Having a Party
Sam Cooke Lyrics


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We're havin' a party
Dancin' to the music
Played by the DJ
On the radio
The Cokes are in the icebox
Popcorn's on the table
Me and my baby
We're out here on the floor

So Mr, Mr. DJ
Keep those records playin'
'Cause I'm a-havin' such a good time
Dancin' with my baby

Everybody's swingin'
Sally's doin' the twist now
If you take requests I've
Got a few for you
Play that song called "Soul Twist"
Play that one called "I Know"
Don't forget the "Mashed Potatoes"
No other songs will do

Let me tell you Mr, Mr. DJ
Keep those records playin'
'Cause I'm a-havin' such a good time
Dancin' with my baby

Havin' a party, yeah
Everybody's swingin', oh we're
Dancin' to the music, yeah
On the radio

Oh, we're havin' a party, man
Everybody's swingin'
We're dancin' to the music, yeah
On the radio

Tell 'em one more time
We're havin' a party, yeah
And everybody's swingin'
Oh, we're dancin' to the music, yeah
On the radio





Tell you
We're havin' a party

Overall Meaning

Sam Cooke's "Having a Party" is a classic party song with a groovy beat that brings people to their feet. The lyrics describe the atmosphere of a party where the DJ is playing music on the radio, and everyone is dancing and having a good time. Sam Cooke's soulful voice brings a sense of joy and happiness to the song that captures the essence of the party spirit.


The song starts off with the line, "We're having a party," which sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics. The fact that the partygoers are listening to music on the radio suggests that this is a casual get-together rather than an extravagant event. The lyrics describe the various activities at the party; the cokes are in the icebox, popcorn is on the table, and the dancers are out on the floor. The chorus of the song emphasizes the euphoria of dancing with your partner and having a good time.


The second verse introduces Sally, who is doing the twist, and the singer of the song requests a few other dance tunes for everyone to enjoy. Overall, the lyrics paint a picture of an inclusive party where everybody is having a good time and the music is the life of the party. Sam Cooke's "Having a Party" is a timeless classic that still resonates with audiences worldwide.


Line by Line Meaning

We are currently enjoying ourselves in a social gathering
We are moving our bodies to the beat of the music


The DJ is playing the tunes
Broadcast from the radio frequencies


There are Coca-Cola drinks stored in a container with ice
Popcorn is readily available on the table


My significant other and I are currently on the dancefloor
Mr. DJ, please keep playing those records


Because we're having a fantastic time
We're moving our bodies with each other


Sally is currently doing the dance move 'the twist'
If you take requests, I have a few in mind


Play the song 'Soul Twist'
Also play 'I Know'


Don't forget about 'Mashed Potatoes'
No other songs will suffice


Mr. DJ, I'm telling you to keep those records playing
Because we're having an outstanding time


We're currently surrounded by lively individuals
Everyone is moving to the beat of the music


We're dancing to the music playing off the radio
We're partying right now


All individuals present are moving their bodies to the beat
We're dancing to the music playing off the radio


I want to reiterate that
We're currently partying


Everyone is enjoying themselves
We're moving to the rhythm of the music


We're dancing to the music playing off the radio



Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Abkco Music Inc.
Written by: Sam Cooke

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@Soulmansim

"Having a Party" was recorded on April 26, 1962 at RCA Studio 1 in Hollywood, California.
The engineer present was Al Schmitt.
the session was conducted and arranged by RenΓ© Hall.
The musicians also recorded "Bring It on Home to Me" the same day.

Sam Cooke – vocals
Lou Rawls – backing vocals
Clifton White – guitar
Tommy Tedesco – guitar
RenΓ© Hall – guitar
Adolphus Asbrook – bass guitar
Ray Pohlman – bass guitar
Ernie Freeman – piano
Frank Capp – drums, percussion
William Green – saxophone
Cecil Figelski – cello
Armand Kaproff – cello
Wilbert Nuttycombe – viola
Irving Weinper – viola
Myron Sandler – violin
Joseph Saxon – violin
Ralph Schaeffer – violin
Marshall Sosson – violin
Elliot Fisher – violin
Marvin Limonick – violin



All comments from YouTube:

@malikdado5152

During my time in basic training, I had a drill sergeant who sang this song as a marching cadence. Let me tell you, that man had soul.

@marshmallowactive1715

That would be such a cool scene in a movie

@richwalker789

I had a drill servant who did the same thing and he had soul as well!

@sherriefarris2863

That reminds me of the movie, "Cadence" starring Michael Sheen and his son, Charlie Sheen. Lawrence Fishborne was the drill Sargent and in it they did a cadence march to Same Cooke's "Chain Gang." Great memory.

@LeeRothstein

Very cool story!

@matthewbigler5150

@Sherrie Farris Martin Sheen

23 More Replies...

@josephkane2148

Another timeless Classic single from the Great Sam Cooke as it is Called Having A Party such a great song by One of the forefathers of the 1950's

@elissaschornstein9399

Superb Sam Cooke. Never to be forgotten as the greatest soul singer and song writer to ever grace our world. Sadly taken at 33 years of age. Leaving a large legacy of songs considering his passing so young. Miss your beautiful voice. Mr. Cooke. RIP. You will never be surpassed.

@jsmamabiscuit

It is so hard to believe that he only lived to be 33, his impact was so tremendous! Β He is the father of soul music and the greatest male vocalist ever in my book!

@RollyFingers

He can have that title, as long as you're well aware that James Brown is the Godfather...

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