Being a stickler for accuracy and authenticity, I thought I’d take a look at the lyrics for Bristol Stomp, a song by the Dovells that I have been listening to for nearly 1,500 times, almost all ina row. I downloaded a YouTube video of their performance and slowed down the audio to get a better picture of what was actually being said. I also checked it with the lead singer’s mouth. For the most part, these lyrics were correct.
There are some versions of the lyrics that say, “when they join in jumping”. I slowed down the audio and listened carefully and clearly heard an S sound where the word “in” is. I also didn’t really hear much of an “ay” sound in “they”. This led me to find that “when the joint is jumping” to be more correct. Finally, “come on and climb” seems to be a little off. I watched the video and the lead singer doesn’t seem to form his mouth to create any ‘m’ or ‘b’ sounds: his lips need to come together for that and his lips don’t do that. This leads me to believe that he said “glide” instead of “climb”. Considering that the lyrics refer to the dance terms “pony” and “twist”, I found that “glide” is also apparently a 60’s dance. Yes, “The Climb” is also on there, but like I said, glide seems to make more aural and visual sense.
The kids in Bristol
Are sharp as a pistol
When they do the Bristol Stomp
Really something when
The joint is jumping
When they do the Bristol Stomp
Whoa, oh, the sounds
Are spinning every Friday night
They dance the greatest
And they do it right
Well here’s the latest
It’s a crazy sight to see
(CHORUS)
It started in Bristol at a DJ hop
They hollered and whistled
Never wanted to stop
We pony and twisted
And we rocked with Daddy G
(CHORUS)
It’s got that groovy beat
That makes you stomp your feet
Come on and glide, gonna feel fine
And once you dance with me
You’ll fall in love, you’ll see
The Bristol Stomp will
Make you mine, all mine
The sounds are spinning
Every Friday night
They dance the greatest
And they do it right
Well here’s the latest
It’s a crazy sight to see
(CHORUS)
It started in Bristol at a DJ hop
They hollered and whistled
Never wanted to stop
We pony and twisted
And we rocked with Daddy G
(CHORUS) 2X