Electric Slide Lyrics: The Heartbeat of a Timeless Dance Anthem
Electric Slide lyrics pulse with the infectious energy of a song that has united dancers at weddings, family reunions, and parties for decades.
Written by Bunny Wailer and performed by Marcia Griffiths as “Electric Boogie” in 1982, with a 1989 remix that skyrocketed its fame, this Electric Slide by Marcia Griffiths became the definitive soundtrack for the Electric Slide dance lyrics. Its catchy rhythm and inviting Electric Slide song words like “It’s electric! Boogie woogie, woogie” make it a staple for Electric Slide wedding song lyrics and Electric Slide party song lyrics.
Electric Slide Full Lyrics: The Complete Text
The Electric Slide full lyrics from Marcia Griffiths’ “Electric Boogie” are vibrant and repetitive, designed to keep dancers moving. Below are the Electric Slide original version lyrics as performed in the 1989 remix:
Intro:
It’s electric!
You can’t see it (It’s electric!)
You gotta feel it (It’s electric!)
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.
Chorus:
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.
Verse 1:
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.
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.
Bridge:
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 movin’ like electric,
She sure got the boogie.
Chorus (repeated):
Don’t wanna lose it (It’s electric, boogie woogie, woogie),
But you can’t choose it (It’s electric, boogie woogie, woogie),
But you know it’s there,
Yeah, here, there, everywhere.
Verse 2:
I’ve got to move,
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.
Outro:
Ola ola eh, ola eh (don dela don deloh!)
Ola ola eh, ola eh (don dela don deloh!)
Ola ola eh, ola eh (don dela don deloh!)
Ola ola eh, ola eh (don dela don deloh!)
Ola ola eh, ola eh (don dela don deloh!)
These Electric Slide song words are simple yet electrifying, with the Electric Slide chorus and verses driving the song’s danceable vibe. The playful “jiggle-a-mesa-cara” and rhythmic “boogie woogie” make it unforgettable.
Electric Slide by Marcia Griffiths: The Song Origins
Electric Slide by Marcia Griffiths traces its roots to Jamaica, where reggae legend Bunny Wailer wrote “Electric Boogie” in 1982, inspired by Eddy Grant’s “Electric Avenue.” Griffiths, known as the “Queen of Reggae,” recorded the track in December 1982 using a rhythm box she bought in Toronto. The song’s spontaneous creation, born from playful studio experimentation, captured a joyful, carefree spirit. It hit number one in Jamaica that Christmas but gained global fame with a 1989 remix, peaking at number 51 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1990.
The 1989 remix, with its polished production and infectious beat, became synonymous with the Electric Slide dance lyrics. Griffiths herself learned the dance on stage during a 1989 US tour when fans in Washington, DC, performed it en masse. The song’s universal appeal, blending reggae, pop, and dancehall, made it a go-to for Electric Slide wedding song lyrics and Electric Slide party song lyrics worldwide.
Electric Slide Dance Lyrics: The Line Dance Connection
The Electric Slide dance lyrics are inseparable from the four-wall line dance choreographed by Ric Silver in 1976, originally to a demo of “Electric Boogie.” Silver’s 22-step routine, featuring grapevines and quarter turns, caught fire in nightclubs and social events. By the 1980s, an 18-step variation emerged, becoming the most popular version despite Silver’s objections. This simpler sequence, named the world’s top dance by Linedancer Magazine for a decade, made the Electric Slide accessible to all.
The dance’s appeal lies in its inclusivity. At weddings, bar mitzvahs, and Black family reunions, the Electric Slide song words like “Come let me take you on a party ride” invite everyone to join. The 1989 music video, showcasing the dance’s steps, further boosted its popularity, especially in African American communities where it’s a cultural staple, often danced to songs beyond “Electric Boogie,” like Maze’s “Before I Let Go.”
How to Dance Electric Slide: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to dance Electric Slide is key to enjoying this iconic routine. The popular 18-step version, performed in four directions, syncs with the song’s 128 BPM beat. Here’s a Electric Slide step-by-step lyrics guide tied to the music:
- Grapevine Right (Steps 1–4): “It’s electric!” – Step right with your right foot, cross left foot behind, step right again, touch left foot beside right (clap).
- Grapevine Left (Steps 5–8): “You gotta feel it!” – Step left with left foot, cross right foot behind, step left again, touch right foot beside left (clap).
- Step Back and Touch (Steps 9–12): “Ooh, it’s shakin’!” – Step back with right foot, touch left toe forward, step back with left foot, touch right toe forward.
- Step Forward, Touch, Turn (Steps 13–18): “I’ll teach you the electric slide” – Step forward with right foot, touch left toe, step forward with left foot, touch right toe, step left with a quarter turn left, hop or step to restart.
Repeat these steps, facing a new wall each time, to the Electric Slide chorus and verses. Practice slowly, using the song’s rhythm to guide your flow. Beginners can watch community center classes or YouTube tutorials for visual cues, but the Electric Slide dance lyrics themselves—“groove, groove, groove”—encourage intuitive movement.
Electric Slide Chorus and Verses: Musical Structure
The Electric Slide chorus and verses create a dynamic structure that fuels the dance. The chorus, with its repetitive “It’s electric, boogie woogie, woogie,” anchors the song, driving the grapevine steps with its steady beat. The verses, like “I’ve got to move, I’m going on a party ride,” add narrative, inviting dancers to join the “party ride” of the Electric Slide. The intro and bridge, with phrases like “Jiggle-a-mesa-cara,” inject playful energy, perfect for the dance’s claps and hops.
Musically, the song is in D♭ Major, with major chords (D♭, G♭, A♭) giving it a bright, upbeat feel. The chord progression’s novelty, higher than average for pop songs, adds a unique groove, as noted in music theory analyses. The “ola ola eh” outro, a reggae-inspired chant, extends the party vibe, keeping dancers engaged.
Electric Slide Wedding Song Lyrics: A Celebration Staple
Electric Slide wedding song lyrics shine at receptions, where the song’s inclusive energy unites guests. The line “Come let me take you on a party ride” feels like an invitation to the dance floor, making it a perfect Electric Slide party song lyrics choice. Couples often include it alongside “Cupid Shuffle” or “Sweet Caroline” to spark multigenerational fun. In Black weddings, it’s a tradition, with aunties and kids alike hitting the 18-step routine to “Electric Boogie” or even Cameo’s “Candy.”
The song’s 3:58 runtime allows for multiple dance cycles, ensuring everyone joins in. DJs report that Electric Slide clears seats faster than most tracks, with its familiar beat drawing even shy guests. Its secular, joyful tone suits diverse crowds, from beachside nuptials to ballroom affairs, cementing its status as a wedding classic.
Electric Slide Party Song Lyrics: Universal Dancefloor Magic
As Electric Slide party song lyrics, the song thrives in varied settings—block parties, corporate events, school dances. Its call to “teach you the electric slide” feels personal, encouraging first-timers to try. At Black family reunions, it’s a ritual, with elders leading the line to the Electric Slide song words. The dance’s adaptability shines when paired with tracks like Frankie Beverly’s “Before I Let Go” or Brick’s “Dazz,” showing its versatility beyond Griffiths’ original.
The song’s infectious rhythm, with its “boogie woogie, woogie” hook, keeps energy high. Partygoers of all ages connect through its simple steps, creating shared memories. Its presence in films like The Best Man (1999), where characters dance to “Candy,” underscores its cultural weight, making it a go-to for festive gatherings.
Electric Slide Original Version Lyrics: Evolution of a Hit
The Electric Slide original version lyrics from 1982 differ slightly from the 1989 remix. The earlier recording, rawer and more reggae-focused, lacked the polished synths and pop sheen that made the remix a global hit. Lyrics remained consistent, but the 1982 version’s slower tempo (around 120 BPM) suited a less structured dance. The 1989 remix, with its crisper production, aligned perfectly with the 18-step dance’s rise, amplifying lines like “You can’t resist it” to match the dance floor’s energy.
Griffiths’ 2023 re-recording with Shaggy for a Jeep Super Bowl ad, featuring CGI animals dancing the Electric Slide, introduced the Electric Slide song words to new audiences. This version, with added vocals from Moyann, Jamila Falak, and Amber Lee, retained the core lyrics but modernized the sound, proving the song’s timeless appeal.
How to Dance Electric Slide: Tips for Mastery
Beyond the Electric Slide step-by-step lyrics, mastering the dance requires practice and confidence. Here are tips to perfect your How to dance Electric Slide:
- Start Slow: Practice without music, counting steps (1–18) to internalize the grapevine and turn.
- Sync with the Beat: Use the chorus’s “boogie woogie, woogie” to time your steps, moving on each beat.
- Add Style: Incorporate claps or hip sways during touches, as seen in community dance lines, to match the song’s vibe.
- Stay in Line: At crowded events, keep your steps tight to avoid bumping others, aligning with the group’s rhythm.
- Watch and Learn: Observe experienced dancers at parties, noting their flow with lines like “groove, groove, groove.”
Classes at community centers or YMCAs often teach the Electric Slide, especially before wedding season. The dance’s forgiving nature means small mistakes blend into the group’s energy, making it fun for beginners.
Electric Slide in Black Culture: A Community Staple
The Electric Slide dance lyrics hold special significance in African American communities, where the dance is a unifying force. Popularized in the late 1980s, it became a hallmark of Black joy at reunions, cookouts, and weddings. The 1989 remix’s release coincided with a surge in line dance popularity, alongside tracks like “Before I Let Go.” Social media posts from 2024 highlight its enduring role, with users joking that “no Black gathering is complete without the Electric Slide.”
The dance’s 18-step version, embraced over Silver’s 22-step original, reflects community adaptation, prioritizing accessibility. Its presence in films like Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005), danced to “Dazz,” shows its flexibility. The Electric Slide song words foster collective euphoria, as Griffiths intended, connecting generations through movement.
Electric Slide in Pop Culture: Media and Beyond
The Electric Slide by Marcia Griffiths permeates pop culture, from TV to commercials. The 1969 animated special Frosty the Snowman may have inspired the dance’s communal vibe, though it predates “Electric Boogie.” In The Best Man (1999), the cast’s Electric Slide to “Candy” became iconic, while Tyler Perry’s Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005) featured it with “Dazz.” Recent TV shows, like Insecure, nod to the dance at Black gatherings, reinforcing its cultural weight.
Commercials, like the 2023 Jeep ad, keep the Electric Slide song words alive, while TikTok videos from 2024 show Gen Z learning the steps at family events. Its inclusion in video games like Just Dance and fitness classes like Zumba highlights its cross-generational appeal, making it a pop culture mainstay.
Electric Slide Wedding Song Lyrics: Planning Tips
For couples planning receptions, the Electric Slide wedding song lyrics are a must. DJs recommend playing it mid-set to energize the crowd, often after dinner but before slower dances. Pair it with other line dances like “Cha Cha Slide” for a seamless flow. Ensure your venue has a spacious dance floor, as the Electric Slide draws dozens, from kids to grandparents.
Instruct your DJ to use the 1989 remix for authenticity, though covers by The Hit Crew (2007) work in a pinch. Provide lyric sheets or a dance leader to guide guests, especially those new to How to dance Electric Slide. The song’s joyful “party ride” vibe ensures a memorable moment, captured in wedding videos for years to come.
Electric Slide Party Song Lyrics: Beyond Weddings
As Electric Slide party song lyrics, the song excels in diverse settings. At corporate events, it breaks the ice, with colleagues syncing to “I’ll teach you the electric slide.” School dances see teens and teachers unite, while cruise ships host Electric Slide nights, with passengers dancing under the stars. The song’s 3:58 length allows multiple cycles, keeping the floor packed.
Its adaptability shines at themed parties—’80s nights, reggae festivals, or multicultural events. DJs often mix it with “Cupid Shuffle” or “Wobble” for a line dance medley, amplifying the Electric Slide dance lyrics’ festive pull. Its universal appeal makes it a party essential, sparking joy wherever it plays.
Electric Slide Step-by-Step Lyrics: Teaching the Dance
Teaching the Electric Slide step-by-step lyrics is rewarding, whether for a class or family event. Use the song’s structure to guide learners:
- Intro (“It’s electric!”): Introduce the dance’s rhythm, clapping to the beat.
- Chorus (“Boogie woogie, woogie”): Teach the grapevine steps, emphasizing claps on touches.
- Verses (“I’ve got to move”): Add the back-and-forth steps, syncing with “groove, groove, groove.”
- Outro (“Ola ola eh”): Practice the quarter turn and hop, restarting the cycle.
Break the dance into segments, practicing each before combining. Play the song at half-speed initially, then full speed as confidence grows. The Electric Slide song words guide the pace, making teaching intuitive and fun.
FAQs About Electric Slide Lyrics
- What are the Electric Slide lyrics about?
The Electric Slide lyrics celebrate dance and energy, inviting listeners to join a “party ride” and learn the Electric Slide dance lyrics with “boogie woogie” flair. - Who sings Electric Slide by Marcia Griffiths?
Electric Slide by Marcia Griffiths is performed by Marcia Griffiths, with the 1989 remix of “Electric Boogie” becoming the iconic version for the dance. - How do you dance the Electric Slide?
How to dance Electric Slide involves an 18-step sequence with grapevines, back-and-forth steps, and a quarter turn, synced to the song’s beat. - What are the Electric Slide chorus and verses?
The Electric Slide chorus and verses include the chorus’s “It’s electric, boogie woogie, woogie” and verses like “I’ve got to move, I’m going on a party ride.” - Why are Electric Slide wedding song lyrics popular?
Electric Slide wedding song lyrics are popular for their inclusive, upbeat vibe, uniting guests of all ages on the dance floor at receptions. - Can Electric Slide party song lyrics be used for other dances?
Electric Slide party song lyrics are versatile, often paired with other line dances or songs like “Before I Let Go” in Black community events. - Where can I find Electric Slide step-by-step lyrics?
Electric Slide step-by-step lyrics align the dance’s 18 steps with the song’s rhythm, like grapevines during the chorus, taught in classes or videos.
Conclusion Electric Slide lyrics
Electric Slide lyrics embody the joyous spirit of a dance that transcends generations and cultures, from weddings to family cookouts. Electric Slide by Marcia Griffiths, with its 1989 remix of “Electric Boogie,” pairs Electric Slide full lyrics like “It’s electric, boogie woogie, woogie” with an 18-step line dance that’s easy to learn via How to dance Electric Slide guides.
Whether sparking nostalgia at a reception with Electric Slide wedding song lyrics or energizing a crowd with Electric Slide party song lyrics, the song’s infectious rhythm unites dancers. With Electric Slide step-by-step lyrics tying each move to the beat, and its deep roots in Black culture and pop media, this anthem remains a timeless call to “groove, groove, groove,” ensuring the Electric Slide dance lyrics keep the party alive for years to come.
