Three of their songs appear in the movie Dead and Breakfast, and others are heard regularly on T.V. shows.
Hippy Dance
Hillbilly Hellcats Lyrics
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If you′re not here to rock I think you'll have to go
We don′t want to dally, we won't make you wait
But before the rockin' starts let′s get somethin′ straight
You can do the polka, you can mosh and slam
You can start a new dance, we don't give a damn
But there′s just one thing that we're gonna ask of you
Just one thing that you better not do
Please don′t do that hippy dance when we're about to rock
You′ll freak out all the cats, you'll send 'em into shock
You′ll upset the band while they′re tryin' to sing
And freak out all those kittens while they′re tryin' to swing
If you haven′t noticed, this ain't the Grateful Dead
Our hair is nice and short, no acid′s in our head
And if you're gonna ask us, if we can play some Phish
You'll have to go to somewhere else to hear that gibberish
Please don′t do that hippy dance when we′re about to rock
You'll freak out all the cats, you′ll send 'em into shock
You′ll upset the band while they're tryin′ to sing
And freak out all those kittens while they're tryin' to swing
Please don′t do that hippy dance when we′re about to rock
You'll freak out all the cats, you′ll send 'em into shock
You′ll upset the band while they're tryin′ to sing
And freak out all those kittens while they're tryin' to swing
The lyrics of the song "Hippy Dance" by the Hillbilly Hellcats serve as a playful warning to the audience to refrain from doing a specific type of dance that they refer to as the "hippy dance" while the band is about to perform. The song starts with a jovial introduction, welcoming everyone to the show. However, it quickly becomes clear that the band intends to set some ground rules before they begin rocking out.
The first paragraph sets the tone, as the band asserts that they are here to rock and expect their audience to do the same. They express their impatience and emphasize that they don't want any delays. It becomes evident that the band is open to different styles of dancing, like the polka, moshing, and even new dances. However, they draw the line at the "hippy dance," which they clearly do not appreciate.
The second paragraph further emphasizes the band's dislike for the "hippy dance." They explain that performing this dance will not only freak out the cats (presumably the band members themselves) but also disturb the flow of the song, creating a sense of shock. It's evident that the band values their performance and wants the audience to respect it by refraining from engaging in this particular dance.
The third paragraph serves as a humorous response to any possible misinterpretation of the band's style. They humorously point out that they are not the Grateful Dead, a well-known psychedelic rock band associated with the hippie counterculture. The band members make it clear that they don't embody the typical characteristics associated with hippies, such as long hair and drug use. They even go as far as mocking the fans of the band Phish, suggesting that anyone expecting their music should look elsewhere.
The final paragraph repeats the plea for the audience not to perform the "hippy dance" during their performance. The band reiterates the negative impact it would have on both themselves and the crowd. The repeated lines emphasize the band's desire to maintain the energy and flow of the song, without interruption from this particular dance. It's clear that their goal is to provide an enjoyable experience for everyone, and they believe that avoiding the "hippy dance" will contribute to that.
Overall, the lyrics of "Hippy Dance" deliver a lighthearted message, outlining the band's preferences and expectations for their audience's behavior during their performance. They playfully convey that while they are open to various dance styles, they request that the audience refrains from engaging in the specific dance referred to as the "hippy dance" to ensure a smooth and enjoyable show for everyone involved.
Line by Line Meaning
Good evening everybody, welcome to the show
Greetings to all in attendance, we invite you to join our performance
If you're not here to rock I think you'll have to go
If rocking out is not your intention, perhaps you should seek entertainment elsewhere
We don't want to dally, we won't make you wait
We have no desire to delay, we will begin promptly
But before the rockin' starts let's get somethin' straight
However, before we commence with the energetic music, there's an important matter to address
You can do the polka, you can mosh and slam
Feel free to engage in lively dances like the polka or intense moshing and slamming
You can start a new dance, we don't give a damn
If you wish to create and perform a new dance, we have no objections or concerns
But there's just one thing that we're gonna ask of you
However, we have one specific request
Just one thing that you better not do
A single action that you must refrain from
Please don't do that hippy dance when we're about to rock
Kindly avoid performing the hippy dance while we are about to play energetic rock music
You'll freak out all the cats, you'll send 'em into shock
By doing so, you will startle and distress everyone, causing great disturbance
You'll upset the band while they're tryin' to sing
Furthermore, you'll disrupt the band's performance, hindering their vocal delivery
And freak out all those kittens while they're tryin' to swing
Moreover, you will alarm and agitate young individuals who are attempting to enjoy a lively dance
If you haven't noticed, this ain't the Grateful Dead
In case you haven't realized, our musical style is distinct from that of the Grateful Dead
Our hair is nice and short, no acid's in our head
Our hairstyles are tidy and moderate, we have not consumed psychedelic substances
And if you're gonna ask us, if we can play some Phish
And if you intend to inquire whether we are capable of performing Phish's music
You'll have to go to somewhere else to hear that gibberish
You'll have to find another venue where you can listen to their particular style of music, as we do not play it here
Please don't do that hippy dance when we′re about to rock
Again, we kindly request that you refrain from performing the hippy dance while we are ready to play energetic rock music
You'll freak out all the cats, you'll send 'em into shock
Engaging in the mentioned dance will cause great disturbance among all the attendees, surprising them intensely
You'll upset the band while they're tryin′ to sing
Additionally, you will disrupt the band's performance as they strive to deliver their vocals
And freak out all those kittens while they're tryin′ to swing
Furthermore, you will distress and startle young individuals attempting to enjoy a lively dance
Please don't do that hippy dance when we′re about to rock
Once more, we earnestly request that you refrain from performing the hippy dance while we are prepared to play energetic rock music
You'll freak out all the cats, you′ll send 'em into shock
By doing so, you will cause great disturbance among all attendees, stunning them immensely
You'll upset the band while they're tryin′ to sing
Moreover, you will disrupt the band's performance as they strive to deliver their vocals
And freak out all those kittens while they're tryin′ to swing
Additionally, you will alarm and agitate young individuals who are attempting to enjoy a lively dance
Writer(s): Chjarles I Hughes
Contributed by Liliana L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.