He was born in Spring Gulley, SC, USA, and raised in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and attended South Philadelphia High School with Frankie Avalon and Fabian. The wife of American Bandstand's host Dick Clark suggested the name "Chubby Checker" to Evans as a take-off on then-popular singer Fats Domino. In 1964, he married Catharina Lodders, a Dutch girl who had been Miss World in 1962.
His material during his 1960s heyday was recorded for Cameo-Parkway Records and along with the label's other material, became unavailable after the early 1970s because of the company's internal legal disputes. For decades, almost all compilations of Checker's hits consisted of re-recordings.
Hooka Tooka
Chubby Checker Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Does your momma chaw tobacca
If ya momma chaw tobacca,say
Hooka Tooka my soda cracker
Hooka Tooka my soda cracker
Does your momma chaw tobacca
If ya momma chaw tobacca,say
Who your love, Who your love I say
You know I love my mother-in-law
If your love momma like you say
Why can't momma chaw
Everybody yup
Hooka Tooka my soda cracker
Does your momma chaw tobacca
If ya momma chaw tobacca,say
Hooka Tooka my soda cracker
Momma loves momma loves you all
And you know I'm her son-in-law
If you love me like you say you do
Chaw tobacca too
Hey are
Hooka Tooka my soda cracker
Does your momma chaw tobacca
If ya momma chaw tobacca,say
Hooka Tooka my soda cracker
Hooka Tooka my soda cracker
Hooka Tooka my soda cracker
The lyrics to "Hooka Tooka" by Chubby Checker are playful and nonsensical, with a call-and-response structure that invites listeners to join in. The first verse asks if the listener's mother chews tobacco, and if she does, to reply with "Hooka Tooka my soda cracker." This phrase is repeated throughout the song, acting as a sort of nonsensical refrain.
The second verse introduces a new element, with Checker asking about who the listener loves. He then says that he loves his mother-in-law and questions why she can't chew tobacco if she loves it. The final verse repeats the call-and-response structure of the first, with Checker asking if the listener's mother chews tobacco and requesting the reply of "Hooka Tooka my soda cracker."
The song's lyrics may not have a clear meaning, but they create a lively and fun atmosphere that is in keeping with Checker's reputation as a dance craze creator. The call-and-response structure encourages audience participation, adding to the song's appeal as a party anthem.
Line by Line Meaning
Hooka Tooka my soda cracker
Hey there, I am greeting you with enthusiasm and excitement!
Does your momma chaw tobacca
I am curious to know if your mother likes to chew tobacco.
If ya momma chaw tobacca,say
If your mother actually chews tobacco, tell me now!
Who your love, Who your love I say
I want to know who you love and care about.
You know I love my mother-in-law
I have a great love and appreciation for my mother-in-law.
If your love momma like you say
If you truly love your mother like you attest to.
Why can't momma chaw
Why can't your mother also enjoy chewing tobacco?
Everybody yup
Everyone is in agreement and enthusiastic!
Momma loves momma loves you all
My dear mother-in-law loves and cares about everyone.
And you know I'm her son-in-law
I am proud to be her son-in-law and a part of her family.
If you love me like you say you do
If you truly love me like you say you do.
Chaw tobacca too
You should also try chewing tobacco like my mother-in-law!
Hey are
Come on now, let's get excited!
Hooka Tooka my soda cracker
Let's keep the enthusiasm going!
If ya momma chaw tobacca,say
Don't forget to tell me if your mother chews tobacco!
Hooka Tooka my soda cracker
Once again, let's keep the excitement going!
Hooka Tooka my soda cracker
I want to keep the positive vibes going and keep having a good time!
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Spirit Music Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ERNEST EVANS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@hannabaal150
Chubby Checker had great lyrical hooks in his songs. Hooka Tooka is one I have found myself singing for the last, oh I suppose, 65 years now.
I saw him several times on American Bandstand, back when Dick Clark was actually young.
@TisEyerish1
I just love this song. I always have. If it came on my portable radio while I was walking down the street, before I knew it, I was dancing down the street without even realizing it. It's fun. It's just fun. Chubby Checker was one of a kind.
@user-hz7ow7ri5e
Awesome song love it❤❤❤❤❤
@paultyrkalo
Chu h Berry , Made .millions on this alone.
@hariroanepia7397
Chubby reach his music nation wide for the love of the way he made his music .
Your legend will always be a beautiful picture in my heart just like Percy sledge.
Mean music mean ..
@robertbrooks7001
Sharonda!
@marlenesullivan3113
Beautiful VOICE Beautiful MUSIC 🕺❤
@ericahorton3394
Love this song xx
@onlyceltic1
The Bay Area, just graduating from highschool - we're dancing to Dance Party - swing - great song for that! The era itself - thanks for the memory
@lenascamp9347
gina rye favourite song 😉😉😉😉😉