About the song
Chubby Checker, an influential figure in the rock and roll era, delivered another hit with the release of “Pony Time” in 1961. Following the monumental success of “The Twist,” which had taken the world by storm and revolutionized dance music, Checker introduced “Pony Time” to further solidify his place in music history. This song, written by Don Covay and John Berry, quickly captured the hearts of dance enthusiasts and became a significant part of the early 1960s music scene.
“Pony Time” was released by Parkway Records and became an instant success. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart on March 6, 1961, and stayed at the number one spot for three weeks. This achievement made Chubby Checker the first artist to have two consecutive number-one singles, a testament to his widespread popularity and the infectious nature of his music.
The song itself is a lively, upbeat track that encourages listeners to dance the Pony, a popular dance move at the time. The Pony dance, characterized by its simple and energetic steps, involved rhythmically shifting one’s weight from one leg to the other while bouncing slightly. Checker’s charismatic delivery and the song’s catchy beat made it a perfect anthem for this dance craze.
In “Pony Time,” Checker invites listeners to join in the fun with lyrics like, “It’s Pony Time, get up! Come on, baby, do the Pony with me!” This call to dance resonated with young audiences eager for new and exciting ways to express themselves on the dance floor. The song’s infectious rhythm and easy-to-follow dance instructions helped it become a favorite at dance parties and social gatherings.
Chubby Checker’s contribution to popularizing dance music cannot be overstated. “Pony Time” followed the massive impact of “The Twist” and continued to shape the dance culture of the early 1960s. Checker’s ability to connect with audiences through his energetic performances and engaging music made him a beloved figure in the entertainment world.
For older and educated audiences, “Pony Time” is a nostalgic reminder of the vibrant dance scenes of the 1960s. It reflects a time when music and dance were closely intertwined, and songs like this brought joy and excitement to people’s lives. Chubby Checker’s legacy as a pioneer of dance music endures, and “Pony Time” remains a classic example of his influential work.
Revisiting “Pony Time” allows us to appreciate the simplicity and joy of early rock and roll dance music. Checker’s lively performance and the song’s spirited tempo capture the essence of an era where dance floors were filled with enthusiastic movers, eager to embrace the latest dance craze. Chubby Checker’s “Pony Time” is a testament to the enduring power of music to bring people together and create lasting memories.
Video
Lyrics
It’s pony time, get up
Boogety, boogety, boogety shoo
Hey now everybody (boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
In the union hall (boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
It’s pony time (boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
When ya’ hear this call (boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
So get with it
Don’t quit it
Get up (boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
Do the pony with your partner (boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
Or in a big boss line (boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
But anyway ya’ do it (boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
You’ gonna look real fine (boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
So get with it, don’t quit it
Get up (boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
Now ya’ turn to the left when I say gee
You turn to the right when I say haw
Now gee
Ya ya lil’ baby
Now haw
Ya oh baby (oh baby)
Oh baby (oh baby)
Pony baby (oh baby)
Do it baby (oh baby)
Oh baby (oh baby)
Oh baby (oh baby)
Boogety, boogety, boogety, boogety shoo
Gonna see little Suzie (boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
Who lives next door (boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
She’s doin’ the pony (boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
She’s takin’ the floor (boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
Eeea ah, so get with it, don’t quit it
Come on (boogety, boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
Do the pony with your partner
(boogety, boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
Or in a big boss line (boogety, boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
But anyway you do it (boogety, boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
You’re gonna look real fine (boogety, boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
So get with, don’t quit it
Come on. (boogety, boogety, boogety, boogety shoo)
Eeeaaah, turn to the left when I say gee
You turn to the right when I say haw
Now gee
Ya ya lil’ baby
Now haw
Ya oh baby (oh baby)
Oh baby (oh baby)
Pony baby (oh baby)
Do it baby (oh baby)
Oh baby (oh baby)
Oh baby (oh baby)
Boogety, boogety, boogety, boogety shoo