Louie, Louie : The Story Behind the Song & The FBI Investigation (The Kingsmen)

A 1960's band called The Kingsmen recorded the most famous version of the well known song called "Louie, Louie." The lyrics were famously hard to understand, which led to an FBI investigation. Find out what they uncovered (or didn't) right now: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4nEpJated2obKs
Louie Louie Kingsman Recording
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[@PaulDonaldRoy]

It's heartwarming to know that the original black composer retired a millionaire, from that one song, at a time he needed it most.

[@VAMPYBITES]

And yet, it was whites that stole the song and made the most money from it!!! SAD!!!! THAT WAS WAY THINGS WERE THEN!!!

[@giovanna722]

👍😃

[@Jen0714]

Yeah, yeah yeah. Indeed

[@N1SHAJAYHE]

This is what I came for.

[@Krankinproductions]

He did?

[@robgyanisu312]

I thought "My Ding-a-ling" was the 'dirtiest'!

[@junebermingham9300]

When I was young , we thought, LAY Lady LAY, B,DYLAN, also LETS SPEND THE NIGHT TOGETHER, THE StONES, AND YES MY DING A LING, ALL seemed so suggestive, but now they all seem so innocent ,,, 🙂

[@nancyking]

@@junebermingham9300 I'd heard somewhere that when the Rolling Stones appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show, he had them change the song to, "Let's Spend Some Time Together", because he thought the title was too suggestive.

[@junebermingham9300]

@@nancyking I still play all those 60 s songs, It was a great time to be young,,,, and looking back, the world was a much better place,, Stay safe and well, ,, from Ireland. ☘️💚☘️

[@theophany1770]

I loved that song when I was a kid, especially the part about snappin' turtle creek 😂

[@junebermingham9300]

@@theophany1770 Can you remind me what song that was from? 🙂

[@barbaraenglish3983]

I was 16 at the time this song came out. I was at an all night party, a wild party at someone’s house in Suffern, NY and this song came blasting over the radio and I loved it. I’m 75 now and finally decided to pull up the lyrics to see what all the fuss was about. I, too, heard that the lyrics were dirty but I could never figure out why. That’s because the lead singer slurred most of the words so that all I ever heard was Louie Louie we gotta go. And after going back to look at the lyrics I still don’t understand what the heck the song was all about. All I remember was the tune was great to dance to and I loved the melody. And don’t get be started on the FBI and its founders Hoover, Roosevelt and Bonaparte taking 2 years out of their busy schedules to investigate the words to the song. It is unbelievable and yet believable all the same.

[@kevinjoseph517]

louie was creators bartender.

[@wealthlash2533]

A group of people in Florida sued a radio station to keep the song off the air claiming the lyrics were obscene. The judge threw the case out, saying the lyrics were unintelligible.

[@jesterpro]

It was not the state of Florida but it was the governor of Indiana that requested the van

[@sorellman]

The judge threw the case out because the accusation was obscene.

[@MyMiserableLife]

If the FBI couldnt make out the lyrics, how could teenage kids

[@jimdandy3326]

Who Are You? Suka! Teenage kids are far smarter than any FBI agent.

[@aeredhaelredfalen6194]

Except teens actually have better hearing than adults. That's why adults generally can't hear the "mosquito tone".

[@mcmneverreadsreplys7318]

As kids we heard the lyrics were obscene. We listened carefully to the record and sure enough we were able to discern what the filthy lyrics were (or what we thought they were). Then we compared notes and improved our interpretation. Problem was, having been told the lyrics were 'dirty' that's what we looked for and that's what we found (self-fulfilling prophecy). Once I finally read the actual lyrics (decades later) I could suddenly hear and understand what was being sung - just what the (not 'dirty') lyrics said was being sung. It turns out to be nothing more than a song about a guy sailing a boat (alone) to get back to his girlfriend.

[@fangkat77]

Jim Dandy Yes, but the FBI SHOULD have had far better equipment...

[@billsteinly8105]

Looks like we've got a mystery on our hands.

[@brattymetalhead4040]

Imagine a world where enough helicopter moms get so worked up by weird song lyrics that they're able to get the actual FBI to investigate the damn song. Wild man lol

[@gidget8717]

Yeah, kind of looks like 2021 doesn't it?

[@chrisadelina]

Better get it right or it's my life I'm willing to end over this bulkshit wrong..and you know why ...because I'm tired of demons upgrading and us angel's downgrading I'm the first and last so let's go

[@chrisadelina]

For better or for worst so I'm going to arrest us all

[@EricBrunoBorgman]

Imagine a world where the FBI investigates parents because they are concerned with what the schools are teaching their children.

[@terrypussypower]

That mentality is no different today. It’s just focused on something else that gets their knickers in a twist!

[@freedomfitness8720]

I’m so happy to hear that Barry came out on TOP. Sounds like a great guy.

[@bobthebear1246]

I'm happy for him, too.

[@cessaly100]

Yes! God is GOOD!

[@tomlewis5542]

Ahhhhh

[@elle5374]

Groovie man. Am sooo...glad in the end Barry an his family lived well.

[@elle5374]

Actually , back in that day , good strategic move if the lyrics were done deliberately that way to up on sales. Not only was it a cool song but not being able to tell what the words were left it to the imagination. Is it or isn't it dirty. Crazy right ? Who cares everyone wanted to buy it just to figure it out an be able to tell your friends you bought it to was cool to.

[@sleddy01]

People were offended by the lyrics they created in their own imaginations.

[@georgecoventry8441]

Exactly. I remember. There was a huge fuss about the supposedly "dirty lyrics" in the song at the time in my school. All the kids were talking about it, and the song got banned on local stations, so of course everyone wanted to buy the record. There were all kinds of imaginary stories going around about what the lyrics supposedly said, but like you say, they were just made up in people's imaginations. It was one of the biggest rows about absolutely nothing that I can recall from that time.

[@hermask815]

Sometimes the respectable folks have dirtier minds than their "wild" adolescent kids.

[@jacksonfritts2988]

Or conceived notions about a lot of things. Sometimes our imaginations fill in such perverse, nightmarish stuff. We assume the worst or a lot of people do.

[@leospets]

same with the "meaning" of Hotel California...

[@454cassul9]

@@hermask815 well, it's not just 'sometimes' it is practically 'all the times', you know. I guess it has something to do w/the experience 🤣

[@gordtron]

this one had a great ending. you don't hear it end that way often enough.

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

gordtron Agreed.

[@deadbeatdynamo]

Yes. I enjoy hearing stories that end on a positive note. Other than the dying part.

[@zacattack500]

Offensive lyrics? So what would all the lyrics of today's rap music be considered.

[@industrialcathedral]

Or pop music. Like Miley's

[@sandrasanders706]

Baby shark..

[@enjamessimpson]

All? Maybe don't listen to mainstream rap and you'll actually find topics that are quite interesting. People like Watsky, Atmosphere, and Krizz Kaliko make great songs about life, love, and struggles and are hardly what you could consider vulgar or offensive.

[@clvnhrrs1214]

@@enjamessimpson agreed... Along with Sevin, Bizzle, Lecrae, Derek Minor, Andy Mineo, etc.. All clean..

[@idonteperfect6943]

@@industrialcathedral Miley’s image is sex but her lyrics are for the most part real deep some ppl judge her based on her image and don’t look beyond that to see her real talent

[@jmartin4204]

The Kingsmen version is the best one ever , but two years to investigate a song is way overboard , but the US is like that it is one of its many talents being overboard

[@40packard1]

Paul Revere and the Raiders had the best version, but the the Kingsmen had better backing from their record company.

[@ignorecorporatenews]

Our tax dollars at work.

[@patrickworkman1014]

Listen to Motörhead cover of Louie Louie.

[@martingillette7613]

So, if you listen to The Kingsmen's version with the lyrics, you can completely tell what's being said. Not sure why the investigation would take 2 years. It should have taken five minutes.

[@eskieman3948]

C'mon, now - when have you ever seen the Federal government perform any job quickly? LOL

[@Chong26yo]

They always trying to find a way to take innocent people down. They call good people witches. But the people killing witches are the only witches. witches made Hollywood but nevermind. I'm just crazy. Nothing to see here

[@jamesa.2880]

Well you just tell the chief you're still investigating it and then kick your feet up on the desk and play cards the rest of the day! Then repeat.........

[@ericmalone3213]

J.Edgar Hoover was an insane person.

[@zachperkins688]

Great video! It's important to also note that The Kingsmen didn't hear the song from Richard Berry first, but rather The Wailers, a band in Seattle which arguably started the entire Garage Rock movement. The Wailers were the first to cover Louie Louie, and the Kingsmen covered it after hearing their version on the radio. The Wailers would also go on to inspire The Sonics which are probably the quintessential 60s garage rock band and would then inspire future rock acts, specifically 90s grunge bands which grew up listening to the Sonics and other bands from 1960s Seattle.

[@brucenoregon]

I have heard that the singer was wearing braces when the song was recorded and that had a big impact on his ability to enunciate the words too. Crazy stuff happening in those days, like the FBI didn't have anything worthwhile to do like investigate mobster.

[@jeffjames4064]

Nothing dirtier than the imagination of "the man" put in "suspicion mode"

[@wolfgang6442]

😅😅

[@dadrocha7741]

Glad to know that the writer was able to finally benefit substantially from his song.

[@javi__...]

Richard Berry isnt just someone. He also wrote have love will travel.

[@eriktruchinskas3747]

Oh I thought he let his cousin chuck berry hear this crazy kid playing johnny b goode at the enchantment under the sea dance

[@alexandersoricelli3891]

Black keys version is a jam

[@swampshack1018]

@@alexandersoricelli3891 the sonics version is amazing too

[@UnoHoo1]

And now, even after watching your video, we don’t know anything more than we did before we watched.😂 Well done! Brilliant!

[@Reaper_1776_]

Louie Louie, oh no, you take me where ya gotta go, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, baby Louie Louie, oh baby, take me where ya gotta go A fine little girl, she waits for me Me catch the ship across the sea Me sailed the ship all alone Me never think I'll make it home Louie Louie, oh no no no, me gotta go, oh no Louie Louie, oh baby, me gotta go Three nights and days I sailed the sea Me think of girl constantly On the ship, I dream she there I smell the rose in her hair Louie Louie, oh no, me gotta go, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, baby Louie Louie, oh baby, me gotta go Okay, let's give it to 'em right now Me see Me see Jamaica, the moon above It won't be long me see me love Me take her in my arms and then I tell her I'll never leave again Louie Louie, oh no, me gotta go, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, baby Louie Louie, oh baby, me gotta go I said me gotta go now Let's hustle on out of here Let's go

[@aladinsane9785]

wildman50645 You did what the FBI couldn’t...I salute you 🤨

[@simonw4340]

What disgusting filth. I want to wash my eyes out with swarfega

[@steveo4601]

Oh lord take me now,😎😎😎😎

[@cz1mmt]

Every night at I ....

[@Gto1927]

wildman50645 A poor imitation of Chuck Berry’s Havana Moon.

[@randolphdixon891]

WOW!! Richard Berry hit the lottery with his talent late in his life!!!! It only goes to show , NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!!!!!😮😮😮

[@DavidMcFarner]

There is LITERALLY NOTHING in the lyrics that can be read as obscene on any level. WTF??

[@heroinmonsterj]

Welcome to the 60s

[@r.josephgrundy1706]

It's awesome to hear Berry got his publishing rights back! Way too many times, you hear these old-timer's dieing broke! Great ending, to a great story!

[@r.josephgrundy1706]

@dan cussin Yes, I remember that well. Always felt that was Jackson being greedy...just my opinion.

[@delphinbringsby6768]

"They played it backwards..." Yes. That oughta do the trick.

[@brunovallesmunoz4757]

Motorhead's version take it to another limit! Harsh Lemmy's voice fits perfect!

[@joshuapollack2921]

This is what I was looking for

[@EvanPGS]

Bruno VallésMuñoz \.,./ Hell yeah.

[@senileanimal7772]

Hell yeahhhh

[@burniezarsoff4118]

@@joshuapollack2921 me too.

[@jenniferglunt17]

The Clash and the Stooges do this one right!

[@michaellittlewood3032]

For once a humble talented man received his due .

[@wolfgang6442]

Glad that happened

[@Goomer]

The original singer who was fired before the single came out (for being too old) said that during the recording session the Mic was put above his head in the ceiling so that he had to look straight up and strain his voice to get the vocal, it was what the producer wanted. Great Classic Tune, glad Richard Berry got paid. There is a youtube video that tells the story better.

[@jimmiesmith5811]

Richard Berry also did have love will travel and a duet with Etta James work with me henry a unsung brother in the early days of soul and rock and roll

[@giovanna722]

@@jimmiesmith5811 I've heard that tune. It's a good one.

[@anthonyscully2998]

only 2 years? i have been listening to the song for 30 years and i still have no idea

[@louise_rose]

The FBI were also listening for hidden backwards messages - the kind that Led Zeppelin were later famously alleged to have buried in their recordings... :)

[@eskieman3948]

Finally - someone (you) actually acknowledges that there WAS an obscenity (not by today's standards) in the original version of "Louie, Louie"!!!! I stumbled across it in the mid '60s simply by wearing a pair of good Sennheiser headphones while sprawled out on a sofa in a friend's clubroom. I was half listening to the song, sorta thinking about other stuff, and since the actual "F" obscenity was between verses of the song (NOT in the song's words), it suddenly stood out like a sore thumb. I jumped up, went back, played that section of the song two more times, and there it was. What Congress, the censors, the FBI, and God know whatever other moral guardians were doing wrong was that they were hyper-focused on the WORDS of the song, NOT what was being said in the background. I ended up making a significant amount of coin (about $300+) winning bets on whether there was 'dirty words' in 'Louie Louie'. Some people were so sure about it that they ready to actually fight, where I just stated "Put your money down, and if I'm wrong, you win". All I needed to do was to crank up a good stereo, turn down the bass, tweak up the treble, and tell the folks "Watch my raised hand... when it drops, listen closely to the background". I never got tired of watching people's eyes get big, and their jaws hit the floor when they heard the 'word'. Some diehards would demand that I replay the record again, but each time you heard it, the "F" bomb would hit them in the face like a brick harder and harder. Ka ching.... Years ago, I got into a friendly debate with Rusty Humphries, a conservative talk radio host, who was a good friend of one of the Kingsmen. He discussed "Louie Louie" & the song's investigation debacle, and stated that there was never any obscene words in the song. No, I told him, there was on the record itself, but he refused to listen, referring to his good friend, and finally ended the debate. Rusty, the bet is still open if you want to take me up on it.... ! I only bet when I know I'll win. For the younger generations who scratch their heads and wonder what all of the controversy was about, you need to realize that that standards of what could be said (or shown) on radio, TV, the movies, in print, etc. was far stricter back then than today. Regardless of one's political affiliation, no one supported anything near what you see or hear today in multimedia. By the end of the '60s, however, it was slowly becoming more and more relaxed.

[@mattchip]

I once heard an interview with Paul Revere of Paul Revere & the Raiders. Supposedly, the Raiders actually recorded their version first, but the Kingsmen got released first. According to that interview, the lead singer had braces, forgot the lyrics and just faked his way through. That combination led to the supposed "dirty" lyrics.

[@andyblack5687]

I think that went on a lot back then. I've read tales of one band hearing another band recording a song in another room at the same studio and rushing to record their own version and put it out first.

[@mikemyers5483]

Not only that but the 2 bands recorded their differing versions in the same recording studio in the Pacific Northwest basically the same week. The studio engineer must have thought "what's going on here?" And yes, Jack Ely of the Kingsmen was a young man (I believe 16) and he had braces when he sang which caused his garbled pronunciation. The version by the Raiders is pretty raw and hot as well.

[@caroltenge5147]

the dirty lyrics were real. move on.

[@mattchip]

In your mind, maybe. I'll take Paul Revere's word over yours.

[@angelaalbury9985]

Glad the songwriter got his royalties at the end of the day

[@Drummer_Jeff83]

Awesome story. I had no idea this went on. Keep up the videos man, they're getting better and better 🤘

[@rnrtruestories]

Thanks! I can’t wait to unveil my new format in April

[@LostInOhio75]

As you said, if you're listening for it you can definitely hear the drummer yell fuck. They couldn't do a 3rd take? 😂

[@brodysodon2631]

My elementary school P.E. teacher played this song for us back in the day... It's only now, being 10 years removed from that school that I've started getting into early rock music from the 50s and early 60s. The only other song I remember from the playlist was Runaround Sue... I wish I remembered more of the songs on there

[@bulldogstrut1]

This was the first song I learned to play on guitar back in 1966. It was the Bass riff, but I learned it on a six-string guitar at the time. Some years ago (2003 or so) I had the honor to play this song in a Guinness World Record attempt called "1000 Guitars." Organized and attended by both The Kingsmen and the Fabulous Wailers at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma WA. The goal was to play this song with 1000 guitars all at the same time. We missed the record by some 300 guitarists, but it was way cool just the same. Not only did I get to meet the two bands, but I also met Nokie Edwards, formerly the lead guitarist for the Ventures. What a day that was. BTW, we left out all the dirty words.

[@LynneRose-s9e]

Hacksaw Henry ..what an event that "1000 Guitars" attempt must have been. The Ventures were another blast from the past. Loved that you didn't say 'the bad words' ..Danced our socks off at many dances n clubs from 1963 onwards.(Louie Louie still makes m e smile - 60 years later eh!)n VancouverBC and beyond . Saw and danced to Bo Duddkeybin 1968 in San Diego...another classic night. Thanks Richard Berry n all Lynne in Australia now

[@jmccormick1490]

Why didn't the FBI just Google the lyrics?

[@Melinda8162]

@Florida Man: WELL, it wasn't around back then, right?! BUT, I was wondering if they are now....I didn't look, but here everybody is asking!!!! LOL...guess they didn't look!!

[@cdnnykr]

😂😂😂

[@Hollows1997]

The story of the original songwriter is awesome, I hope his marriage lasted.

[@ltbobstertronus616]

I’d say the best cover would’ve been the Motörhead cover

[@jackedmonston4909]

man if the fbi spent the time they used investigating what this song said and spent it on other topics, this world would be so much different.

[@gidget8717]

Actually it would be exactly the same. It's the federal government. The bigger it gets the more powerful it gets.

[@carlhayman2462]

I'm surprised that Louie Louie didn't make #1 (it peaked at #2). I think it was on the charts a long time in the spring of 1963. It was a welcome departure from a record market that had gotten away from rock as Phil Spector dominated the market with the girl groups (not knocking them) and Motown was on the rise (not knocking that either). Just a good alternative at that time.

[@rnr5682]

Dominica by The Singing Nun kept it from the number one spot for two weeks

[@HaberfieldchiropracticAu]

The story goes that billboard or the other one didn't want it at number one as they thought it was an embarrassing song.

[@trishboucher2502]

​@@rnr5682 How ironic! 😂

[@robertbrescia3196]

Louie Louie peaked at No. 2 for a total of six weeks, three behind "Dominique" and three behind Bobby Vinton's "There I've Said It Again" (his second biggest hit behind "Roses Are Red", but ironically totally forgotten because is was replaced at No. 1 by "I Want To Hold Your Hand", which, as we all know, turned popular music on its ear). Louie was not able to lodge any time at No. 1 due to the fact that a lot of radio stations banned it during its chart run, due to the the "obscene lyrics" in the song, causing it to lose radio airplay points. Unlike music charts in most other countries, the Billboard charts at the time were based on both sales AND airplay points, which is why the A sides and B sides of singles charted separately. This policy was changed in November of 1969, when sales and airplay points were combined for the A and B sides. The first single to benefit from this change? "Come Together" and "Something" by the Beatles!

[@ministerofdarkness]

Iggy & The Stooges cover of Louie, Louie is the definitive version!! PLAY LOUD 🎸🎸

[@johnnylast4350]

Metallic ko is a great album

[@williampusey8266]

"They threw a Stroh's!"

[@CdA_Native]

Sometime in the early 60's I heard this group in Hoquiam/Aberdeen, Washington at like a VFW or Grange Hall. Had never heard Louie Louie before, but they played it about a dozen times during the course of the evening. Complete pandemonium!!

[@evenbet9603]

I never could make out the lyrics by listening to the recording. At Berkeley in early 80's was voted best party song of all time. Glad Mr. Berry received due compensation.

[@z512345]

I was in a cover band in the late 1960's, called The Kastaways form Ma. We covered this song. I had no idea what the lyrics where, I knew they where dirty words in the song but didn't know where. I basically mumbled along till I got to every night at 10 I lay her again, and everyone seemed to be satisfied.

[@R1MORRIS]

Haha. "Every night at 10 I lay her again". Word for word from the Kingsmen recording. I've known the actual words sung on that recording from the time I was 15, in the mid '60s. Ridiculous that the FBI couldn't figure out the lyrics. All you need to do is clear the nonsense from your head & just listen to them. Yeah, "I felt my bone & I had a hair", is in there. And, "I promised her I'd never lay her again", is in there, too. Oh, how about after the guitar solo, the singer comes in too early with "I stick", then, comes back in at the correct time with the line, "I stick my finger in the hole of love ..." I won't list any other lines, as that last one was probably already too far to actually put in print. Yes, the Kingsmen singer changed the lyrics to this song & changed it to a very dirty song, especially, for the '60s. I guess the singer thought if he slurred the lyrics his changing the original lyrics wouldn't be understood & his little joke(?) wouldn't be noticed. All anyone needs to do is just listen to Berry's original recording, then, listen to the Kingsmen version. Even if you could only understand every 10th, or, even 20th word, it'd be very obvious the KM singer "ain't" singing the Berry lyrics. The Kingsmen Louie was a very naughty boy. 🤣🤣

[@Alexandrashepiro]

One of my Fav song evr! Even got to See them "the kingsmen" play it many times in seattle in the 90s and early 2000's. I never caighjt thw F word! I tought it was somethingh el;se!

[@MrStrocube]

Cool bit of trivia. So glad the OG writer finally got some much deserved cash. Louie Louie is a classic garage rock song. One of the first songs I learned to sing and play on the guitar. 🤘🏼

[@driven9863]

Do a story on Jimi Hendrix Father selling Hendrixs Catalog.

[@pcCAT33]

Thank you.Being one of my favourite top 10 rock n roll songs, appreciate this video.

[@wistopnow]

1965 Indiana: In sixth grade we passed around a handwritten dirty version. I can't remember what the lyrics were except it was supposed to have described a "gang bang". The note was confiscated and was quite a scandal for a few days.

[@johnhuntington3800]

As a 20+ year retired Navy veteran - I can tell you for sure that this song was nothing more than a simple sea chanty. Of course, the slurring of the words lent a good deal of mystery and suspicion to the original Kingsmen version…Long live rock n’ roll!

[@CMDR.Gonzo.von.Richthofen]

Listen to Todd Snider's "Ballad of the Kingsmen." He tells this story, and it's such an awesome song!

[@czahnter1452]

What crappy info. Didn't even expose the lyrics

[@frankienorbertsteiner8167]

no one knows the lyrics

[@brittannheflin4405]

Lol!!!

[@mcmneverreadsreplys7318]

@@frankienorbertsteiner8167 The lyrics are well known and well published. Google them.

[@virvisquevir3320]

C Zahnter - Here are the lyrics. 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 Louie Louie, oh no Me gotta go Aye-yi-yi-yi, I said Louie Louie, oh baby Me gotta go 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. Louie Louie, oh no Me gotta go Aye-yi-yi-yi, I said Louie Louie, oh baby Me gotta go Okay, let's give it to 'em, right now! 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 Louie Louie, oh no Me gotta go Aye-yi-yi-yi, I said Louie Louie, oh baby Me gotta go Let's take it on outta here now Let's go!

[@efilnikufesina7532]

Great video! Never noticed the F word in the song before. I love that kind of hidden stuff. Now I want to find the song in all the different movies and see if the F word plays.

[@Taymack18]

I listened with headphones, and at the 54sec mark of the song(like he said) you can hear the guy drop the "F bomb". I busted out laughing!

[@louise_rose]

The guy seen singing in the Kingsmen video isn't actually the real singer on the recording. Lead singer Jack Ely left the band before the single had become a hit, and the guy singing in the video is called Lynn Easton - he was able to take control of the band and oust Ely because his mom owned the rights to the band name. :D The video is lip-synched to the audio of the single.

[@sillascense4137]

Thank you Rock N' Roll True Stories - the hands-down absolute best part of this mini docu is the turn of events for the original song writer. Truly an amazing and heartwarming read considering all things today! Wow.

[@JosiahGould]

Louie, Louie and House of the Rising Sun are the two tracks I always use to level a new sound system.

[@brunosiffredi]

There are laws in many countries that allow people in Barry's situation to basically ask for more money. It's a shame he didn't realize this sooner.

[@slycordinator]

The irony is that they also could've found the real lyrics by simply checking recent releases by other bands from the Portland area. Paul Revere and the Raiders had, apparently, relocated to there and recorded their own version of the song and released it as a single the same month as them. In fact, they recorded it at the same studio.

[@jjp.8690]

I remember a big controversy when this song first came out. No one new for sure what the lyrics were. I was in grade six

[@durangomcmurphy1529]

Mind blowing . Louie , Louie was investigated by the FBI ? ROTFL . Why didn't anyone just ask the singer ? Holy Animal House , Batman .

[@Jamslerr]

I wonder how much money was spent to investigate?

[@JaBoreman]

2.5 million

[@rs6109]

@dan cussin keep crying trumptard

[@clasicradiolover]

I love this last bit of information about the original writer becoming rich overnight.

[@AustinLnX]

My mom told me about the controversary when I was little, but I never knew, nor imagined, a full-on investigation. Great video!

[@nonmihiseddeo4181]

I was unaware of this song, until I watched "Animal House" for my high school Film Study class. We had no udea what the singer was singing, but we loved it and thought it was perfect for the scene of that film in which it was used.

[@MrVosslerAzelas]

Can you imagine the look on their faces on what music and TV is today. 😂

[@icydawn4257]

My Dad worked @ KISN radio & I danced @ Parker’s Ballroom on Hwy 99, Seattle WA. The song became the state song. Love it😎

[@brianfarley2388]

This is Portland LEGEND

[@officialtmpwavesmedia5955]

I'm born in 1994 currently 27 years old. I had no idea this song existed I'm just going through KZbin algorithm regarding black music and this popped out.

[@sixfoursoul2538]

Im glad berry got his money in the end , must have felt good after all those years ... even if it was short lived😊

[@steveford5763]

Great song.... If it takes 2 years for the FBI to learn what the lyrics to a song are I guess Barr and Durham will be done 2028

[@giovanna722]

Enjoyed this upload very much. Well narrated, too. 👍😃

[@granularSodacan]

FBI spent two years listening to a song? 🙄

[@worksucksletsdrink6011]

The best cover is Black Flag

[@l4lo678]

Ed Hammer yupp dez cadena

[@babalon7778]

@Disobedient One Did Motorhead change the lyrics too?

[@babalon7778]

Best lyric change!

[@Mraquanetchris]

I like the Iggy Pop one too.

[@jefffloyd7105]

dez cadena!!!!!

[@mooghead]

The way it was recorded means it can never be remastered or remixed. It is what it is. That is a good thing.

[@stevenbarnes5450]

This song is about a man parting company with his friend and setting sail alone for 3 days and nights to see his girl. All the time at sea she fills his attention while he is awake and even more so while he sleeps - he loves her. A simple concept every MAN understands in detail... All this B S is from the perverted imagination of those surrounded by the sickness of HOLLYWOOD.

[@jackstacey7519]

Steven Barnes It’s more the collective perverted imaginations of 1960s conservatives.

[@DavidMcFarner]

Steven Barnes You’re gonna blame Hollywood? Wow, you are COMPLETELY missing the point.

[@DavidMcFarner]

Jack Stacey THANK YOU.

[@stevenbarnes5450]

@@DavidMcFarner i dont know when you became aware of this subject, dave. This has been going on for decades. I don't blame the kingsmen or thw lyrics. The criticism comes in from every direction TO the place of origin and the reputation there. I have no idea what other point there could be. The songs lyrics mean what i said. This is a very old record not written be the kingsmen, however, i have heard their opinions of the this subject and it is similar to my explanation. You should do more fact checking before yoy criticise someone - thats my advice.

[@stevenbarnes5450]

@@DavidMcFarner just one more thing, dave. After the record's " mysterious lyrics" became "top gossip" material, the record company and music publications did hype the controversy further increasing the attention and demand for the record that became this landmark. So, yes I do blame hollywood for the " reputation" of the song. However, its a great song for parties and dancing enjoyed by each generation since it's release.

[@Scottocaster6668]

so let me get this straight, parents back then were that lazy they couldn't check out their kids music, so they called the FBI?? The feds had all this free time to investigate lyrics of a popular song? Man, it is true, The times, they were a simple back then 🙄. Glad Mr. Barry received his rights back. Can you imagine being on welfare, getting a phone call, Bam!! Millionaire. Wow, very cool 👍👍

[@Mephiston]

Parents getting outraged at things their children are into that they dont understand is one of those constants of society that will never go away.

[@Scottocaster6668]

@@Mephiston Those are the parents who don't hear what their kids have to say. Their word is the law, end of story. If they took a step back, let down the strictness and treated the kids with respect, they would have understood.

[@Mephiston]

Yeah, welcome to parenthood. It drives most usually civilised and reasonable people practically insane.

[@Scottocaster6668]

@@Mephiston yes it does. And they say: I take care of my kids, I feed my family, etc. So, you feel that you need rewarded?? For something you should be doing in the first place? I hate that too.

[@doraran2138]

Like looking at ink blot tests or clouds, what is interpreted says more of the mindset of listener than what is actually there.

[@Oliveras1943]

In 1963 i took this record to my first grade class for show and tell. Marty from harlem nyc usa.

[@danarcotta1283]

It was a pretty well written song. I also read somewhere that the writer didn't receive royalties until 1985.

[@dr.horror9046]

A song which defines the 60’s in so many ways for a man born 30 years later

[@nearvanaman]

This whole debate was material for a terrific scene (which you can find on KZbin) in 1990 movie "Coupe de Ville" . The movie is one of my guilty pleasures. I saw it 30 years ago but had no idea back then it was based on a real controversy.

[@ladylydia762]

Why didn't they simply ask the band what were the lyrics?

[@zenglider2145]

One of those songs that for my generation was listened to drunk more often than when sober. Always the 1st song the band played on party night.

[@Impalaman1968]

I'm almost 52 years old and I still have no idea what the lyrics are.

[@ihaveinsomnia1]

I'm 53 and still don't know either!

[@thescarletandgrey2505]

I’m dead and I never figured them out.

[@charlieryan1736]

Thanks so much for another interesting and informative video

[@2011littlejohn1]

Crazy story but what about Link Wray's song The Rumble? It was an instrumental yet still got banned in certain places.

[@bowbutter7608]

This song my ringtone as been for years great track 🎶👍

[@bgaona]

Great background on a great song That I heard all my life, but never knew these things!

[@EdmundKempersDartboard]

The fbi spending 2 years investigating song lyrics they couldn't understand. Your tax dollars being put to good use. God forbid they find out about black metal.

[@svartavarg8375]

hope dies I gotta see their reaction if they had to investigate Hecate enthroned’s lyrics :-p

[@christophermerlot3366]

@@svartavarg8375 I want to be around when a gman has to sit around the office and listen to 1347 at different speeds, backwards etc. and the look of 'what am I doing with my life' on his face.

[@termikesmike]

It was the MaFIA'S EVIL PLAN to divert attention away from Frank Sinatra and the Vegas Mob singers she-nana-gins

[@Quantum3xistance]

Little did they know what would be available for kids to listen to and watch freely 50 years later

[@NateB1976]

Black Flag use to finish their live sets with this or do it for an encore.

[@russberry3240]

I was a anthem in 1964. Every dance function at the University of Wyoming was started with Louie Louie 🎶🎶🎉

[@mitchcolburn1216]

Joan Jett's version kicks all kinds of ass. Joan Jett kicks ass in general though.

[@FuckPedophileBiden]

Lyrics 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 Louie Louie, oh no Me gotta go Aye-yi-yi-yi, I said Louie Louie, oh baby Me gotta go 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. Louie Louie, oh no Me gotta go Aye-yi-yi-yi, I said Louie Louie, oh baby Me gotta go Okay, let's give it to 'em, right now! 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 Louie Louie, oh no Me gotta go Aye-yi-yi-yi, I said Louie Louie, oh baby Me gotta go Let's take it on outta here now Let's go! Source: Musixmatch Songwriters: Richard Berry Louie Louie lyrics © Emi Longitude Music

[@ianmccutcheon6319]

Nothing dirty or obscene about those lyrics. What a bunch of nonsense over nothing. lol

[@ronnieharms4332]

Excellent!

[@brentsmithline3423]

FYI - Both The Kingsmen, and Paul Revere and the Raiders recorded "Louie, Louie" at NorthWestern Motion Picture, and Sound Recording, Inc. ( NWI ) in Portland, Oregon (ORY-GUN).

[@brownwrench]

In Motorhead's version, the lyrics are quite distinct!

[@guignolfest]

Recorded in downtown Portland, OR.

[@erikolsen1333]

Best channel on youtube

[@miblish5168]

As I remember it, a set of alternate dirty words were written by students at an Indiana University fraternity. Pretty soon, every band would sing that version at parties, which had a lot to do with its popularity. Governor Matt Welsh got hold of them and banned the song. But I always wondered about the title. Who was Louie? Also, Mike Mitchell was a really good guitarist, and the solo was considered pretty hard at the time. It was a litmus test for every garage band guitarist at the time, whether he could play that solo note for note.

[@1978garfield]

I remember that California Cooler ad. I also remember Party Animal Pinball used the song about the same time.

[@davideldridge9021]

If a tree falls in the forest and no one hears it did it make a sound? If a censored word is written in a song and no one can hear it is it really sung?

[@johnnyirish801]

Damn! You CAN hear the drummer drop the F-bomb.