The Meaning Behind The Song: Yakety Yak by The Coasters
The year was 1958, and The Coasters, a group of four black vocalists from Los Angeles, were about to release a song that would become a classic in the history of rock and roll. The song was Yakety Yak, and it was written by the songwriting duo of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. It was one of the many hits that the Coasters had with Leiber and Stoller, who were one of the most successful songwriting teams of the 1950s and 1960s.
The Lyrics
The lyrics to Yakety Yak are as follows:
Take out the papers and the trash
Or you don’t get no spendin’ cash
If you don’t scrub that kitchen floor
You ain’t gonna rock and roll no more
Yakety yak (Don’t talk back)
Just finish cleanin’ up your room
Let’s see that dust fly with that broom
Get all that garbage out of sight
Or you don’t go out Friday night
Yakety yak (Don’t talk back)
You just put on your coat and hat
And walk yourself to the laundromat
And when you finish doin’ that
Bring in the dog and put out the cat
Yakety yak (Don’t talk back)
Don’t you give me no dirty looks
Your father’s hip, he knows what cooks
Just tell your hoodlum friend outside
You ain’t got time to take a ride
Yakety yak (Don’t talk back)
Yakety Yak is a song about a parent admonishing their teenage child to do their chores and not talk back. The song is humorous and catchy, with a fast-paced rhythm that makes it easy to dance to. It’s a classic example of the doo-wop style of music that was popular in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
The Meaning
On the surface, Yakety Yak is a lighthearted song about a parent telling their child to do their chores. However, there is a deeper meaning to the song that reflects the attitudes of the time.
In the 1950s, there was a generation gap between parents and their teenage children. The teenagers of the time were seen as rebellious and irresponsible, while the parents were seen as old-fashioned and out-of-touch. Yakety Yak reflects this attitude, with the parent in the song telling their child to behave and not talk back.
At the same time, Yakety Yak was also a commentary on the social and economic changes that were happening in the United States at the time. The post-World War II era was a time of great prosperity, but it was also a time of great social change. The civil rights movement was gaining steam, and the country was beginning to confront its legacy of racism and segregation.
The Coasters were one of the first black groups to achieve mainstream success in the rock and roll era. Their music was a reflection of the changing times, and Yakety Yak was no exception. The song was a lighthearted take on the generation gap, but it was also a commentary on the struggles that black Americans faced in a society that was still deeply segregated.
The Reception
Yakety Yak was a massive hit when it was released in 1958. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and stayed there for seven weeks. It was the third number one hit for The Coasters, and it helped to solidify their position as one of the biggest groups of the rock and roll era.
Yakety Yak was also a hit with critics. It was praised for its witty lyrics, catchy melody, and energetic performance. It was a classic example of the doo-wop style of music that was popular at the time, and it helped to define the sound of the era.
The Legacy
Yakety Yak has remained a popular song in the decades since it was released. It has been covered by numerous artists, including The Beatles, who played it during their early live shows. It has also been used in a variety of films, commercials, and television shows, cementing its place in popular culture.
The song’s legacy extends beyond its popularity, however. Yakety Yak was a reflection of the changing times in the United States, and it helped to shape the way that future generations thought about music, race, and society. It remains a classic example of the doo-wop style of music, and it is a testament to the talent of The Coasters and the songwriting team of Leiber and Stoller.
Conclusion
Yakety Yak is a timeless classic that remains a favorite of music lovers and casual listeners alike. It’s a lighthearted song that belies a deeper meaning, reflecting the changing times in the United States during the late 1950s. The song’s popularity and lasting legacy are a testament to the talent of The Coasters and the skill of Leiber and Stoller, who created a masterpiece of the rock and roll era.
