Summers graduated from Duncanville High School in 1957 and attended Arlington State College, now known as the University of Texas at Arlington. That same year, he formed the rockabilly band The Rebels and performed on Joe Bill's Country Picnic on KRLD, where they were spotted by songwriter Jed Tarver. This led to the band being signed by newly-found Jan Records. Their first record was released on February 1, 1958, under the name of Gene Summers & His Rebels.
Partial Discography
Rock 'n Roll Volume 2. 1973, Holland
The Southern Cat Rocks On 1975, Switzerland
Mister Rock and Roll 1977, Switzerland
Rock a Boogie Shake 1980, Sweden
Early Rocking Recordings 1981, Holland
Texas Rock and Roll 1981, France
Gene Summers In Nashville 1981, France
Dance Dance Dance 1981, UK
Rock 'n Roll Tour - "Live" In Scandinavia 1983, Sweden
School Of Rock 'n Roll (album) 1993, Holland
Sounds Like Elvis CD 1996 (compilation), USA
The Ultimate School of Rock & Roll 1997, USA
Rockaboogie Shake 1999, UK
Do Right Daddy 2004, Sweden
Reminisce Cafe 2008, USA
Taboo! 2011, USA
Gotta Lotta That: The Essential Gene Summers 2012, USA
Straight Skirt
Gene Summers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Straight skirt oooee, oooee, oooee
Straight skirt oooee, oooee, oooee
Well, that's what my baby wears
She wears a tight skirt oooee, oooee, oooee
Tight skirt oooee, oooee, oooee
Tight skirt oooee, oooee, oooee
CHORUS:
She's got the cutest figure
I ever did see
And when my baby walks by
Oooh, what she does to me
She wears a tight skirt oooee, oooee, oooee
Straight skirt oooee, oooee, oooee
Tight skirt oooee, oooee, oooee
Yeah, that's what my baby wears... ROCK!
Gene Summers's song, "Straight Skirt," is a rockabilly tune that is a celebration of a woman's figure and specifically the choice of attire that accentuates it. The lyrics describe the tightness of her clothes, particularly her skirt, which enhances her physical appearance. The repetition of the words "tight" and "straight" emphasizes the point that this is a key feature that draws the attention of the singer. The chorus underscores the central theme of the song, reiterating how the woman's figure is captivating to the point that it excites the singer. The use of sound effects such as "oooee" adds vocal flair to the song, creating a dynamic rhythm.
The song was released in 1958 and quickly became a hit, peaking at the top of regional and national charts. As a result, the song helped solidify Gene Summers's name as a rockabilly icon. Despite its immediate commercial success, the song became notorious for its controversial themes, particularly for its seemingly objectifying portrayal of women. Nevertheless, the song remains a classic representation of early rock and roll, and its steady popularity over the years has seen it used in several films, TV shows, and commercials.
Line by Line Meaning
She wears a straight skirt oooee, oooee, oooee
My baby is wearing a form-fitting skirt that does not flare out at the bottom.
Straight skirt oooee, oooee, oooee
I am emphasizing that my baby is wearing a skirt that is not flaring out.
Straight skirt oooee, oooee, oooee
I am repeating myself to highlight the fact that my baby always wears that type of skirt.
Well, that's what my baby wears
That is the kind of skirt that my baby usually wears.
She wears a tight skirt oooee, oooee, oooee
My baby is wearing a form-fitting skirt that hugs her curves tightly.
Tight skirt oooee, oooee, oooee
I am emphasizing that my baby is wearing a skirt that is tight.
Tight skirt oooee, oooee, oooee
I am repeating myself to make sure the listener understands how tight the skirt is.
Well, that's what my baby wears
That is the kind of skirt that my baby usually wears.
She's got the cutest figure
My baby has an attractive and charming physical build.
I ever did see
Out of all the people I have ever seen, my baby has the most adorable figure.
And when my baby walks by
Whenever my baby passes by me while walking.
Oooh, what she does to me
I become overwhelmed with desire and attraction towards my baby.
Yeah, that's what my baby wears... ROCK!
I am concluding the song by stating that my baby's attire always includes a figure-hugging skirt, and I am exclaiming my excitement and enthusiasm about it.
Contributed by Keira G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.