“Louie Louie” is an American rhythm and blues song written by Richard Berry in 1955 and best known for the 1963 hit version by the Kingsmen. It has become a standard in pop and rock, with hundreds of versions recorded by different artists. The song was originally written and performed in the style of a Jamaican ballad. It tells, in simple verse–chorus form, the first-person story of a Jamaican sailor returning to the island to see his lady love.
A D Em D A D Em D
Louie Louie, oh baby, we gotta go.
A D Em D A D Em D
Louie Louie, oh baby, we gotta go.
A D Em D
A fine girl, who waited for me.
A D Em D
I catch a ship across the sea.
A D Em D
I sailed the ship all alone.
A D Em D
I wondered when I'm gonna make it home.
Chorus
A D Em D
Three nights and days I sailed the sea.
A D Em D
I think of the girl constantly.
A D Em D
On the ship, I dream she there.
A D Em D
I smell the rose that's in her hair.
Chorus
A D Em D
I see Jamaican moon above.
A D Em D
See the girl I'm thinking of.
A D Em D
I take her in my arms and then
A D Em D
Say I'll never leave again.
ABOUT THE SONG
Style: ExperiMental Reggae Music
Recording: digital 1-track stereo / recorded live
Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards and Synthesizers (microKorg, Korg N364, Yamaha PSR-740, Casio WK-3500, miniNova, Boss Loop Station, Boss BR-600, DigiTech RP3)
From the album The Dread Nots
by Daniel Brouse