The Meaning Behind The Song: Ya Ya by Lee Dorsey
Lee Dorsey’s 1961 hit “Ya Ya” took the world by storm, earning him a spot at the forefront of the New Orleans R&B scene at the time. The catchy tune, featuring a repetitive but irresistible chorus, was written by Lee Dorsey and Clarence Lewis and has been covered by multiple artists over the years. The lyrics revolve around a playful back-and-forth between two people, with a rhythmic musical backdrop that makes it easy for listeners to dance along and get lost in the upbeat melody.
Table of Contents
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “Ya Ya” are centered around a conversation between two people, with the chorus acting as a playful refrain that keeps the song light and bouncy. The lyrics go like this:
Verse 1:
“Well, my mother and my father, too
‘Ya’ know they’re gonna worry
About the things I do
Ya Ya, Ya Ya
Ya Ya, Ya Ya.”
Chorus:
“I found my thrill, on Blueberry Hill
On Blueberry Hill, where I found you
The moon stood still, on Blueberry Hill
And lingered until, my dreams came true.”
Verse 2:
“Ah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
I like the way you talk
I like the way you walk
I like the way you walk about your business
Ya Ya, Ya Ya
Ya Ya, Ya Ya.”
Chorus:
“I found my thrill, on Blueberry Hill
On Blueberry Hill, where I found you
The moon stood still, on Blueberry Hill
And lingered until, my dreams came true.”
The two speakers in the song seem to be flirting with one another, with the second speaker responding affirmatively to compliments from the first speaker.
The Meaning Behind The Lyrics
The lyrics of “Ya Ya” are playful and light-hearted, with a flirtatious back-and-forth between two people at the center of the song. The chorus seems to be a random addition to the song, possibly meant to add a sense of nostalgia or romance to the tune. The verses are where the true meaning of the song lies – the first verse hints at the idea that people are judging the actions of the speaker, while the second verse focuses more on the physical attributes of the second speaker.
The repeated use of “Ya Ya” throughout the song gives it a cheerful and upbeat vibe, despite some of the more serious undertones present in the lyrics. Many listeners have interpreted the song as a representation of the social climate at the time, with young people trying to break free from the constraints of society and live their lives as they see fit.
The History of the Song
“Ya Ya” was recorded by Lee Dorsey in 1961, as a part of his first album, “Ya Ya”. The song quickly became a hit on the R&B charts, staying in the #1 spot for two weeks and remaining in the charts for a total of 10 weeks. The catchy tune and repetitive chorus made it a favorite among listeners, and it quickly spread to other regions and genres.
Over the years, “Ya Ya” has been covered by a number of artists, including John Lennon, who performed it during some of his live shows. The song has also made its way into various soundtracks, including the 1988 movie “Hairspray”.
FAQs:
1. Who wrote “Ya Ya”?
“Ya Ya” was written by Lee Dorsey and Clarence Lewis.
2. What is the meaning behind the song?
The song is about a playful back-and-forth between two people and has been interpreted by some as a representation of the social climate at the time, with young people trying to break free from the constraints of society and live their lives as they see fit.
3. When was “Ya Ya” released?
The song was released in 1961.
4. Who else has covered “Ya Ya” over the years?
“Ya Ya” has been covered by a number of artists, including John Lennon.
5. How long did “Ya Ya” stay at #1 on the R&B charts?
“Ya Ya” stayed at #1 on the R&B charts for two weeks.
6. What movie featured “Ya Ya” on its soundtrack?
The 1988 movie “Hairspray” featured “Ya Ya” on its soundtrack.
7. What was the inspiration behind the song?
The inspiration behind the song is unclear, although it seems to be a playful flirtation between two people.
8. What other songs did Lee Dorsey record?
Lee Dorsey recorded a number of hits, including “Working in the Coal Mine” and “Ride Your Pony”.
9. What is the origin of the phrase “Ya Ya”?
The origin of the phrase “Ya Ya” is unclear, but it has been used in various songs throughout history.
10. What genre of music is “Ya Ya” considered to be?
“Ya Ya” is considered to be an R&B and pop song.
11. Who else was popular in the R&B scene during the time “Ya Ya” was released?
Other popular R&B artists in the early 1960s included James Brown, Sam Cooke, and Otis Redding.
12. How did “Ya Ya” impact the music industry at the time?
“Ya Ya” helped to establish Lee Dorsey as a major force in the R&B scene at the time and helped to pave the way for other artists in the genre. Its catchy melody and playful lyrics made it a favorite among listeners and helped to solidify the popularity of R&B music during the early 1960s.
