Shocking Blue – Venus

About The Song

Shocking Blue - Venus (7inch) — Dear Vinyl

“Venus” is a song by the Dutch rock band Shocking Blue, released as a single in the Netherlands in the summer of 1969. It was later released on their album At Home (1970). The song was a worldwide hit, reaching number one in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Germany. It also reached number seven in the United States. “Venus” is considered to be one of the most iconic songs of the psychedelic rock era.

“Venus” was released in the Netherlands in July 1969 as a single, coupled with “Hot Sand,” on the Pink Elephant label, specifically established for Shocking Blue by Dureco. The track initially reached the third position on the Dutch Top 40 on July 12, 1969, maintaining that rank for a total of five weeks. It also secured the top spot in Belgium, France, and Germany.

During the autumn of 1969, Jerry Ross, on a quest for European hits to release in the United States, was presented with the song.He enlisted The Shocking Blue under his newly formed Colossus Records and selected the record for U.S. release later that year. “Venus” claimed the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 on February 7, 1970, marking the first time a Dutch band achieved this feat.On January 28, 1970, it earned a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for exceeding one million copies in the United States. The success in the U.S. generated increased interest in global markets in 1970, leading to a re-entry at No. 3 in the Netherlands and a top 10 placement in the UK. Its triumph also sparked curiosity in other Dutch groups. Worldwide, the single boasts a sales figure exceeding 5 million copies.

In 1981, it served as the opening for the “Stars on 45″ medley.”Venus” was added as a bonus track in the 1989 CD reissue of Shocking Blue’s second studio album, At Home, originally released in 1969.

The song is about a beautiful woman who is irresistible to men. The lyrics are full of sexual imagery, and the song’s catchy melody and driving beat made it an instant hit. “Venus” was covered by many artists, including Bananarama, The Archies, and The Carpenters. It was also featured in the films The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) and The Big Lebowski (1998).

The song has been praised for its catchy melody, its driving beat, and its sexy lyrics. It has been criticized for its objectification of women, but it remains a popular song today.

Video

Lyrics

A goddess on a mountain top
Was burning like a silver flame
The summit of beauty and love
And Venus was her name

She’s got it
Yeah baby, she’s got it
Well, I’m your Venus
I’m your fire
At your desire
Well, I’m your Venus
I’m your fire
At your desire

Her weapons were her crystal eyes
Making every man mad
Black as the dark night she was
Got what no one else had

She’s got it
Yeah baby, she’s got it
Well, I’m your Venus
I’m your fire
At your desire
Well, I’m your Venus
I’m your fire
At your desire

She’s got it
Yeah baby, she’s got it
Well, I’m your Venus
I’m your fire
At your desire
Well, I’m your Venus
I’m your fire
At your desire