About The Song
“Bo Diddley – Who Do You Love – 1956” refers to the classic blues and rock song “Who Do You Love” by the influential American musician Bo Diddley. Here are five facts about the song:
- Release and Signature Beat: “Who Do You Love” was released in 1956 as a single by Bo Diddley. The song is notable for its distinctive and influential rhythm, often referred to as the “Bo Diddley beat.” This beat, characterized by its syncopated, clave-based pattern, became a signature element of Diddley’s music.
- Innovative Guitar Style: Bo Diddley’s guitar playing in “Who Do You Love” showcases his innovative and influential approach to the instrument. He often used a rectangular guitar and employed a percussive playing style, creating a sound that was ahead of its time and left a lasting impact on the development of rock and roll.
- Lyrics and Storytelling: The lyrics of “Who Do You Love” tell a narrative that mixes elements of boasting, swagger, and a mysterious storyline. The character in the song encounters various challenges and adversaries, creating an engaging and evocative narrative that contributed to the song’s enduring appeal.
- Cover Versions: “Who Do You Love” has been covered by numerous artists across different genres, attesting to its influence and popularity. Notable musicians who have covered the song include George Thorogood, Quicksilver Messenger Service, and The Doors, among others.
- Cultural Impact: The song’s impact extends beyond its original release, influencing subsequent generations of musicians. The “Who Do You Love” riff and rhythm have been incorporated into various songs, and the track continues to be celebrated for its role in shaping the sound of early rock and roll.
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Lyrics
I walk 47 miles of barbed wire
I use a cobra snake for a necktie
I got a brand new house on the roadside
Made from rattlesnake hideI got a brand new chimney made on top
Made out of a human skull
Now come on take a walk with me Arlene
And tell me who do you love?Who do you love?
Who do you love?
Who do you love?
Who do you love?Tombstone hand
And a graveyard mine
Just 22
And I don’t mind dyingWho do you love?
Who do you love?
Who do you love?
Who do you love?I rode around the town
Use a rattlesnake whip
Take it easy Arlene
Don’t give me no lipWho do you love?
Who do you love?
Who do you love?
Who do you love?Night was dark but the sky was blue
Down the alley, ice-wagon flew
Hit a bump and somebody screamed
You should have heard just what I’ve seenWho do you love?
Who do you love?
Who do you love?
Who do you love?Arlene took me
By my hand
And she said, “Ooowee bo
You know I understand”Who do you love?
Who do you love?
Who do you love?
Who do you love?