The ‘60s was a time when novelty songs were popular with songs like Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh making their way up the charts. Funny songs like Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavor on the Bedpost Overnight? and the One Eyed, One Horned Flying Purple People Eater were big hits.
Today’s entry to the Soundtrack was one of those novelty songs that caught on and lasted a long time. Even today it regains its popularity at the onset of summer.
The story told about a young girl that wore a bikini but then was afraid of being noticed. In those days bikini bathing suits were still too risqué to be mainstream.
The story lyrics describe her experience. At first, she was afraid to leave the locker room. Then she made it to the beach but wrapped herself in a blanket. When she finally gets the courage to swim, she is afraid to come out of the water. For all we know, she is still out there.
Singer Bryan Hyland told the story while accompanist Trudy Parker sang the refrain "...two, three, four. Tell the people what she wore", at the end of each verse before the chorus. Parker’s lyrics also introduced the next verse with, "Stick around, we'll tell you more".
After the song's popularity, bikini sales skyrocketed. Adding to the acceptance of the bikini in American society. The popularity of beach movies also helped contribute to the bikini craze.
Hyland's version of Itsy Bitsy, Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100. It sold over a million copies in the US. It also made the top 10 in other countries, including #8 in the U.K. and #1 New Zealand.
PS I was thinking of trying the hairstyle that Brian Hyland is sporting in this video. What do you think?
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Joe Domino is a Realtor® serving the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. Need more information? Or to Search for your next home, visit www.Scottsdale-AZHomes.com
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