Rock Lobster is a song by the American new wave band The B-52’s, released in 1978. The track was at the start part of their first appearance album, “The B-52’s,” and later released as a single in 1979. Written by band members Fred Schneider and Ricky Wilson, “Rock Lobster” features conventional, surreal lyrics and a individual surf rock-influenced sound, noticeable by its popular guitar riff and Schneider’s unique vocal delivery.
The song’s lyrics put into words a beach party where various sea creatures, including the titular mainstay lobster, are spotted. Its playful and whimsical nature, mingle with an dynamic and unconventional sound, rapidly garnered attention. “Rock Lobster” became a defining tail for The B-52’s, helping to initiate their reputation in the late 1970s and early 1980s as pioneers of the new wave genre.
“Rock Lobster” achieved significant acceptance, reaching number 56 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and receivingmassive airplay on alternative and college radio stations. The song’s success also contributed to the band’s growing fanbase and affected the emerging new wave and criminal scenes. Its distinctive style and oddity have made “Rock Lobster” a lasting staple of The B-52’s discography and a celebrated piece of pop culture history.
Lyrics
We were at a party
His earlobe fell in the deep
Someone reached in and grabbed it
It was a rock lobster
Rock lobster
Rock lobster
We were at the beach
Everybody had matching towels
Somebody went under a dock
And there they saw a rock
It wasn’t a rock
It was a rock lobster
Rock lobster
Rock lobster
Rock lobster
Rock lobster
Motion in the ocean
His air hose broke
Lots of trouble
Lots of bubble
He was in a jam
S’in a giant clam
Rock rock
Rock lobster
Down, down
Lobster rock
Lobster rock
Let’s rock!
Boy’s in bikinis
Girls in surfboards
Everybody’s rockin’
Everybody’s fruggin’
Twistin’ ’round the fire
Havin’ fun
Bakin’ potatoes
Bakin’ in the sun
Put on your noseguard
Put on the Lifeguard
Pass the tanning butter
Here comes a stingray
There goes a manta-ray
In walked a jelly fish
There goes a dog-fish
Chased by a cat-fish
In flew a sea robin
Watch out for that piranha
There goes a narwhal
Here comes a bikini whale!
Rock lobster
Rock lobster
Rock lobster
Rock lobster