Here are some quick facts about "Electric Slide" and the meaning behind the lyrics;
Who Wrote Electric Slide?
The song "Electric Boogie (The Electric Slide)" was written by Bunny Wailer, a Jamaican singer-songwriter and a founding member of the reggae group The Wailers. The song was originally released as "Electric Boogie" by Marcia Griffiths, another Jamaican singer and a member of The I-Threes, a vocal trio that provided backing vocals for Bob Marley and The Wailers.
While Bunny Wailer is credited with writing the song, Marcia Griffiths' version, particularly the one known as "The Electric Slide," became widely popular for its association with a line dance known as the Electric Slide. The dance gained significant popularity in the 1990s and has since become a staple at parties and events around the world.
What Genre is Electric Slide?
The song "Electric Boogie (The Electric Slide)" by Marcia Griffiths falls within the genres of reggae and dancehall. Reggae is a Jamaican music genre that originated in the late 1960s, characterized by its distinctive rhythmic patterns and socially conscious lyrics. Dancehall is a genre that emerged from reggae in the late 1970s and is known for its focus on rhythm, beats, and danceable tunes.
"Electric Boogie" incorporates these Jamaican music styles, blending reggae elements with a danceable and upbeat rhythm. The song gained widespread popularity not only for its musical style but also for its association with the line dance known as the Electric Slide, adding a danceable and social element to its appeal.
When Was Electric Slide First Released?
"Electric Boogie (The Electric Slide)" by Marcia Griffiths was originally released in 1982. The song was featured on Griffiths' album titled "Carousel," which was released in the same year. While the song itself was not an immediate hit upon its release, it gained significant popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s, especially with the rise of the Electric Slide dance that became associated with the song. The dance's widespread adoption at parties and events contributed to the enduring popularity of the song.
Full Meaning Behind Electric Slide Lyrics
Verse 1: The Unseen Force
"You can't see it, It's electric, You gotta feel it, It's electric"
The opening lines of the Electric Slide lyrics set the stage for an experience that transcends the visual and taps into the realm of sensation. The "it" referred to is not a tangible entity but an unseen force — the electric energy that pulses through the dance floor. Griffiths invites us to go beyond mere observation and instead immerse ourselves in the rhythmic vibrations.
Chorus: The Irresistible Groove
"Ooh, it's shakin', It's electric, Jiggle-a-mesa-cara, She's a pumpin' like a matic, She's a movin' like electric, She sure got the boogie"
The chorus amplifies the irresistible nature of the electric slide. The rhythmic shaking and jiggling symbolize the infectious groove that takes hold of dancers. "Jiggle-a-mesa-cara" adds a playful, rhythmic element, emphasizing the joyous, carefree spirit of the dance. Griffiths paints a vivid picture of a woman moving with the precision of a machine but possessing the free-spirited essence of electric energy.
Verse 2: The Inescapable Presence
"You gotta know it, It's electric, Boogie woogie, woogie! Now you can't hold it, It's electric, Boogie woogie, woogie! But you know it's there, Yeah here there everywhere"
In the second verse, Griffiths underscores the inescapable presence of the electric vibe. It's not something to be contained or restrained; it permeates the air. The repetition of "Boogie woogie, woogie!" echoes the pulsating rhythm, reinforcing that the electric slide is not just a dance; it's a state of being. The omnipresence of this energy is emphasized with the declaration that it's "here, there, everywhere."
Bridge: The Dance Invitation
"I've got to move, I'm going on a party ride, I've got to groove, groove, groove, And from this music I just can't hide"
The bridge serves as an invitation to join the party ride and let the music guide one's movements. The call to groove is not just a physical directive but a surrender to the music's influence. The inability to hide from the music suggests a transformative power, turning the dance into an inevitable and liberating experience.
Chorus Reprise: The Mystique of the Electric
"Some say it's mystic, It's electric, Boogie woogie, woogie, You can't resist it, It's electric, Boogie woogie, woogie, You can't do without it, It's electric, Boogie woogie, woogie, Jiggle-a-mesa-cara, She's a pumpin' like a matic, She's a movin' like electric, She sure got the boogie"
The reprise of the chorus introduces an element of mystique to the electric slide. The term "mystic" suggests a deeper, almost spiritual quality to the dance. The repetition of "Boogie woogie, woogie" and the vivid description of the woman's movements reinforce the irresistibility and essential nature of the electric boogie.
Final Verse and Chorus: The Dance Instructor
"Are you comin' with me? Come let me take you on a party ride, And I'll teach you, teach you, teach you, I'll teach you the electric slide"
In the final verse and chorus, Griffiths takes on the role of a dance instructor, inviting others to join in the revelry. The call to come along on a "party ride" implies a communal celebration, and the promise to teach the electric slide transforms the song into a participatory experience. The repetition of "teach you" emphasizes the accessibility and inclusivity of the dance.
Conclusion: The Universal Language of Dance
In conclusion, the Electric Slide lyrics by Marcia Griffiths celebrate the unifying and transformative power of dance. Beyond the catchy melody and rhythmic beats, the song captures the essence of a communal experience where individuals surrender to the electric energy. Griffiths' playful yet profound lyrics invite us to embrace the unseen force, let go of inhibitions, and join the universal dance of joy. The Electric Slide becomes more than just a series of steps; it's a celebration of life's rhythm, a shared journey on a party ride where everyone is invited to groove to the electric slide.
