It’s time for Song Lyric Sunday again! This week, our host Jim Adams has tasked us with finding a song with the word black in the title. After much deliberation, I chose Black Slacks by the Sparkletones.
The Story
According to IMBD.com and Wikipedia.com, The Sparkletones are a terrifically talented and dynamic rockabilly group from Spartanburg, South Carolina. They formed in 1956 at Cowpens High School in Spartanburg when the group’s members were between the ages of 13 and 16. In January 1957, Bob Cox, a talent scout for CBS, held auditions at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium; The Sparkletones took first prize at the event. Convinced they would be a success, Cox quit CBS to manage the group and flew them out to New York City to sign with ABC-Paramount.
At their first recording session they recorded the 12-bar blues “Black Slacks”, with Paul Anka (who had been recording in the studio earlier that day) as an uncredited background singer. [citation needed] Released as a single soon after, “Black Slacks” became a local hit and slowly built-up national recognition as the group set out on a tour that crisscrossed the U.S. several times over, also performing on The Nat King Cole Show, American Bandstand, and The Ed Sullivan Show. “Black Slacks” remained on the U.S. charts for over four months (a rarity at that time), peaking at #17 on the Billboard Hot 100 late in 1957.
Around this time original guitarist Sparky Childress and drummer Jimmy Denton left and were replaced by Gene Brown and Donnie Seay respectively. The group broke up about 1961; Joe Bennett continued in music as a publisher and teacher, and Childress played country in the 1960s.
The band members had occasional reunions in South Carolina into the 2000s. And a compilation LP was released by MCA Records in 1980, and European bootleg CD reissues were put out in the 1990s.
The Rebellion of Youth
One of the central themes explored in Black Slacks is the rebellion of youth against societal expectations and norms. The song’s lyrics celebrate the emergence of a distinct teenage culture, seeking to establish its identity amidst a conventional society. The mention of black slacks, a popular fashion choice among young people during that time, symbolizes a breakaway from the traditional clothing choices of the older generation.
A Symbol of Individuality
Black Slacks also serves as a symbol of individuality and self-expression. In the 1950s, Western society witnessed the rise of the teenager as a distinct demographic group with its own tastes, preferences, and identity. The lyrics of the song convey a sense of pride in standing out from the crowd and embracing one’s personal style. Black slacks, along with a myriad of other fashion choices, became a way for teens to assert their independence and showcase their unique personalities.
The Lyrics
Black slacks
Black slacks
Black slacks
Black slacks
Black slacks, pegged cool daddy-o
When I put 'em on I'm a rearin' to go
When I go places, I just don't care
You would know why if you see what I wear
Black slacks, pegged fourteen
Black slacks, really are, keen
Black slacks, pegged cool daddy-o
When I put 'em on, I'm a rearin' to go
Man, you ought to see me with my derby on
I know that you would say he's gone
Black slacks, mostly in the head
Black slacks, well that's what I said
Black slacks, I'm the cat's pajamas
Always running around with crazy little mamas
Well, the girls all look when I go by
'Cause what I wear, it makes them sigh
Black slacks, I wear a red bowtie
Black slacks, they say, "Me, oh my"
Black slacks with a cat chain down to my knees
I ain't nothing but a real cool breeze
Black slacks
Black slacks
Black slacks
Black slacks
Black slacks, pegged cool daddy-o
When I put 'em on I'm a rearin' to go
When I put 'em on I'm a rearin' to go
When I put 'em on I'm a rearin' to go
Whatcha think?