Shoppin' for Clothes

The Coasters

About Shoppin' for Clothes

"Shoppin' for Clothes" is a novelty R&B song in the talking blues style, recorded by American vocal group the Coasters in 1960. Originally credited to Elmo Glick, a songwriting pseudonym of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who also produced the track, it was partly based on the 1956 song "Clothes Line (Wrap It Up)", written by Kent Harris and recorded by him as Boogaloo and his Gallant Crew. Harris later received a co-writing credit on "Shoppin' for Clothes."


Year:
1997
3:01
96 
#1

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I was shopping for a suit the other day
And walked into the department store
Stepped on the elevator and told the girl
"Dry goods floor"

When I got off, a salesman come up to me
He said "now, what can I do for you?"
I said "well go in there and show me all the sport's clothes
Like you're supposed to"

He said, "well, sure, come on in buddy
Dig these fabrics we got laid out on the shelf"
He said
"Pick yourself out one try it on, stand in the mirror and dig yourself"

(Ooh-ooh-ooh) that suit's pure herringbone
(Ooh-ooh-ooh) yeah, that's a suit I'd like to own
(Ooh-ooh-ooh) buddy, that suit is you
(Ooh-ooh-ooh) yeah, I believe it too

I see for the business man you featurin' a natural shoulder
That retail, wholesale, indeed
It's got the custom cuffs and the walking short
He said "And I'm gonna let you have at a steal"

And for the playboy you have the latest in tweed
With the cut-away flap over twice
It's a box-back, two button western model
He said, "Now ain't that nice"

(Ooh-ooh-ooh) them buttons are solid gold
(Ooh-ooh-ooh) you made a deal, sold
(Ooh-ooh-ooh) that collar's pure camel hair
(Ooh-ooh-ooh) well, you can just set it down right in that chair

Now you go back there and you get that paper and let me sign on the dotted line
And I'll make sure I get all my payments in right on time
Hey wait a minute buddy, let me go back there and do a little checking on you
Then the man come back, he said "I'm sorry my man, but your credit didn't go through"
Why, what you mean?

(Ooh-ooh-ooh) ain't this a shame
(Ooh-ooh-ooh) my heart's in pain
(Ooh-ooh-ooh) pure, pure herringbone
(Ooh-ooh-ooh) that's a suit you'll never own
Ooh, Lord have mercy, I gotta good job, sweeping up every day...

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The Coasters

The Coasters are an American rhythm and blues/rock and roll vocal group that had a string of hits in the late 1950s. Beginning with "Searchin'" and "Young Blood," their most memorable songs were written by the songwriting and producing team of Leiber and Stoller. Although the Coasters originated outside of mainstream doo wop, their records were so frequently imitated that they became an important part of the doo wop legacy through the 1960s. more »

2 fans

Written by: JERRY LEIBER, KENT HARRIS, MIKE STOLLER

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


9 facts about this song

Origin
"Shoppin' For Clothes" is an interesting track by The Coasters, an American rock and roll/R&B vocal group that had a series of hits in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Release Date
The song "Shoppin' For Clothes" was released in 1960 and became one of the popular tracks of the group that year.
Inspirational Source
The song was initially based on a routine talk by comedian Kent Harris, called "Clothesline," which revolved around the theme of shopping for clothes.
Songwriters
Officially, the credit for the song was given to Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the songwriting duo who played a significant role in the Coasters' success. However, later, Kent Harris was also credited for his contribution.
Unique Concept
The Coasters presented a unique storytelling mode in "Shoppin' For Clothes", using area-specific language with a humorous touch. This approach caught the attention of many listeners, making the song a hit.
Song Theme
This song showcases a conversation between a customer and a salesman in a clothing store revealing a classic tug of war. The customer desires to buy expensive clothes but discovers that his credit is not approved.
Contribution to Popular Culture
"Shoppin' For Clothes" has had a cultural impact. It was frequently played on radio stations, and it also inspired a lot of advertising campaigns related to clothes shopping.
Cover Versions and Samples
This track has been covered and sampled by several artists over the years, including De La Soul and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, which demonstrates its enduring appeal.
Musical Elements
"Shoppin’ For Clothes" is noted for its distinctive narrative style and the jazzy, bluesy music that accompanies it. Also, the hilarious and sarcastic banter between the Coasters’ members adds to the song's charm.

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    "Shoppin' for Clothes Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/6986026/The+Coasters/Shoppin%27+for+Clothes>.

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    Shoppin' for Clothes

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1960

    Billboard #83


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