where you belong

Got to tell you
I I said I can't help myself
Really? that no lie
Go to tell you
Sally saying something
Got my heart a-thump thump thumping
Sally saying something baby

Got my heart a-thump thump thumping
Sally saying something

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Billy Harner’s “Sally Sayin’ Somthin’” express the singer’s intense attraction towards a girl who has captivated his mind and heart. He acknowledges that this feeling is wrong because it seems to have taken over his thoughts for too long. Though he confesses his love to her, he is convinced that the reason he feels this way is because of her irresistible charm and beauty. This is confirmed by the repeated phrase “Sally saying something,” which refers to the fact that the object of his affection seems to be communicating her feelings to him through her mere presence.

The lyrics also touch on the singer’s desire to take the girl home where she belongs. He describes her as looking “fine” and having a “soulful locomotion,” which makes him unable to resist her. The phrase “got my heart a-thump thump thumping” is repeated several times to emphasize the intense physical and emotional response he has towards her. Ultimately, the song conveys the overwhelming power of attraction and how it can take hold of a person’s thoughts and actions.

Line by Line Meaning

Girl, you know what you're doing to me is wrong
You are hurting me with your actions and it is not right.

You been looking so fine girl
You are very attractive and catch my attention.

You messed my mind for too long
You have been occupying my thoughts for a while now and it is hard for me to focus.

I got to tell you
I need to confess something to you.

I I said I love you and I know the reason the why girl
I have told you before that I love you and I know the reason why I feel this way.

Sally saying something
There is a message or feeling that Sally is trying to communicate.

Girl, you got my heart a-thump thump thumping
You make my heart beat fast with excitement and love.

Sally saying something baby
Sally is trying to express something important and I am listening.

I want to wrap up and take you home girl Where you belong
I want to be with you and take you to a place where we can be alone and happy together.

From front down to the back
You are attractive from head to toe.

Sally it's a natural fact that you're looking fine
It is a truth that Sally is very attractive.

You know I found the notion that you're soulful locomotion blows my mind
Your spirit and movement impress and excite me greatly.

I guess you know
You probably already understand what I am trying to say.

I I said I can't help myself Really? that no lie
I have said before that I cannot control my emotions for you, and it is true.

Going to wrap up and take you home girl Where you belong
I am going to make a move and take you to a place where we can be happy together.

Got to tell you
I really need to speak with you about something important.

Sally saying something
Sally still has an important message or feeling to communicate.

Got my heart a-thump thump thumping
My heart is still beating fast with excitement and love for you.

Sally saying something baby
I am listening and waiting for Sally to express her message or feelings.

Got my heart a-thump thump thumping
My heart is still beating fast with excitement and love for you.

Sally saying something
It is clear that Sally has a message or feeling to express and I am ready to listen.

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

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Comments from YouTube:

@haircut2015

29w↑3

Great AM Radio Hit...!! WIFL & WIBG Those where the days. I still go to his barber shop in Westmont NJ

@ManuelLugo-el1vj

6w↑1

Yesss billy at pinehill pavilion i was in 5th grade had the opportunity to meet him and tell him what a trill!!

@hayseaglets9966

42w↑4

The Human Perkulator started releasing records in 1964 with little success. In early June 1967 that would change for this blue-eyed soul singer as Sally Sayin' Somethin' would debut on WIBG & peak at #4 in August. A follow up single "Homicide Dresser' would reach #24 on Halloween. Neither one of these songs would chart nationally on the Hot 100. In 1968 he released the Joe South written song 'She's Almost You' which peaked at #24 on WIBG but also didn't chart nationally. Sally Sayin' Somethin' would finish the year at #53 on the Wibbage Top 99 ahead of artist like The 4 Tops, 4 Seasons, Temptations, Supremes, Herman's Hermits, Monkees, Miracles & many more. It would finish at #57 on the 1968 All Time Top 300 & is truly a Philly Classic.

@domingofigueroa992

Wibg and Wfil !

@birage9885

6y↑31

OMG I got chills listening to this, I was obsessed with this song in the 60s, Philly's finest. I hail from a town not too far away. Hylit, Jerry Blavat, Ed Hurst Steel pier, Philly soul, man those were the days!! Don't believe me, ask Daryl Hall and John Oates!

@josephbritz2362

5y↑2

YO BIRAGE !!----YES !!--Such a GOOD time to live !!

@anais43

5y↑6

Growing up in Philadelphia in the 60's..best time ever!

@georgefowler1064

5y↑1

Wagner's and Chez-Vous

@jayboucher2310

4y↑2

Dude you had a whole lot of company.

@sunset5034

3y↑3

Don't forget starlight ballroom with ron diamond in wildwood n.j. and st. alice'sdance in upper darby or the hot shop

4 More Replies...

@alanwhite9389

1y↑8

A hit only in Philadelphia where it is an absolute classic. They used to call him the poor man's Len Barry. That infuriated Len, who thought Billy was incredible. I know that because I represented Len in one way or another for over 50 years. Billy Harner and Bunny Seigler. Two monster talents. Philly had so much talent that even the guys who only made it in Philly, were often better than everybody who made it nationally. Rock guitar bands took everybody out. Like Len famously said, "This is Philly. We don't do guitar bands here. Philly is a Soul town.". He was right. Even Daryl and John had moved to New York when they had all their hits. Billy Harner. A Philadelphia classic like Jerry Blavet. Here is a link to the documentary movie I produced on Len. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GEhNEQoErw

@ebonykaleidoscope

1y↑3

A Philadelphia Hall of Fame Classic…

@johnjohnson8994

6y↑17

Billy used to be at Dick Lee's in Brooklawn, NJ a LOT! Man, did he tear that place up! I had a ball! He ROCKED Dick Lee's! The "Human Percolator".

@billgardner6796

4y↑12

Take it from a former WIBG Philadelphia DJ. Billy and this song are the best. Billy's a true gentleman who should have been a superstar. What a song. Philly got it right, the rest of America missed out!

@jayboucher2310

Good taste.

@stevations

4y↑1

This and a few other local Philly hits still bring goosebumps. Kit Kats with Lets Get Lost on a Country Road and More More of Your Love by a group from Baltimore ....Bob Brady and the Conchords were played a lot on WIBG. Bill can you post some airchecks of WIBG ? Were you there during the last week of Wibbage in September 1977 ?

@birdsfan57

@@stevations YES, YES!!

@kevinallmond7335

3y↑2

Wibbige, WFIL rocked !!!

@rockvilleraven

3y↑1

@@kevinallmond7335 They played after the Soul Survivors, when WFIL became oldies from Country in 1980 as "The Boss is Back".

1 More Replies...

@frankdineen1415

2y↑4

I played keyboard for The Lords of TONK, a popular Phillly group who played in Margate all summer, at the Beach Club, right next to Lucy the Elephant (gone now). During off times, we'd often head down to the Elbo Room on the bay, where we'd catch Billy, or maybe The Soul Survivors, doing "Expressway To Your Heart." A mere half-century-plus ago!

@lomadmt

4y↑7

Right on Billy...A real deal blue eyed soul brother and then some...so many great sounds by this guy ... but this gives me goosebumps everytime. Massive love and respect to Billy Harner

@jayboucher2310

4y↑2

Mr Harner ALWAYS delivered the goods.

@josephlocantore2038

7y↑13

THE HUMAN PURCULATOR BILLY HARNER WAS AND STILL IS FROM SOUTH JERSEY HE HAD A COUPLE #1HITS IN THE MID TO LATE 60"S. WHAT A GREAT GUY AND EVEN BETTER SINGER, VERY TALENTED NEVER FORGOT HIS ROOTS. GOD BLESS YOU PERC.

@mitchudell4779

1y↑2

MR BILLY HARDER IS A NICE FRIENDLY MAN, WHEN I FIRST MET,HE WAS LITTLE CREPY BECAUSE I NEVER KNEW THAT HE AND I WHEN TO SCHOOLMATES, BUT ANYHOW I LOVE THIS SONG VERY MUCH!
BILLY THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES

@davidgorgone8398

6y↑19

He was my barber. One of the nicest guys around and his daughter was a peach

@phantom-lo5gs

5y↑2

I had a co-worker who said the same thing I'm not sure if it was in Merchantville or Pennsauken I know it was in Jersey

@JohnnyPringles86

phantom 313 Vineland?

@awkelly

4y↑3

@@phantom-lo5gs when I went to Merchantville High, there was a barber shop down the street. Billy cut hair there

@catherinetesoro6714

@@phantom-lo5gs Westmont,Haddon Ave.

@bartflannery2814

5y↑2

Just shared this and my HS friends. They responded with great memories and comments. Billy always put on a show and is remembered as a kind gentle man. Thanks

@rickfisher1661

8y↑18

This was huge in Philly in 1967. Not sure if it was played anywhere else.

@anthonyochocki981

8y↑2

+Rick fisher Oh Yeah..Southern Junior High..Reading, Pa...'Junior Record Hop...Go Tornados....

@pattyraineyjunkins

7y↑3

Rick fisher Jerry Blavat was my favorite disk jockey.
Went to dances at a Riviera Ballroom in South Jersey not far from across Walt Whitman bridge.

@richardbloemker1495

@@pattyraineyjunkins I had a date with Jerry Blavat's niece or cousin Donna.

@markmccummins8049

He made it to the Youngstown market. I remember hearing this. I bounced to it when I was a tiny boy! Groovy!

@birdsfan57

Played in heavy rotation on WFIL...

1 More Replies...

@normancraig5334

4y↑2

OMG, I remember this song growing up in Springfield, Delco. Love this song!

@mausolos8

6y↑6

I've got this record somewhere. Now I've got to find it !

@michaelfuria4257

6y↑6

good bass line..

@rachelpaul5761

3y↑2

Car Cruises classic, and remote fave

@waynejones5181

8y↑8

Really good tune.

@sparkyk5736

2y↑2

1967

@beezwaxreggae6436

5y↑2

proper tune,,,regardless what color his eyes are x

@josephbritz2362

5y↑6

YO !! BILLY still has his barber shop ----

@richardbloemker1495

Where?

@jayboucher2310

WHERE WHERE

@birdsfan57

3y↑2

Haddon Township

@louisb5563

@@birdsfan57 Wow! My dad used to have a pizza joint there in the 80's, "Lou's Pizza House" before he sold it to new ownership who kept the name.

@birdsfan57

@@louisb5563 On Haddon Ave?

5 More Replies...

@ericsmith3968

3y↑3

My ex wife's cousin's late husband "Mark" claimed to have played keyboards on this...true...

@josephbritz2362

3y↑3

YO BILLY !!-YEAH !!--WE were (still are) FANS --Back when --Followed you all over ---I remember we got together -Down at Bob DiPersias' place --Erial (I think) ---When we pulled in your kid was on the hitchin' rail and slipped off ----YIKES --We thought he was hurt BUT----AND --Remember that Log cabin on Rt 130 W Collingswood (I think) tee hee--There was a LONG rope hanging from the ceiling --and YOU used it --(SWINGING over the dance floor ) AND --The time you played drums --(Pine Hill bar) I think ----I must be a bit senile --Can't remember much(lol) Love ya man ---JOE and LUCILLE --

@m.jeanlorsbach6464

Persian Acres! My father took me there back in the day!

@bridgettspeight5559

52w↑1

I'm in the zone

@thewillismon

8y↑6

I see the writing credits are "Sunshine-Poltergeist" Very interesting...

@waynejones5181

8y↑2

Noticed that, too!

@richardbloemker1495

5y↑1

???

@richardbloemker1495

5y↑1

@@waynejones5181 ???

@Carinisbirro

7y↑4

Remember when this record came out George from Maple Shade Jr. High used to lip sing this at the Maple Shade dances and Ed Hurst wanted him to appear on the show but although Chris Gville' encouraged him, George would not go. Think he made the song famous at S J dances.

@pattyraineyjunkins

Carinisbirro he was really good.
And it was on the local radio stations.
I went to a dance somewhere near Vineland when this was a big hit and great to dance to.
I think around 1966.

@hotsauce4495

Maple
shade hops were great so was riveiara ballroom w/ The Geator.

@anthonyochocki6535

2y↑1

It is a shame, that if Urban Mythos is correct---that Harner never listened nor took the advice of those in the Music Industry or friends who urged him to 'stretch' the Song from this loveable Bubble Gum 2-minute Wonder into a more viable play. Supposedly, is said, that he was 'always' working on such, but just never went the proper collaboration route. Such a Damn fine catchy Tune, Beat...that never really blossomed....just more a Local Hit....

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