Shimmy Shimmy Ko-Ko-Bop
Little Anthony & the Imperials Lyrics

Oh Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh ah
The singer is starting the song with some vocalizations before beginning the lyrics.

Shimmy Shimmy Ko-Ko-Bop
The title of the song, which refers to a dance move.

Shimmy Shimmy Bop
A repeated line meant to reinforce the dance move and rhythm of the song.

Sittin' in a native hut
The singer is setting the scene for a story that is about to unfold.

All alone and blue
The singer is feeling sad and lonely.

Wonderin' what to do
The singer is unsure of how to pass the time in their current situation.

Along came a native girl
A woman entered the hut and caught the singer's attention.

Did a native dance
The woman performed a dance that was characteristic of her culture.

It was like in paradise
The singer was enthralled with the woman's beauty and skill in dancing.

Put me in a trance
The singer was so captivated by the woman's performance that they felt hypnotized.

Joined her in her dancin' spree
The singer decided to join the woman in dancing.

Felt my spine a-tingle
The singer was exhilarated by the physical sensation of dancing.

Held her tight and close to me
The singer felt a romantic connection to the woman and held her closely.

Man I'm glad I'm single
The singer is enjoying the freedom of being unattached.

Then she showed me what to do
The woman began to teach the singer new dance moves.

First I was amazed
The singer was impressed by the woman's ability to dance and teach.

Soon I learned a step or two
The singer picked up on the new dance moves quickly.

Put me in a daze
The singer was so taken with the experience of learning new dance moves that they felt disoriented.

You can do the ko-ko-bop
The singer is encouraging the listener to try the dance move.

Now's no time to stop
The singer is urging the listener to keep dancing.

Left foot forward right one back
Instructions for one of the dance moves.

Bring them side by side
Instructions for another dance move.

Uh syncopate your last two steps
Instructions for a more complex dance move involving a change in timing.

Now you're going to glide
Instructions for a smooth transition between dance moves.

Keep along the rhythm track
The singer is emphasizing the importance of staying in sync with the music.

Girls please show 'em how
The singer is asking female dancers to demonstrate the moves for the benefit of others.

Now you start to arch your back
Instructions for another move that involves body positioning.

Man you got it now
The singer is complimenting the listener on their dancing.