Sheb Wooley – Purple People Eater

About the song

Sheb Wooley and the Intergalactic One-Eyed, One-Horned, Flying Purple People Eater

In the realm of rock and roll, there are countless tales of larger-than-life figures and outlandish personas, but few can match the sheer absurdity and enduring popularity of Sheb Wooley’s “Purple People Eater.” Released in 1958, this novelty song took the world by storm, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and cementing its place in pop culture history.

A Song Born from a Child’s Imagination

The song’s origins can be traced back to a casual conversation between Wooley and the son of a friend. The boy recounted a tale of a one-eyed, one-horned, flying purple people eater, and Wooley, struck by the image’s bizarre charm, immediately began crafting a song around it. Within an hour, he had completed the lyrics and melody, and the world was about to encounter a creature unlike any other.

A Rock and Roll Sensation with a Twist

“Purple People Eater” is a prime example of a novelty song, a subgenre characterized by its humorous, often nonsensical lyrics and catchy melodies. However, unlike many novelty songs that fade into obscurity, “Purple People Eater” possessed an undeniable energy and infectiousness that propelled it to the top of the charts.

The song’s lyrics tell the story of a group of teenagers who encounter the titular purple people eater while cruising in their car. The creature, with its one eye, one horn, and ability to fly, is a fearsome sight, but the teenagers, armed with their rock and roll music, manage to scare it off.

A Legacy that Lives On

“Purple People Eater”‘s impact extended far beyond the music charts. The song became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring countless parodies, cover versions, and even an animated film. Its lyrics were immortalized in the language, with the phrase “purple people eater” becoming a common slang term for anything strange or unusual.

Sheb Wooley’s legacy is forever intertwined with “Purple People Eater.” While he released other songs throughout his career, none achieved the same level of success or lasting impact. Yet, “Purple People Eater” stands as a testament to Wooley’s songwriting talent and his ability to tap into the universal appeal of a catchy tune and a touch of the absurd.

Conclusion

“Purple People Eater” is more than just a novelty song; it’s a cultural touchstone that has stood the test of time. Its enduring popularity speaks to its ability to connect with listeners on a primal level, evoking feelings of both fear and excitement. Sheb Wooley’s creation may have been born from a child’s imagination, but it has become a part of our collective consciousness, a reminder of the power of music to transport us to worlds beyond our wildest dreams.

Video

Lyrics

“Sheb Wooley – Purple People Eater”

 

 

Flying Purple People Eater
Well I saw the thing coming out of the sky
It had one long horn and one big eye
I commenced to shakin’ and I said oo-wee
It looks like a purple people eater to me
It was a one-eyed one-horned flying purple people eater
It was a one-eyed one-horned flying purple people eater
It was a one-eyed one-horned flying purple people eater
Sure looks strange to me

One eye?

Well, he came down to earth and he lit in a tree
I said Mr Purple People Eater don’t eat me
I heard him say in a voice so gruff
I wouldn’t eat you ‘cos you’re so tough

It was a one-eyed one-horned flying purple people eater
One-eyed one-horned flying purple people eater
one-eyed one-horned flying purple people eater
It sure looks strange to me

One horn?

I said Mr Purple People Eater what’s your line
He said eating purple people and it sure is fine
But that’s not the reason that I came to land
I wanna get a job in a rock ‘n roll band

Well bless my soul rock ‘n roll flying’ purple people eater
Pigeon-toed under-towed flyin’ purple people eater
We wear short shorts friendly little people eater
What a sight to see!

Well, he swung from the tree and he lit on the ground
He started to rock really rockin’ around
It was a crazy ditty with a swinging tune
Wop bop a lula wop bam boom

Well bless my soul rock and roll flying purple people eater
Pigeon-toed under-towed flyin’ purple people eater
I wear short shorts friendly little people eater
What a sight to see

Well he went on his way and then what do you know
I saw him last night on a TV show
He was a blowin’ it out and really knockin’ them dead
Playing rock ‘n roll music through the horn in his head!