Rock Lobster

The B-52's

About Rock Lobster

"Rock Lobster" is a song written by Fred Schneider and Ricky Wilson, two members of The B-52's. It was produced in two versions, one by DB Records released in April 1978, and a longer version, which was part of the band's 1979 self-titled debut album, released by Warner Bros. The song became one of their signature tunes and it helped launch the band's success. "Rock Lobster" was the band's first single to appear on the Billboard Hot 100, where it reached No. 56. A major hit in Canada, the single went all the way to No. 1 in the RPM national singles chart. Its follow-up was "Private Idaho", in October 1980, which reached No. 74 in the US. Rock Lobster was well received by critics and was placed at No. 147 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. 


Year:
2001
4:55
40 

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

We were at a party
His earlobe fell in the deep
Someone reached in and grabbed it
It was a rock lobster
Rock lobster
Rock lobster

We were at the beach
Everybody had matching towels
Somebody went under a dock
And there they saw a rock
It wasn't a rock
It was a rock lobster
Rock lobster
Rock lobster
Rock lobster
Rock lobster

Motion in the ocean
His air hose broke
Lots of trouble
Lots of bubble
He was in a jam
S'in a giant clam
Rock rock
Rock lobster

Down, down

Lobster rock
Lobster rock

Let's rock!

Boy's in bikinis
Girls in surfboards
Everybody's rockin'
Everybody's fruggin'

Twistin' 'round the fire
Havin' fun
Bakin' potatoes
Bakin' in the sun

Put on your noseguard
Put on the Lifeguard
Pass the tanning butter

Here comes a stingray
There goes a manta-ray
In walked a jelly fish
There goes a dog-fish
Chased by a cat-fish
In flew a sea robin
Watch out for that piranha
There goes a narwhal
Here comes a bikini whale!

Rock lobster
Rock lobster
Rock lobster
Rock lobster

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


The B-52's

The B-52s are an American rock band, formed in Athens, Georgia in 1976. The original line-up consisted of Fred Schneider (vocals, cowbell), Kate Pierson (vocals, keyboards), Cindy Wilson (vocals, tambourine, bongos), Ricky Wilson (guitar), and Keith Strickland (drums). Following Ricky Wilson's death in 1985 Strickland switched to guitar. more »

3 fans

Written by: Catherine Elizabeth Pierson, Cynthia Leigh Wilson, Frederick William Schneider, Julian Keith Strickland, Rickey Helton Wilson

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Formation Context
"Rock Lobster" was written by two members of the band The B-52's, Fred Schneider and Ricky Wilson.
Year of Release
The song was initially released independently on a 1978 B-52's album, but became popular after it was included in their official self-titled debut album released by Warner Bros. Records in 1979.
Chart Performance
"Rock Lobster" peaked at No. 56 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. However, it did considerably better in Canada, reaching No. 1 on the country's RPM ratings.
Popularity & Influence
"Rock Lobster" is often hailed as a key track of the New Wave genre and regarded as a staple in the history of rock music.
Unique Features
The instrumentation is unusual and features a variety of unconventional sound effects, including a slide whistle, a smoke alarm, seagull-like screaming, and fish noises. There’s also a part where the band members are calling out different kinds of sea creatures.
Inspiring Other Artists
It’s said that John Lennon, formerly of The Beatles, heard "Rock Lobster" at a nightclub and it apparently inspired him to return to recording music.
Single's Track Length
The original 1978 version of "Rock Lobster" lasts 6 minutes 49 seconds, but the 1979 single version is slightly shorter, clocking in at 4 minutes 36 seconds.
Cover Versions
"Rock Lobster" has been covered by several bands and musicians over the years. Notably, the British band, "The Computers," performed it as a live cover for BBC Radio 1's The Punk Show in 2012.
Music Video
The music video of the song was also popular for its unique features. It portrayed a beach party theme with the band grooving to the song's catchy tune.
Critical Acclaim
In 2004, "Rock Lobster" was ranked No. 147 in Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Uses in Pop Culture
"Rock Lobster" is notable for being used in many TV shows and movies over the years, including "Family Guy," "The Simpsons," and 1987's "The Secret of My Success."

Discuss the Rock Lobster Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Rock Lobster Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/4852475/The+B-52%27s/Rock+Lobster>.

    Missing lyrics by The B-52's?

    Know any other songs by The B-52's? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Rock Lobster

    8.3M
    75,320     2,272

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    What artist did this line, "but I can't help falling in love with you."?
    A Eddie Cochran
    B Elvis Presley
    C Jim Reeves
    D Crispian St. Peters

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    The B-52's tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!