I’ve been a fan of the classic 1966 rock song Devil with a Blue Dress by Mitch Ryder and The Detroit Wheels for years. It has such a catchy beat and the lyrics are so memorable that I can’t help but sing along whenever I hear it. I’ve often wondered about the meaning behind the song and why it has managed to stand the test of time, becoming one of the most popular rock songs of the era. In this article, I’ll be exploring the devil with a blue dress lyrics and looking at how they have impacted music history. From an analysis of the song’s lyrics to a discussion of its impact on popular culture, let’s dive deep into this classic rock song.
Devil with a Blue Dress
Devil with a Blue Dress is a classic rock ‘n’ roll song made popular by Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels in 1966. The song, written by William Stevenson and produced by Bob Crewe, quickly became a top 10 hit in the United States and Canada. It has since been covered by renowned artists like Bruce Springsteen and Elton John, and was even featured in the 1991 movie “The Doors”.
The song’s lyrics tell a story about a woman who is wearing a blue dress and is “lookin’ so fine”. The chorus emphasizes the devilish nature of the woman as she “shook it down, shook it down, shook it down to the ground”. The phrase “Devil with a Blue Dress” has become a popular idiom, and is often used to describe someone who is wild and rebellious.
The song has been the subject of numerous studies, both academic and popular. Studies have focused on the meaning and messages behind the song, as well as its stylistic and musical influences. The song has been analyzed for its roots in African American music and its relationship to the blues. It has also been the subject of several essays, including one which discusses the effects the song has on its audience.
Devil with a Blue Dress is an iconic rock ‘n’ roll song that stands the test of time, as evidenced by its continued popularity. Its memorable chorus, catchy melody, and meaningful lyrics have helped give it legendary status. The song continues to inspire people around the world, and has been cited as an influence by numerous
Origin of the Song
“Devil with a Blue Dress On” is a popular song written by William Stevenson and Norman Whitfield, and first recorded by Shorty Long in 1964. It has become an iconic and popular rock and roll classic, recorded by numerous artists over the years.
The song was released at the height of the ‘Motown sound’ of the 60s, and was a hit in the US, peaking at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. As well as being popular with music fans, the song also featured in the film “American Hot Wax” in 1978, as well as being sampled in the Run-DMC hit “My Adidas” in 1986.
Though the subject of the song is not explicitly stated in the lyrics, some have interpreted the lyrics to be about a man trying to escape the temptations of an unmarried woman. The lyrics talk of the “devil with a blue dress on” being too hard for the man to resist, and suggest the relationship between the two leads to the man’s downfall.
The song’s legacy has endured for over 50 years, and it has been performed and recorded by a variety of artists including Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Bob Seger, Grand Funk Railroad and Aretha Franklin. It has been used in popular TV shows such as “The Simpsons”, as well as featured in the movie “Back to the Future Part II”. With its mix of blues and soul, “Devil with a Blue Dress On” is a classic of the rock and roll genre.
Its popularity
Meaning of the Lyrics
The song “Devil with a Blue Dress” by Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels is a 1966 popular classic. Its lyrics talk about a person (the devil) who wears a blue dress and entices people with her looks. The lyrics embody the ‘60s rock and roll spirit and tell a story of a person trying to resist temptation.
The song has been featured in numerous films including “American Graffiti” (1973) and “The Blues Brothers” (1980). It has also been covered by artists such as Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp and Joan Jett. According to the Billboard Hot 100 chart, “Devil with a Blue Dress” peaked at No. 4 in 1966.
The lyrics of “Devil with a Blue Dress” are based on a traditional African-American folk song, “Short Dress Gal”. The subject of the song is a female temptress who is wearing a blue dress. The song speaks of the power of temptation and the difficulty of resisting it. In the chorus, the singer is asking for help in order to resist the allure of the woman in the blue dress.
The lyrics of “Devil with a Blue Dress” have become iconic over the years. It is a well-known song that speaks to the power of temptation and the difficulty of resisting it. The song teaches us to be mindful of our actions and to think twice before we act.
Cultural Impact
The 1966 song “Devil With a Blue Dress On” by Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels has become an enduring classic of the 1960s music scene. Not only a hit single, it was also a major factor in the development of the Motown and garage rock genres. The song’s memorable and catchy lyrics made it an instant hit worldwide, and it was soon covered by popular artists such as Joan Jett and Bruce Springsteen.
The cultural impact of “Devil With a Blue Dress On” can be seen in the many covers it has inspired. It has become an anthem of sorts for baby boomers, featuring in many films and TV shows. According to the Recording Industry Association of America, it is one of the 200 best-selling songs of all time, with more than 5 million copies sold.
The song has also become a popular staple of karaoke bars and dance clubs, and is used as a way to bridging generations. The song has been covered by some of the biggest names in music, from Aretha Franklin to the Foo Fighters. It has also been featured in films such as “Easy Rider” and “Back to the Future.”
The cultural resonance of “Devil With a Blue Dress On” goes beyond its commercial success. It has come to symbolize a certain type of music, an era, and a lifestyle. It has remained popular over the years thanks to its catchy lyrics and upbeat music, and it continues to be an important part of the music culture
Cover Versions
The song “Devil with a Blue Dress” was originally recorded by the band Shorty Long in 1964 and has since been covered by several other artists. Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels made an especially popular version of the song in 1969, which was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2018. Other notable covers include the Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp version from 1985 and the Good Charlotte cover from 2003.
The song has become a classic among fans of rock and roll and has become a staple in live performances. According to Rolling Stone magazine, the song has been sampled over 50 times since its original release. In addition to its Grammy Hall of Fame Award, the song was also listed as number 222 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
The lyrics tell the story of a woman who’s “got a mean, mean man” and is looking for a way out. With lines like “Devil with a blue dress on/Shoes and a red balloon/She’s gonna make you a big man real soon,” the song is both powerful and timeless. While the story is a bit dated, the sentiment is still meaningful today.
Thanks to its staying power and its frequent covers, “Devil with a Blue Dress” continues to be an important part of rock and roll history. Whether you’re a fan of the original or prefer one of the covers, this song is definitely worth checking out.
Music Video
The classic song “Devil with a Blue Dress” by Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels was released in 1966 and has been a favorite of music lovers worldwide ever since. Its catchy lyrics and catchy beat have made it an enduring classic in the world of rock and roll. The song was also featured in the movie “American Graffiti” and its music video features the band performing live.
The song tells the story of a young man, the devil in the blue dress, who is trying to make his way through life and seduce a young woman, despite her parents’ disapproval. The catchy chorus of the song, “Devil with a blue dress on, long tall Sally,” is a reminder of the importance of making your own decisions and taking control of your life.
The music video for “Devil with a Blue Dress” was directed by Hal Needham and shot in Detroit. The video features the band performing the song live and acting out the lyrics of the song. It also features cameos by John Lennon and Ringo Starr. The video was an instant success due to its great visuals and catchy soundtrack.
Since its release, “Devil with a Blue Dress” has been featured in numerous movies, television shows, and commercials. It is also often performed in concerts by the band, as well as many other musicians. The song has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has been preserved in the National Recording Registry since 2008. It continues to be a
Historical Significance
The song “Devil with a Blue Dress On” was written in 1964 by William “Mickey” Stevenson and William “Shorty” Long. It became an instant hit with its bluesy sound and clever lyrics. It quickly became a 1960s classic, and was covered by many artists, most notably Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels in 1966.
The song has become a part of American popular culture and has been featured in numerous films and television shows, including The Flintstones and Forrest Gump. Its classic lyrics about a woman in a blue dress and her “sinful” ways have also been a source of inspiration for many.
Interestingly, the song was inspired by a real-life incident. The opening verse of the song is based on a news report Stevenson heard on the radio about a woman in a blue dress who was arrested on the streets of Detroit. He and Long then wrote the rest of the song to fill out the story.
The song has become a symbol of the 1960s and a reminder of the revolutionary culture that was created in that era. It has been used to represent the boldness and freedom of the 1960s, and the private struggles of individuals during that time period. This song is still a timeless classic, with its universal message of standing up for yourself and being who you are.
In 2021, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, which recognizes those songs that have “influence and significance in shaping the music landscape.” It is a well-des
Conclusion
“Devil with a Blue Dress” is an iconic song of the 1960s– a time of immense social change. The lyrics offer an interesting look into the cultural and political events of the time. It has been covered by many artists, each of whom has put their own unique spin on it. Whether you enjoy the original version or the later adaptations, this classic song is sure to remain a beloved part of music history. So grab your dancing shoes and go listen to “Devil with a Blue Dress” today!
