Sam the Sham and The Pharaohs were an American rock and roll band, best known for their hit song Wooly Bully (1965). The group was led by Sam Samudio, who combined rock, pop, and Latin influences to create catchy, danceable tunes.
Their playful, energetic style made them popular in the 1960s, and ‘Wooly Bully’ remains one of their most popular tracks.
About the Song
Wooly Bully is a lively, fast-paced track that brings a fun, almost chaotic energy to listeners. While the lyrics are somewhat nonsensical, the song’s vibe is all about celebration and letting loose.
With the recurring chant of “Wooly bully!” and energetic instrumentation, the songs show the carefree spirit of 1960s rock and roll, mixing rhythm and fun in equal measure.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Released | December, 1965 |
| Album | The MGM Singles (2011) |
| Writers | Sam the Sham & The Pharaohs |
| Producers | Stan Kesler |
Meaning of The Song
“Wooly Bully” by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs is a playful rock and roll song about a conversation between two characters, Matty and Hatty.
They talk about a mysterious creature called the “Wooly Bully,” which is described as having “two big horns and a wooly jaw.” This might be a reference to an American bison.
The song uses this quirky image as a backdrop to encourage listeners to let loose and dance. Hatty invites Matty to join in and “not be L-7,” which is slang for “not be square” or uncool.
The lyrics are lighthearted and a bit nonsensical. They focus more on creating a fun, danceable vibe than telling a clear story.
The song’s lively party feel is enhanced by the Tex-Mex musical style, energetic organ riff, and memorable countdown in Spanish and English.
Overall, “Wooly Bully” is about having fun and enjoying the moment. It’s a reminder not to worry about being cool or fitting in.
Instead, get up, dance, and enjoy yourself. Its catchy tune and playful spirit helped make it a huge hit and a lasting favorite in pop culture.
Read Full Lyrics of Wooly Bully
Intro
Uno, dos
One, two, tres, cuatro
Yes, Wooly Bully
Watch it now, watch it
Here he come, here he come
Watch it now, he git ya
Verse 1
Matty told Hatty about a thing she saw
Had two big horns and a wooly jaw
Wooly Bully, Wooly Bully, yeah, drive
Wooly Bully, Wooly Bully, Wooly Bully
Verse 2
Hatty told Matty, “Let’s don’t take no chance
Let’s not be L-seven, come and learn to dance”
Wooly Bully, Wooly Bully
Wooly Bully, Wooly Bully, Wooly Bully
Bridge
Watch it now, watch it, watch it, watch it
Yeah
Yeah, drive, drive, drive
Verse 3
Matty told Hatty, “That’s the thing to do
Get you someone really pull the wool with you”
Wooly Bully, Wooly Bully
Wooly Bully, Wooly Bully, Wooly Bully
Outro
Watch it now, watch it, here he come
You got it, you got it
Similar Songs Like Wooly Bully
Here are some other energetic, dance-driven songs by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs that share the fun, carefree spirit of Wooly Bully:
- Little Red Riding Hood: This playful, upbeat track has catchy rhythms and a fun narrative, perfect for dancing.
- Haunted House: Spooky, high-energy song with a lively beat and engaging lyrics that keep the party going.
- Ring Dang Doo: A lively and magnetic track that brings the same fun spirit as Wooly Bully, encouraging everyone to dance.
Awards for The Song
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Grammy Hall of Fame Induction (2009) | Wooly Bully was inducted for its lasting significance |
| RIAA Gold Certification (1965) | Certified Gold for selling over one million copies |
| Billboard Record of the Year (1965) | Named Billboard’s Number One Record of the Year |
Similar Artists Like Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs
If you love the upbeat energy and rock ‘n’ roll vibe of Wooly Bully, you might also enjoy these artists from the 1960s that mixed fun rhythms with exciting rock and roll:
- The Dave Clark Five
Genre: Rock and Roll
Top Album: Glad All Over (1964) - The Sonics
Genre: Garage Rock
Top Album: Here Are The Sonics (1965) - The Kingsmen
Genre: Rock and Roll
Top Album: The Kingsmen In Person (1964) - The Standells
Genre: Garage Rock
Top Album: Dirty Water (1966)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Song Start With a Countdown in Spanish?
It adds to the song’s playful, multicultural party vibe.
Is Wooly Bully Referenced in Pop Culture?
Yes, it has appeared in movies, TV shows, and was even referenced by Paul McCartney in “C Moon.”
Was Wooly Bully Ever Banned or Controversial?
Some radio stations banned it because the lyrics were considered hard to understand.
