Upon its release, the song spent seven weeks at #2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart, as well as becoming a Top-5 single on the U.S. R&B chart. The original 1981 release peaked at #53 on the UK Singles Chart. It was re-released as a single in 1985, then with the 1977 recording of the song "La Vie en Rose" as the B-side, and this reached #12 on the UK pop chart in early 1986.
The song was also recorded for Jones' A One Man Show in 1982, and two music videos were produced: one a live version of the song; and another the studio version containing images included from the film Koyaanisqatsi.
12" versions
Over the years, "Pull Up to the Bumper" has been remixed several times. The original 12-inch single featured the unedited album master recording as an extended mix of 6m45s. An extended dub version lasting 7m17s was included as the B-side on the 12-inch release of Jones' "Walking in the Rain"; this version can be found on the Universal Music compilation CD 12"/80s. The "Walking in the Rain" 7" single also had an alternate dub mix as the B-side, called "Peanut Butter" and credited to The Compass Point All Stars. A third extended 12" mix entitled "Party Version" was released on the 1981 "Feel Up" 12" single. In 1985 the track was again remixed and re-released to promote the Island Life compilation, and was released in two different 12" mixes, one an extended mix with additional keyboard overdubs and remix by Paul "Groucho" Smykle, the other an eight-minute megamix entitled "Musclemix" which included excerpts from tracks like "Warm Leatherette", "Walking In The Rain", "Use Me", "Love Is The Drug" and "Slave To The Rhythm". Many of these mixes remain unreleased on CD.
Controversy
The song sparked some controversy for its suggestive lyrics, as it appears to literally describe sexual intercourse. Among the racy images along the lines of this topic: "Pull up to my bumper baby / In your long black limousine / Pull up to my bumper baby / Drive it in between", as well as "Grease it / Spray it / Let me lubricate it". It is said that she is talking about anal sex with the song's lines, although interestingly, she has suggested in interviews that the song is about oral sex.
Pull Up To The Bumper
Grace Jones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Waiting to get down
Won't you get your big machine
Somewhere in this town?
Now in the parking lot garage
You'll find the proper place
Just follow all the written rules
You'll fit into the space
Pull up to my bumper baby
In your long black limousine
Pull up to my bumper baby
And drive it in between
Pull up
To it
Don't drive
Through it
Back it
Up twice
Now that
Fit's nice
Operate around the clock
Why don't you come in?
I've got lot's of space for everyone
Why don't you my friend?
Lines are short
I'll pick you up so won't you please come on
Shiny sleek machine believe
It I've got to blow your horn
Pull up to my bumper baby
In your long black limousine
Just pull up to my bumper baby
And drive it in between
Pull up
To it
Don't drive
Through it
Back it
Up twice
Now that
Fit's nice
Race it
Straighten it
Let me
Lubricate
(Pull up to my bumper baby)
Pull up to my bumper
(Pull up)
Pull up to my bumper
(Pull up to my bumper baby)
(Pull up)
Pull up to my bumper
(Pull up to my bumper baby)
Pull up to my bumper baby
(Pull up)
Pull up to my bumper
(Pull up to my bumper baby)
Pull up to my bumper
(Pull up)
Pull up to my
(Pull up to my bumper baby)
The lyrics to Grace Jones's "Pull Up To The Bumper" have often been interpreted as a sexual innuendo, with the bumper referring to the rear end of a car and the act of pulling up to it as a metaphor for sexual intercourse. However, some music critics have suggested that there may be more to the lyrics than just a simple sexual message.
Jones's lyrics suggest a sense of power and control, as she directs the driver of the "long black limousine" to pull up to her bumper and "drive it in between." She also makes reference to rules and guidelines for parking, implying a need for order and structure. This could be interpreted not only as a reference to sexual pleasure, but also as a commentary on societal expectations and the need for organization in daily life.
The repeated refrain of "pull up to my bumper baby" could also be seen as a demand for attention and validation, as if Jones is challenging the driver to prove their worth and impress her. Overall, the lyrics of "Pull Up To The Bumper" offer a complex mix of sexual desire, power dynamics, and societal commentary.
Line by Line Meaning
Driving down those city streets
Navigating the roads in the city, moving towards a destination.
Waiting to get down
Eager to arrive at the desired location and begin the activity or event.
Won't you get your big machine
Do you not own a large, impressive vehicle?
Somewhere in this town?
Is there not a location within this town where you can bring your big machine?
Now in the parking lot garage
Currently situated in the underground or multi-level facility for vehicles.
You'll find the proper place
There is a designated space available for your vehicle.
Just follow all the written rules
Simply adhere to the instructions and regulations clearly stated on signage.
You'll fit into the space
Your vehicle will fit comfortably within the spot provided.
Pull up to my bumper baby
Position your car directly behind or parallel to my vehicle.
In your long black limousine
Utilizing a luxury elongated sedan with a dark exterior.
And drive it in between
Maneuver your car so that it fills the empty area between my car and any other nearby vehicles.
Pull up
Bring your car closer to my vehicle.
To it
Stop next to my car and match its position.
Don't drive
Avoid forcefully entering with your vehicle.
Through it
Do not push past the boundaries set by surrounding vehicles or structure.
Back it
Reverse or back up your vehicle to allow for proper positioning.
Up twice
Perform the action again to ensure a good fit within the available space.
Now that fit's nice
With careful positioning, the cars are now properly aligned and situated in a comfortable manner.
Operate around the clock
There are no restrictions on the hours of operation.
Why don't you come in?
It would be beneficial for you to enter and join in the activity or event happening inside.
I've got lots of space for everyone
There is ample room available to accommodate a large number of people or vehicles.
Why don't you my friend?
It would be advantageous for you to take advantage of the space and join in the event or activity.
Lines are short
There are not many people waiting in line, so entry will be quick.
I'll pick you up so won't you please come on
I am willing to come over and bring you to the event, so I urge you to join.
Shiny sleek machine believe
My vehicle is flashy, refined, and impressive to witness.
It I've got to blow your horn
My vehicle will undoubtedly catch your attention and impress you.
Race it
Drive your car quickly and with enthusiasm.
Straighten it
Align your vehicle in a more neatly-arranged position.
Let me lubricate
Allow me to assist you in adjusting or improving the positioning of your vehicle.
(Pull up to my bumper baby)
(Repeated reminder to position your vehicle near mine.)
(Pull up)
(Encouragement to bring your vehicle closer.)
(Pull up to my bumper baby)
(Repeated reminder to position your vehicle near mine.)
(Pull up)
(Encouragement to bring your vehicle closer.)
(Pull up to my bumper baby)
(Repeated reminder to position your vehicle near mine.)
(Pull up)
(Encouragement to bring your vehicle closer.)
(Pull up to my bumper baby)
(Repeated reminder to position your vehicle near mine.)
(Pull up)
(Encouragement to bring your vehicle closer.)
(Pull up to my bumper baby)
(Repeated reminder to position your vehicle near mine.)
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Dana Manno, Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare, Grace Jones
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lindajones5172
Do you by any chance remember "killing Me softly" by Roberta flack? I still love it, and it's still a classic
George Michaels "One More Try"
Sinead O'Connor
Billy Jean
Sarah Smile
Hall, Oats
Kiss
Purple Rain
It's just so crazy that the classics can be 40 yrs and Still be Timeless. Gracie's Bother sent me an old photo of him and George Michaels In New York, B4 I was born..
@NormAppleton
And Beautiful
Her sense of song, La Vie en Rose, Private life.
Edith Piaf, Chrissie Hynde
Nightclubbing, so great then she does Slave to the Rhythm. Well Boy Howdy We've got a legend here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epqdGN5vHYg
@lindajones5172
My great aunt. She was ahead of her time, concept, fashion, modeling...
@snapcommunications1108
she was the pioneer, in so many ways
@shariffbrown04
Wow royalty
@lcox6468
You are so lucky to have her in your life. What a treasure , what an inspiration and what fierceness!!! Such a sassy lady I loved watching her in interviews. Was she really that intimidating woman that she appeared to be???
@bubblegum_god5933
Your aunt is beautiful.... always have always will be!!!!!!!
@lindajones5172
@@bubblegum_god5933 Thank you so much. I didnt get any dancing 👖 lol
@patriciaalston1082
Who is listening in 2024. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
@bobbyantonelli7978
I’m here March 29, 2024. I saw Grace in 1980 in Boston and she was amazing! She autographed my jean jacket in pen after the show! Swear to God, true story!
@patriciaalston1082
@@bobbyantonelli7978 I believe you grace is kind be well and blessed. 😊😁😃☺️😆😄🤗
@bobbyantonelli7978
@@patriciaalston1082thank you very much and the same to you 😇🙏🏼🎶