Gene Vincent, real name Vincent Eugene Craddock, (February 11, 1935 – Octob… Read Full Bio ↴Gene Vincent, real name Vincent Eugene Craddock, (February 11, 1935 – October 12, 1971) was an American rockabilly pioneer musician, best known for his hit Be-Bop-A-Lula. He performed with his backing band, the Blue Caps.

After Be-Bop-A-Lula had become a huge hit in 1956 (peaking at #7 and spending 20 weeks in the Billboard Pop Chart), Gene Vincent & His Blue Caps (often mis-named as 'the' Blue Caps) were unable to follow it up with the same level of commercial success, but released critically acclaimed songs like Race With The Devil (#96 in Billboard) and Bluejean Bop (#49).

Following a visit to Europe in 1959, Vincent managed to attract a new huge and discerning audience there, especially in England and France. By that time his career had mostly ended in the US. In 1960, while on tour in Britain, Vincent and songwriter Sharon Sheeley were seriously injured in a high-speed traffic accident. Vincent broke his ribs, collarbone, and added further damage to his already weak leg which he had injured in a motorcycle accident in 1955 and refused to have amputated, and Sheeley suffered a broken pelvis. Both Vincent and Sheeley survived, but the accident killed Vincent's tourmate and Sheeley's fiancé, Eddie Cochran.

Vincent subsequently moved to England in 1963. His stage shows became "must see" events and his bands through those years were to spawn some of the most respected players in the world today. It was during his early tours of Britain that he adopted the trademark leather outfit, at the suggestion of British Rock 'n' Roll impressario, Jack Good.

She-She Little Sheila
Gene Vincent Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Well, she, she, she little Sheila
Best lookin' gal in town
Well now, she, she, she little Sheila
With your hair so long and brown
Well you never-never know what my Sheila's puttin' down

Well now, Dick Clark said you're the best lookin' girl
On his big bandstand

I know it too and I love you true
And honey, I'm your man
Well you never-never know what my Sheila's puttin' down

Yeah, she, she, she little Sheila
She, she, she little Sheila
She, she, she little Sheila
She, she, she little Sheila
Well you never-never know what my Sheila's gonna put down

Well, she, she, she little Sheila
Best lookin' gal around
Well, she, she, she little Shiela
With your hair so long and brown
Well you never-never know what my Sheila's puttin' down (aw)

Yeah, she, she, she little Sheila
She, she, she little Sheila
She, she, she little Sheila

She, she, she little Sheila
Well you never-never know what my Sheila's puttin' down

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "She-She Little Sheila" by Gene Vincent celebrate the beauty and allure of a woman named Sheila. Vincent describes her as the "best lookin' gal in town" with "hair so long and brown." He references her popularity, noting that even Dick Clark, the popular American bandstand host, has acknowledged her beauty. Vincent professes his love for Sheila, declaring himself as her man. The repeated lines, "Well you never-never know what my Sheila's puttin' down," suggest that Sheila has a captivating and alluring presence that keeps her admirers guessing.

The lyrics of this song embody the rock-and-roll ethos of the 1950s, emphasizing youth, energy, and sexual attraction. Sheila is depicted as a symbol of female beauty and desirability, a common theme in popular music of the era. Vincent's passionate delivery and upbeat, catchy composition make "She-She Little Sheila" a classic example of the early rock-and-roll sound.

Line by Line Meaning

Well, she, she, she little Sheila
Introducing the subject of the song, Sheila, and highlighting her petite stature through repetition.

Best lookin' gal in town
Describing Sheila's physical appearance as the most attractive in the area.

With your hair so long and brown
Noting one specific aspect of Sheila's appearance, her long brown hair, that stands out among other women in town.

Well you never-never know what my Sheila's puttin' down
Emphasizing that Sheila possesses an air of mystery and unpredictability, making it difficult to know what she thinks or feels.

Well now, Dick Clark said you're the best lookin' girl
Quoting Dick Clark's opinion of Sheila, which serves to reinforce the idea that she is attractive.

On his big bandstand
Explaining the context in which Dick Clark expressed his opinion: on his music and dance television show, "American Bandstand".

I know it too and I love you true
Echoing the sentiment that Sheila is indeed an attractive girl, and expressing the singer's love for her in an earnest way.

And honey, I'm your man
Asserting that the singer is Sheila's ideal partner, assuring her that he is both confident and committed.

Yeah, she, she, she little Sheila
Repeating the opening line to reinforce the focus on Sheila as the primary subject of the song.

Well you never-never know what my Sheila's gonna put down
Reiterating the concept of Sheila's enigmatic nature, indicating that it's impossible to predict what she will say or do next.

Well, she, she, she little Sheila
Repeating the opening line again, letting listeners know that Sheila remains the center of attention.

Best lookin' gal around
Restating Sheila's physical attractiveness, adding emphasis to the importance of her appearance in the song's theme.

Well you never-never know what my Sheila's puttin' down (aw)
Repeating the chorus a final time to bring the song full circle, combining all the significant themes to convey the mystery and intrigue surrounding Sheila's character.

Writer(s): Jerry Lee Merritt, Whitey Pullen

Contributed by Nora J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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