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Lloyd Price – Lawdy Miss Clawdy – 1952

About The Song

“Lawdy Miss Clawdy” is a classic rhythm and blues song by American singer Lloyd Price, recorded in 1952. The song played a crucial role in the early development of rock and roll and became a significant hit for Price.

Five facts about “Lawdy Miss Clawdy”:

  1. Debut Recording Success: Lloyd Price recorded “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” on March 13, 1952, in New Orleans. The song was released later that year, and its immediate success led to Lloyd Price’s prominence in the music industry.
  2. Hit Chart Positions: The song became a major hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart in 1952. Its crossover appeal also led to a respectable position on the pop charts, where it peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Juke Box chart.
  3. Influential Piano Intro: Fats Domino, the renowned New Orleans pianist, provided the distinctive piano intro for “Lawdy Miss Clawdy.” The catchy piano riff contributed significantly to the song’s popularity and enduring influence.
  4. Cover Versions: “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” has been covered by various artists across different genres. Notably, Elvis Presley recorded a rock and roll version of the song in 1956, further solidifying its place in the history of popular music.
  5. Songwriting Credits: While Lloyd Price is credited as the primary songwriter, he co-wrote “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” with his brother-in-law, pianist and songwriter Leon T. Gross. The collaboration resulted in a timeless and influential composition in the early rock and roll canon.

Video

Lyrics

Well, Lawdy, Lawdy, Lawdy, Miss Clawdy
Girl, you sure look good to me
Well, please don’t excite me, baby
I know it can’t be me

‘Cause I give you all of my money
Yeah, but you just won’t treat me right
You like to ball every mornin’
Don’t come home ’til late at night

I’m gonna tell, tell my mama
Lord, I swear, girl, what you’ve been doin’ to me
I’m gonna tell everybody that I’m
Down in misery

So bye, bye, bye, baby
Girl, I won’t be comin’ no more
Goodbye, little darlin’
Down the road, I’ll go

So bye, bye, bye, baby
Girl, I won’t be comin’ no more
Goodbye, little darlin’
Down the road, I’ll go