Cool Jerk

The Capitols

About Cool Jerk

"Cool Jerk" is a song written by Donald Storball and originally performed by The Capitols. Released in 1966, it reached No. 2 on the American Rhythm & Blues Singles chart, No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 9 on the Canadian Singles Chart. The backing track for this song was actually recorded (secretly) by the Motown house band The Funk Brothers, and arranged by Funk Brother Mike Terry. Per one of the Funk Brothers, the song was originally to be called "Pimp Jerk". This was taken from watching neighborhood pimps, who would dance in the clubs, but were too "cool" to do the jerk like regular folks. The producer was afraid that a song with the word pimp in the title would be banned or not receive much positive attention, and had the title changed to its current form. The Go-Go's, The Outsiders, Todd Rundgren, Big Trouble, Human Sexual Response, The La De Das, The Creation, The Tremeloes, and The Coasters have covered the song. Todd Rundgren did his version in an odd time signature (7/4), giving an obviously jerky feel to the song. The Go-Go's covered the song for their 1982 album Vacation and later re-recorded it for their 1990 album Greatest. A demo that pre-dates their Vacation recording was released on their 1994 compilation Return to the Valley of The Go-Go's. 


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Cool jerk, cool jerk
Cool jerk, cool jerk
We know a cat who can really do the cool jerk
We know a cat who can really do the cool jerk

Well, this cat they talkin' about, I wonder who could it be?
'Cause I know I'm the happiest cat
The happiest cat you ever did see

When they see me walkin' down the street (hey, hey, hey)
None of the fellas want to speak (hey, hey, hey)
On their faces they wear a silly smirk 'cause they know I'm the king of the cool jerk, whoo

(Cool jerk, cool jerk)
(Cool jerk, uh-huh!) ha, ha, ha
Look at them guys lookin' at me like I'm a fool (cool jerk, uh-huh)
But, aww, deep down inside they know I'm cool (cool jerk, uh-huh)
I said, now, I said now, the moment of truth has finally come (cool jerk, uh-huh)
When I'ma to show you some, some of that cool jerk (cool jerk, uh-huh)
Now, give me a little bit of drums, by himself, there
Now, give me a little bit of bass, with those 88's

Aww, you're cookin' baby!
Hmm, You're Smokin'!
Hmm-hmm-hmm!
Now everybody, I wanna hear you all

Aww, can you do it? (can you do it, can you do it, can you do it, can you do it?)
(Can you do it, can you do it, can you do it, can you do the cool jerk?)
Come on, people(cool jerk)
Hey, hey

When they see me walkin' down the street (hey, hey, hey)
They think twice and then they speak (hey, hey, hey)
On their faces they don't wear their smirk
'Cause they know I'm a King of the cool jerk

(Cool jerk) come on people
(Cool jerk) can you do it now?
(Cool jerk)
(Come on people) can you do it, can you do it, can you do it, can you do it?)
(Can you do it, can you do it, can you do it, can you do the cool jerk?)
Come on people
(Cool jerk) Can you do it now?
(Cool jerk)
Come on people
(Cool jerk) now you're doin' it

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The Capitols

The Capitols were a Detroit, Michigan-based soul trio widely known in the late 1960s for their Billboard hit single "Cool Jerk". more »

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Written by: Donald Storball

Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


5 facts about this song

The Capitols" and the song "Cool Jerk
1. "Cool Jerk" was the biggest hit for the American soul trio, The Capitols. 2. The song was released in 1966 and quickly rose to number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. 3. The Capitols' version of Cool Jerk features a distinctive drum break by Donald Storball, the lead singer of the group. 4. In the lyrics, the phrase "cool jerk" is a dance instruction, referring to a hip and trendy new dance of the time.
The Coasters" and the song "Cool Jerk
1. The Coasters had a version of "Cool Jerk" that was largely influenced by The Capitols' original song. 2. Despite not being as commercially successful as the original version by The Capitols, The Coasters' rendition of Cool Jerk is still appreciated by fans of the song.
The Funk Brothers" and the song "Cool Jerk
1. Detroit soul group The Funk Brothers performed most of the instruments on the original version of "Cool Jerk" by The Capitols. 2. Although not credited on the initial release, The Funk Brothers greatly contributed to the success of the song due to their vibrant backing track.
The Go-Go's" and the song "Cool Jerk
1. Pop rock band The Go-Go's covered "Cool Jerk" for their third album, "Vacation", released in 1982. 2. Their version of the song is considered a post-punk rendition, incorporating elements of new wave music. 3. The Go-Go's performed this as a staple in their live repertoire, adding their own unique and energetic spin on the piece.
The Tremeloes" and the song "Cool Jerk
1. British rock band The Tremeloes also recorded their own version of "Cool Jerk". 2. While they made the song their own by adding a '60s rock feel to it, it didn’t chart as high as the original. 3. Their version of the song is still popular among fans, showcasing their ability to cover different musical styles.

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    "Cool Jerk Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/27492816/The+Capitols/Cool+Jerk>.

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    Cool Jerk

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1966

    Billboard #7


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