The only version of the iconic rock 'n' roll song, "Louie, Louie," I had ever heard was that version used in "Animal House." Its lyrics are unintelligible, but the overall effect is great fun.

A couple of weeks ago - I have no idea in what movie, though - I heard a completely different "Louie, Louie." I checked the credits and identified Richard Berry as the singer. This version had a much slower tempo, words, and different tune. In its own way, I think it is much better. As I think I have discovered, Richard Berry, a rhythm & blues singer from the 1950s, was the original recording artist.

I have tried to locate an album having Richard Berry singing this song without success. Does anyone have an MP3 file of any version of "Louie, Louie" sung by Mr. Berry that he is willing to furnish me?

Louie Louie Lyrics

CHORUS:

Louie Louie, oh no
Me gotta go
Aye-yi-yi-yi, I said
Louie Louie, oh baby
Me gotta go

Fine little girl waits for me
Catch a ship across the sea
Sail that ship about, all alone
Never know if I make it home

CHORUS

Three nights and days I sail the sea
Think of girl, constantly
On that ship, I dream she's there
I smell the rose in her hair.

CHORUS

See Jamaica, the moon above
It won't be long, me see me love
Take her in my arms again
Tell her I'll never leave again

CHORUS

Let's take it on outa here now
Let's go!!

quote:

Originally posted by Swamp_Fox:
Richard Berry: Louie Louie on Youtube

Many thanks for the youtube link. I run Mac OS X 10.4.11, circa 2008. As far as I can tell, I cannot download from youtube as MP3 file - or m4a in an emergency.

quote:

Originally posted by Swamp_Fox:
The Download.

MANY thanks! The only hard part was deciphering how to accomplish the download. . . . I think your handle is inaccurate. You walk by night and know many things. You're the whistler.

You left out the infamous "sodomy" and "troupe of baboons" verses.

"Louie, Louie" was covered by many groups and different versions were popular in different demographic and geographic areas of the USA. Think, The Wailers (1961), The Kingsmen (1963) Paul Revere & the Raiders (1963), Otis Redding (1964), The Beach Boys (1964) and 100's more by now.

I partied my ass off to the Wailers version of "Louie, Louie" from 1961-63 in the SF Bay Area.

The song was actually investigated by the FBI!!!

I dated one of his daughters for awhile. He had six kids by two different women (three each). The six kids still own 50% of the royalties from his songs and eack get about $ 40K a year.....mostly from Louie Louie.