In 64 at a gig they were missing Janne Frisk who was touring the north with accordion player Erik Frank and Svenne Hedlund from Clifftones replaced him. Svenne left his former band to join Hep Stars.
Åke Gerhard, songwriter and director of Olga record label took them under his wings and began managing them. They started touring in folk parks in the summer of 64. They released their first singles the same year and when Hans Östlund left the band he was replaced by Benny Andersson (Elverkets Spelmanslag and later of ABBA fame).
In '65 the band became full time musicians and they scored their first hit single with Cadillac ending up on 9th on Kvällstoppen, staying there for 14 weeks.
After playing in national TV they managed to place two more songs on the billboards, having three top list positions simultaneously for a time and leading to their great break through.
Hep Stars broke up in 1970 ca. Svenne Hedlund had a successful career with his wife Lotta Hedlund (born Charlotte Walker in 1944) as Svenne & Lotta.
What'd I Say
Hep Stars Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Come and love me Daddy all night long
Alright, hej hej
Alright, hej hej
See the girl with the red dress on
She can boogie-boogie all night long
Hej hej, hej hej
Alright, hej hej
Tell me what'd I say (What'd I say)
Tell me what'd I say (What'd I say)
Tell me what'd I say (What'd I say)
Tell me what'd I say (What'd I say)
Tell me what'd I say (What'd I say)
OK Benny
Hej (hej)
Ah (ah)
Hej (hej)
Hej (hej)
Hej (hej)
Hej (hej)
Tell me what'd I say (What'd I say)
Tell me what'd I say (What'd I say)
Tell me what'd I say (What'd I say)
Tell me what'd I say (What'd I say)
One more time sing for me
Hej (hej)
Ah (ah)
Hej (hej)
Hej (hej)
Hej (hej)
Hej (hej)
Tell me what'd I say (What'd I say)
Tell me what'd I say (What'd I say)
Tell me what'd I say (What'd I say)
Tell me what'd I say (What'd I say)
One more time
Hej (hej)
Ah (ah)
Hej (hej)
Hej (hej)
Hej (hej)
Hej (hej)
Tell me what'd I say (What'd I say)
Tell me what'd I say (What'd I say)
Tell me what'd I say (What'd I say)
Tell me what'd I say (What'd I say)
Hej hej
Tell me one more time (one more time)
Tell me one more time (one more time)
Tell me one more time (one more time)
Tell me one more time (one more time)
Tell me one more time (one more time)
Tell me one more time (one more time)
Hej
Hep Stars’ “What’d I Say” is a song that is all about having a good time and dancing the night away. It begins with the singer addressing his mother, asking her not to treat him wrong, urging her to let him have fun, and telling his father to love him all night long. The scene then moves on to a girl in a red dress who can dance all night long. The chorus then repeats the question: “Tell me what’d I say?” as the singer and his friends continue to dance.
Throughout the song, the energy is high, and the repetition of phrases like “hej hej” and “ah ah” add to the festive tone. Although the lyrics are simple and repetitive, the excitement and energy conveyed through the music and singing are what make “What’d I Say” a fun song to dance to.
In summary, “What’d I Say” is a fun, upbeat dance song that celebrates youthful energy and carefree enjoyment.
Line by Line Meaning
Hej Mamma don't you treat me wrong
Hey Mom, please don't treat me badly
Come and love me Daddy all night long
Father, please show me love and attention all night long
See the girl with the red dress on
Notice the girl wearing a red dress
She can boogie-boogie all night long
She can dance all night long
Tell me what'd I say (What'd I say)
Please tell me what I said
OK Benny
Agreement to move on to the next section of the song
Tell me one more time (one more time)
Please repeat what you said one more time
Hej
An exclamation or greeting in Swedish
Contributed by Dylan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.