He is also responsible for the little-known sequel, Shock Treatment.
What Ever Happened to Saturday Night?
Richard O'Brien Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When you got dressed up and you felt all right
it don't seem the same since cosmic light
Came into my life, I thought I was divine
I used to go for a ride with a chick
Who'd go and listen to the music on the radio
A saxophone was blowing on a rock and roll show
You'd climb in the back seat
Hot Patootie Bless my soul
I really love that rock and roll (repeat 4 times)
My head used to swim with the perfume I smelt
My hands kinda fumbled with her white plastic belt
I'd taste her baby pink lipstick
and that's when I'd melt
she'd whisper in my ear tonight she really was mine
Get back in front put some hair oil on
Buddy Holly was singing his very las song
With your arms around your girl you try to sing along
You felt pretty good whew
really had a good time
Hot Patootie bless my soul
I really love that rock and roll (Repeat 4 times)
The song "What Ever Happened to Saturday Night?" by Richard O'Brien is a reflection of teenage culture in the 1950s and 1960s. The song starts with a nostalgic feeling of those days, how young people used to look forward eagerly to Saturday nights because it gave them a chance to dress up, go out, and enjoy their lives. However, the introduction of cosmic light has disrupted their routine, and nobody gets excited in the same way anymore. The singer reflects on his past nights, rides with a girl while listening to the radio, and feeling good in the backseat.
The chorus, "Hot Patootie, Bless My Soul," is reminiscent of the dance moves of that era, particularly the rock and roll genre. The lyrics express the singer's love for that particular type of music and the excitement that it generates. The second verse describes the singer's attraction to a girl, and how he became enchanted by her perfume, plastic belt and lipstick. As she whispered in his ear, he felt happy and knew that she was his for the night. They cruised around in a car with Buddy Holly's music playing, singing along to the lyrics, and enjoying their time together.
Overall, the lyrics portray an era in which life was simple, and young people had a chance to experience unmitigated joy. However, the introduction of the cosmic light has seemingly altered their social lifestyle, leaving Saturdays a bit dull and not quite as fun.
Line by Line Meaning
What ever happened to Saturday night?
What happened to the good times we used to have on Saturday night?
When you got dressed up and you felt all right
Back when you dressed up and felt good about yourself.
it don't seem the same since cosmic light
Things changed when something exceptional entered your life.
Came into my life, I thought I was divine
You felt exceptional when this otherworldly element appeared in your life.
I used to go for a ride with a chick
You used to go for a drive with a girl.
Who'd go and listen to the music on the radio
You'd listen to music with her on the radio.
A saxophone was blowing on a rock and roll show
There'd be a saxophonist playing on a rock and roll show.
You'd climb in the back seat
You got in the back seat.
Really had a good time
You had a great time.
Hot Patootie Bless my soul
An expression of excitement and enthusiasm.
I really love that rock and roll
You really enjoy listening to rock and roll.
My head used to swim with the perfume I smelt
The perfume she wore used to intoxicate you.
My hands kinda fumbled with her white plastic belt
You got a little nervous and clumsy when undoing her white plastic belt.
I'd taste her baby pink lipstick
You'd get a little bit of her lipstick on your lips after kissing her.
and that's when I'd melt
You'd feel overwhelmed with emotions and sensations.
she'd whisper in my ear tonight she really was mine
She'd whisper promises and assurances that she was yours for the night.
Get back in front put some hair oil on
You'd get back in front and apply some hair oil.
Buddy Holly was singing his very las song
You were listening to Buddy Holly's final song.
With your arms around your girl you try to sing along
You held your girl in your arms and tried to sing along to the song.
You felt pretty good whew
You felt pretty good, phew!
really had a good time
You had a really good time.
Hot Patootie bless my soul
Another expression of excitement and enthusiasm.
I really love that rock and roll
You really enjoy listening to rock and roll.
Contributed by Kaylee G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.