About the Song
In the realm of Bobby Darin’s discography, known for smooth ballads and sophisticated pop, lies a delightful anomaly: “Splish Splash”. Released in 1958, this novelty song stands out as a burst of playful energy, a testament to Darin’s versatility and his ability to tap into the lighter side of life.
“Splish Splash” is a sonic embodiment of youthful summertime fun. The opening lines, “Splish splash, I was takin’ a bath,” set the scene with a touch of unexpected humor. Darin’s signature smooth vocals take on a playful edge as he recounts a seemingly ordinary bath that takes a turn for the splashy. The lyrics, filled with playful imagery of bubbles and slippery floors, paint a picture of innocent amusement.
The song’s infectious energy is driven by its simple yet effective melody. A driving bassline and a bright, bouncy piano create a backdrop that’s impossible not to tap your foot to. The call-and-response chorus, “Splish splash, that’s what I was doin’ / Splish splash, wasn’t doin’ nothin'” is pure fun, perfectly capturing the carefree spirit of the song.
“Splish Splash” wasn’t intended to be a profound statement. It’s a lighthearted, tongue-in-cheek song, a welcome break from the more sentimental ballads that dominated the charts at the time. However, its simplicity and playful nature hold a certain charm. The song reminds us of the simple joys in life, the ability to find amusement in everyday moments.
There’s also a hint of rebellion tucked away in the lyrics. The line, “Mama told me not to jump / But I jumped anyway” injects a touch of youthful defiance, a playful disregard for rules in favor of innocent fun.
“Splish Splash” may not be Bobby Darin’s most sophisticated song, but it remains a delightful entry in his catalog. It’s a reminder that music can be fun and lighthearted, a testament to the power of a catchy melody and playful lyrics to bring a smile to your face. So, the next time you hear those opening lines, take a moment to embrace the carefree spirit of “Splish Splash” and let the playful energy wash over you.
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Lyrics: “Splish Splash”
Splish splash, I was taking a bath
Long about a Saturday night, yeah
A rub dub, just relaxing in the tub
Thinking everything was alrightWell, I stepped out the tub, put my feet on the floor
I wrapped the towel around me
And I opened the door, and then a
Splish, splash, I jumped back in the bath
Well, how was I to know there was a party going on?They was a-splishing and a-splashing
Reeling with the feeling
Moving and a-grooving
Rocking and a-rolling, yeahBing bang, I saw the whole gang
Dancing on my living room rug, yeah
Flip flop, they was doing the bop
All the teens had the dancing bugThere was Lollipop with-a Peggy Sue
Good golly, Miss Molly was-a even there, too
A-well-a, splish splash, I forgot about the bath
I went and put my dancing shoes on, yeahI was a rolling and a-strolling
Reeling with the feeling
Moving and a-grooving
Splishing and a-splashing, yeahYes, I was a-splishing and a-splashing
I was a-rolling and a-strolling
Yeah, I was a-moving and a-grooving
We was a-reeling with the feeling
We was a-rolling and a-strolling
Moving with the grooving
Splish splash, yeahMm, splishing and a-splashing, one time
I was a-splishing and a-splashing, ooh wee
I was a-moving and a-grooving, yeah
I was a-splishing and a-splashing