Ottawan were a disco band in the late 1970s and early 1980s. They were fron… Read Full Bio ↴Ottawan were a disco band in the late 1970s and early 1980s. They were fronted by lead singer Jean Patrick (b 6 April 1954) and Annette (b 1 November 1958), with Daniel Vangarde and Jean Kluger the main songwriters. They are best known for their two hit singles "D.I.S.C.O." and "Hands Up (Give Me Your Heart)".

Although many in the USA would not recognize the name Ottawan, their song "Hands Up (Give Me Your Heart)" has enjoyed tremendous and enduring popularity as a staple of parties, wedding receptions, exercise classes, line dances, etc,. where it is danced with with exaggerated motions corresponding to the lyrics.

Shalala Song
Ottawan Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Sha la la la la oh oh oh

Sha la la la la oh oh oh
. . .
How we loved that sha la la song
We used to sing all summer long
When we were young.

Sha la la la la oh oh oh

Sha la la la la oh oh oh.
That was long ago
oh oh oh
When I hear it now
oh oh oh
It still turns me on just the same

It still lights me up like a flame
Each time again.
Remember we were so happy

Blue skies were never so blue.
We were so happy
And every wish that we made came true.
Remember we were in heaven

No love was ever so right

We were in heaven
And when we kissed.it was dynamite.

Sha la la la la oh oh oh
. . .

Overall Meaning

The Ottawan's classic Shalala Song is a song that is all about nostalgia and the power of music in bringing back precious memories. The song begins with the repetitive lyrics "Sha la la la la oh oh oh" which is immediately infectious and is a reminder of the carefree days of summer love. The next verse is all about the joys of one particular song that was sung all summer long back when the singer was young. The song is filled with a sense of yearning and reminiscing of yesteryears.

The chorus continually repeats the "Sha la la la la oh oh oh" line, emphasising the power of that one song and how it lingers in the singer's memory. The song then talks about how the experience of hearing that song makes the singer feel as if they are transported back to that time and reliving those moments again. The memories are so vivid; it still lights the singer up like a flame. The lyrics tell the story of a time when everything was perfect, and love was just right; each kiss was dynamite.

In summary, the "Shalala Song" is a nostalgic pop song that sings about the power of a particular song in bringing back memories of young love and carefree days. The infectious melody and catchy lyrics will leave you singing along with the chorus long after the song has ended.

Line by Line Meaning

Sha la la la la oh oh oh
The catchy melody of the song bringing back fond memories.

Sha la la la la oh oh oh
The repetition of the melody emphasizing the nostalgic feeling.

That was long ago oh oh oh
Referring to a time in the past that has since passed.

When I hear it now oh oh oh
The immediate connection the artist has with the song as it still evokes the same emotions.

It still turns me on just the same
The song still has a strong effect on the artist, in the sense of energizing and exciting.

Each time again
With each listen, the singer's passion for the song is renewed.

Remember we were so happy
The song evoking memories of a time when the singer was content and joyous.

Blue skies were never so blue
The skies seemed bluer during this time, symbolizing the idyllic nature of the past.

And every wish that we made came true
During this time, everything seemed to fall into place and every wish was fulfilled.

Remember we were in heaven
The artist recalling a period of pure bliss.

No love was ever so right
The love the singer experienced was perfect, without any faults or issues.