Teach Me How to Shimmy

Mama you taught me how to do The Bop.1

You taught me how to boogie real slow.

You taught me how to twist2 and you taught me how to slop.

Mama teach me one thing more.

Oh teach me how to shimmy

like you and Daddy do (got to get it, got to get it.)3

Teach me how to shimmy,

so I can shimmy too (got to get it.)

Mama, there's gonna be a dance tonight.

You gotta teach double quick.

Mama, if I don't know how to do it right,

Chico's gonna steal my chick.4

Ah teach me how to shimmy

like you and Daddy do (got to get it, got to get it.)

Teach me how to shimmy

so I can shimmy too (got to get it.)

[Instrumental]

Teach me how to shimmy

like you and Daddy do (got to get it, got to get it.)

Teach me how to shimmy,

so I can shimmy too (got to get it.)

I can hully gully good as Chico can,

but Mama hully gully ain't wit' it.5

My little girl likes to wiggle and shake,

and that's the only thing that's gonna get it.

But teach me how to shimmy

like you and Daddy do (got to get it, got to get it.)

Teach me how to shimmy,

so I can shimmy too (got to get it.)

Teach me how to shimmy

like you and Daddy do (got to get it, got to get it.)

Teach me how to shimmy,

so I can shimmy too (got to get it.)

1. The Bop = Dance trend of the 50s. Compare Bobby Day's "Rockin' Robin".2. The Twist = Dance trend of the 50s. Compare Chubby Checker's "Let's Twist Again"3. "Get it" = In this context, the singer needs to get it down, get the dance movements right. He wants to get with it, get with the program. Other examples, 1) "This math is too hard. I don't get it." 2) You don't understand something. Someone's explanation imparts understanding. Then you say, "Oh, now I get it!"4. Chick = Slang for woman or date.5. Ain't wit' it = It's not with it, it's not good enough for her.

• Artist:Smokey Joe's Cafe (Musical)
• Album:Smokey Joe's Cafe: Original cast recording