Their collaboration with legendary songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller gave them a unique sound that was very humorous most of the time. Their first huge hit came with "Young Blood" and "Searchin'." They also had success with hits such as "Yakety Yak," "Charlie Brown," and "Little Egypt."
Gardner was still touring with The Coasters as late as 2005, although he is the only surviving original member. Gardner is now semi-retired and has handed the reins over to his son Carl Jr.
In 1987, they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, thus becoming the first group to be inducted (the other inductees at the time were solo acts). In 2000, they were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall Of Fame. In 2004, "Young Blood" was #414 on Rolling Stone's Top 500 Songs Of All Time. "Young Blood" and "Yakety Yak" were part of The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame's 500 Songs That Shaped Rock & Roll. The band's song "Down In Mexico" appears on the new film, Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof.
Wake Me
The Coasters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
Don't let me sleep too late
Gotta get up in the
About a quarter to eight
I'm bound to my job
My boss is a big fat slob
Can't even be a minute late
Or the boss'll blow his gate
Why don't you, wake me, shake me
Don't let me sleep too late
Gotta get up in the
About a quarter to eight
I'm bound to my garbage truck
My boss is a big fat slob
Can't even be a minute late
Or the boss'll blow his gate
Had a dream
I was late for work
My boss let out a scream
Said "You ain't nothin' but a jerk"
Why don't you, wake me, shake me
Don't let me sleep too late
Gotta get up in the
About a quarter to eight
The Coasters' song "Wake Me Shake Me" tells a relatable story of a man who struggles with the daily grind of his job. The opening verse sets the scene with the man asking someone to wake him and shake him so he won't be late. He has to be up before 8 o'clock and can't be even a minute late because his boss is a big fat slob who is quick to anger. The chorus repeats this request for help in waking up, followed by the reminder that he has to be up at a quarter to eight. The second verse adds some details about his job as a garbage truck worker, and again emphasizes his need to be on time.
The song captures the feeling of dread and frustration that many people feel when faced with a job they don't enjoy. The dream sequence highlights the man's anxiety about being late and disappointing his boss, and the repeated refrain of "why don't you wake me, shake me" reinforces his need for help and support.
Overall, "Wake Me Shake Me" is a catchy and upbeat song that tackles a common theme in an engaging way. It speaks to the universal experience of feeling trapped in a job and needing a little extra encouragement to get going in the morning.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BILLY GUY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind