A one-hit wonder is any entity that achieves mainstream popularity and success for a very short period of time, often for only one piece of work, and becomes known among the general public solely for that momentary success. The term is most commonly used in regard to music performers with only one top-40 hit single that overshadows their other work but is not limited to that field, such as having only one successful album with a string of hits. Often acts dubbed “one-hit wonders” in a particular country have had great success in others.
20. Ring My Bell (Anita Ward)
19. Disco Duck
All the ladies were treating me right
Moving my feet to the disco beat
How in the world could I keep my seat
All of a sudden I began to change
I was on the dance floor acting strange
Flapping my arms I began to cluck
Look at me… I’m the disco duckDuck: Ah get down mama, I’ve got to have me a woman, ha ha ha ha ha
Chorus: Disco, disco duck
Duck: Got to have me a woman
Chorus: Disco, disco duck
Duck: Oh get down mama
Chorus: Try your luck, don’t be a cluck, disco
Duck: Disco
Chorus: Disco
Duck: Disco
Chorus: Disco – disco – disco disco duck
Duck: All right
Chorus: Disco disco duck
Duck: Ah get down mama, oh mama shake your tail feather, ha ha ha ha haRick Dees: When the music stopped I returned to my seat
But there’s no stoppin’ a duck and his beat
So I got back up to try my luck
Why look it’s the disco Duck!Duck: Everybody’s doin’ the
Chorus: Disco, disco duck
Chorus: Disco, disco duck
Chorus: Try your luck
Duck: Wave to me
Chorus: Don’t be a cluck
Duck: I’m so happy to be here
Chorus: Disco
Rick Dees: Thank you duck
Chorus: Disco
Rick Dees: For gettin’ down
Chorus: Disco disco disco
Rick Dees: Thank you so very much
Chorus: Disco duck
Duck: You’re welcome
Chorus: Disco Disco Duck
Chorus: Try your luck, don’t be a cluck, disco, disco, disco…
18. Sunshine (Jonathan Edwards)
Sunshine go away today, I don’t feel much like dancing
Some man’s come he’s trying to run my life, don’t know what he’s asking
When he tells me I better get in line, can’t hear what he’s saying
When I grow up, I’m gonna make him mine, these ain’t dues I been paying
How much does it cost?
I’ll buy it!
The time is all we’ve lost
I’ll try it!
He can’t even run his own life,
I’ll be damned if he’ll run mine — sunshine
Sunshine, go away today, I don’t feel much like dancing
Some man’s come he’s trying to run my life, don’t know what he’s asking
Working starts to make me wonder where fruits of what I do are going
When he says in love and war all is fair, he’s got cards he ain’t showing
How much does it cost?
I’ll buy it!
The time is all we’ve lost–I’ll try it!
He can’t even run his own life,
I’ll be damned if he’ll run mine — sunshine
17. Mr. Big Stuff (Jean Knight)
Mr. Big Stuff
Who do you think you are
Mr. Big Stuff
You’re never gonna get my love
And have a big fine car, oh yes you do now
Do you think I can afford to give you my love (oh yeah)
You think you’re higher than every star above
Who do you think you are
Mr. Big Stuff
You’re never gonna get my love
I know you broke their hearts one after another now, bit by bit
You made ’em cry, many poor girls cry
When they try to keep you happy, they just try to keep you satisfied
Who do you think you are
Mr. Big Stuff
You’re never gonna get my love
Than to be fooled around and get hurt by you
Cause when I give my love, I want love in return (oh yeah)
Now I know this is a lesson Mr. Big Stuff you haven’t learned
Who do you think you are
Mr. Big Stuff
You’re never gonna get my love
You’re never gonna break my heart
Mr. Big Stuff
You’re never gonna make me cry
Just who do you think you are
Mr. Big Stuff
You’re never gonna get my love
Mr. Big Stuff
16. Knock On Wood (Amii Stewart)
Knock On Wood
I don’t want to lose you, this good thing
That I got ’cause if I do
I will surely
Surely lose a lot
‘Cause your love is better
Than any love I know
It’s like thunder, lightning
The way you love me is frightening
You better knock, knock on wood, baby
Baby
I’m not superstitious about ya
But I can’t take no chance
You got me spinnin’, baby
You know I’m in a trance
‘Cause your love is better
Than any love I know
It’s like thunder, lightning
The way you love me is frightening
You better knock, knock on wood, baby
Baby
You better knock, knock on wood, baby
You better knock, knock on wood, baby
You better knock, knock knock, knock, knock
It’s no secret about it
‘Cause we’re this lovin’ touch
He sees to it
That I get enough
Fell his touch all over
You know it means so much
It’s like thunder, lightning
The way you love me is frightening
You better knock, knock, knock on wood, baby
Baby
You better knock, knock on wood, baby
You better knock, knock on wood, baby
You better knock, knock on wood, baby
You better knock, knock on wood, baby
You better knock, knock on wood, baby
You better knock, knock on wood, baby
You better knock, knock on wood
15. It’s Raining Men
Hi Hi! We’re your Weather Girls Ah huh
And have we got news for you You better listen!
Get ready, all you lonely girls
and leave those umbrellas at home. Alright!
Humidity’s rising, Barometer’s getting low
According to all sources, the street’s the place to go
Cause tonight for the first time
Just about half-past ten
For the first time in history
It’s gonna start raining men.
It’s Raining Men! Hallelujah!
It’s Raining Men! Amen
I’m gonna go out, I’m gonna let myself get,
Absolutely soaking wet!
It’s Raining Men! Hallelujah!
It’s Raining Men! Every Specimen!
Tall, blonde, dark and lean
Rough and tough and strong and mean
God bless Mother Nature, she’s a single woman too
She took off to heaven and she did what she had to do
She taught every angel to rearrange the sky
So that each and every woman could find her perfect guy
It’s Raining Men! Hallelujah!
It’s Raining Men! Amen!
It’s Raining Men! Hallelujah!
It’s Raining Men! Amen!
I… feel… stormy… weather… moving… in
About to begin
With… the… thunder… don’t… you… loose… your… head
Rip off the roof and stay in bed!
(Rip off the roof and stay in bed!) Oh!
God bless Mother Nature, she’s a single woman too
She took off to heaven and she did what she had to do
She taught every angel. She rearranged the sky
So that each and every woman could find her perfect guy
Oh, it’s Raining Men, yeah!
Humidity’s rising, Barometer’s getting low
According to all sources, the street’s the place to go
Cause tonight for the first time
Just about half-past ten
For the first time in history
It’s gonna start raining men.
It’s Raining Men! Hallelujah!
It’s Raining Men! Amen!
It’s Raining Men! Hallelujah!
It’s Raining Men! Amen!
It’s Raining Men! Hallelujah!
It’s Raining Men! Amen!
It’s Raining Men! Hallelujah!
It’s Raining Men! Amen!
It’s Raining Men! Hallelujah!
It’s Raining Men! Amen!
It’s Raining Men! Hallelujah!
It’s Raining Men! Amen!
14. The Night Chicago Died
https://youtu.be/ryVh9BuwOs4
The Night Chicago Died (Paper Lace)
Daddy was a cop on the east side of Chicago
Back in the U.S.A. back in the bad old days
In the heat of a summer night
In the land of the dollar bill
When the town of Chicago died
And they talk about it still
When a man named Al Capone
Tried to make that town his own
And he called his gang to war
With the forces of the law
I heard my mama cry
I heard her pray the night Chicago died
Brother what a night it really was
Brother what a fight it really was
Glory be!
I heard my mama cry
I heard her pray the night Chicago died
Brother what a night the people saw
Brother what a fight the people saw
Yes indeed!
And the sound of the battle rang
Through the streets of the old east side
‘Til the last of the hoodlum gang
Had surrendered up or died
There was shouting in the street
And the sound of running feet
And I asked someone who said
“‘Bout a hundred cops are dead!”
I heard my mama cry
I heard her pray the night Chicago died
Brother what a night it really was
Brother what a fight it really was
Glory be!
I heard my mama cry
I heard her pray the night Chicago died
Brother what a night the people saw
Brother what a fight the people saw
Yes indeed!
And there was no sound at all
But the clock upon the wall
Then the door burst open wide
And my daddy stepped inside
And he kissed my mama’s face
And he brushed her tears away
The night Chicago died
(Na-na na, na-na-na, na-na-na)
The night Chicago died
Brother what a night the people saw
Brother what a fight the people saw
Yes indeed!
The night Chicago died
(Na-na na, na-na-na, na-na-na)
The night Chicago died
Brother what a night it really was
Brother what a fight it really was
Glory be!
The night Chicago died
(Na-na na, na-na-na, na-na-na)
The night Chicago died
Brother what a night the people saw
Brother what a fight the people saw
Yes indeed!
Click NEXT to see #12.. Can you guess what’s on our list?
13. Kung Fu Fighting (Carl Douglas)
Kung Fu Fighting
Those kicks were fast as lightning
In fact, it was a little bit frightening
But they fought with expert timing
They were chopping them up and they were chopping them down
It’s an ancient Chinese art and everybody knew their part
From a feint into a slip, and kicking from the hip
Those kicks were fast as lightning
In fact, it was a little bit frightening
But they fought with expert timing
He said here comes the big boss, let’s get it on
We took a bow and made a stand, started swinging with the hand
The sudden motion made me skip now we’re into a brand new trip
Those kicks were fast as lightning
In fact, it was a little bit frightening
But they did it with expert timing
Those kicks were fast as lightning
In fact, it was a little bit frightening
Make sure you have expert timing
12. My Sharona (The Knack)
My Sharona
When you gonna give me some time, Sharona
Ooh, you make my motor run, my motor run
Got it coming off o’ the line, Sharona
I always get it up, for the touch of the younger kind
My, my, my, aye-aye, whoa!
M-m-m-my Sharona
Close enough to look in my eyes, Sharona
Keeping it a mystery, it gets to me
Running down the length of my thigh, Sharona
I always get it up, for the touch of the younger kind
My, my, my, aye-aye, whoa!
M-m-m-my Sharona
M-m-m-my Sharona
Is it just a matter of time, Sharona?
Is it d-d-destiny, d-destiny
Or is it just a game in my mind, Sharona?
I always get it up, for the touch of the younger kind
My, my, my, aye-aye, whoa!
M-m-m-m-m-m-m-my, my, my, aye-aye, whoa!
M-m-m-my Sharona
M-m-m-my Sharona
M-m-m-my Sharona
M-m-m-my Sharona
Ooooooo-ohhh, my Sharona
Ooooooo-ohhh, my Sharona
Some obvios and not so obvious NEXT
11. VENUS (Shocking Blue)
VENUS
Was burning like a silver flame
The summit of beauty and love
And Venus was her name
Yeah, baby, she’s got it
Well, I’m your Venus
I’m your fire
At your desire
I’m your fire
At your desire
Making every man mad
Black as the dark night she was
Got what no one else had
Yeah, baby, she’s got it
Well, I’m your Venus
I’m your fire
At your desire
I’m your fire
At your desire
Yeah, baby, she’s got it
Well, I’m your Venus
I’m your fire
At your desire
I’m your fire
At your desire
10. I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing
I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing (The New Seekers)
And furnish it with love
Grow apple trees and honey bees
And snow white turtle doves
In perfect harmony
I’d like to hold it in my arms
And keep it company
All standing hand in hand
And hear them echo through the hills
For peace throughout the land
(That’s the song I hear)
In perfect harmony
In perfect harmony
And furnish it with love
Grow apple trees and honey bees
And snow white turtle doves
In perfect harmony
I’d like to hold it in my arms
And keep it company
All standing hand in hand
And hear them echo through the hills
For peace throughout the land
(That’s the song I hear)
In perfect harmony
In perfect harmony
In perfect harmony, that’s the song I hear
9. Afternoon Delight
Afternoon Delight
Gonna grab some afternoon delight
My motto’s always been ‘when it’s right, it’s right’
Why wait until the middle of a cold dark night?
When everything’s a little clearer in the light of day
And we know the night is always gonna be there anyway
Looking forward to a little afternoon delight
And the thought of Lovin’ you is getting so exciting
Sky rockets in flight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
I always though a fish could not be caught who wouldn’t bite
But you’ve got some bait a waitin’ and I think I might try nibbling
A little afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
We could make a lot of lovin’ ‘for the sun goes down
Looking forward to a little afternoon delight
And the thought of Lovin’ you is getting so exciting
Sky rockets in flight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
Afternoon delight
8. What The World Needs Now (Tom Clay)
What The World Needs Now
What is segregation?
I don’t know what segregation is.
What is bigotry?
I don’t know what biggery is.
What does hatred mean?
I don’t know what that is…
What is prejudice?
Umm, I think its when somebody sick.
Rise and shine, boys!
One, two, three, four! One, two, three, four! …
Anybody here, seen my old friend John, can you tell me where he’s
Gone?
Were at the Trademark, the motorcade is coming by here, I can see many
Many motorcycles coming
By now, police motorcycles. Just heard a call on the radio for all
Units along Industrial, to pick up the
Motorcade.
Somethings happened here, we understand there has been a shooting. The
Presidential car coming up
Now, we know its the presidential car. We can see Mrs. Kennedys pink
Suit, there’s a Secret Service
Man spread eagle over the top of the car. We understand Governor and
Mrs. Connolly are in the car,
With President and Mrs. Kennedy.
We can’t see who has been hit if anybody’s been hit, but apparently
Something is wrong here,
Something is terribly wrong. I am behind the motorcade now, (and as you
Probably notice?) they’re
Going to Parkland Hospital
We interrupt this program to bring you a special bulletin: Dallas
Texas, the flash, apparently official:
President John F. Kennedy died, at 1 p.m., central standard time.
Anybody here, seen my old friend Martin, can you tell me where he’s
Gone?
He has freed a lot of people, but it seems the good they die young.
We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn’t really matter
With me now. Because I’ve been to the
Mountain top, and I don’t mind.
Like anybody, I would like to live……….
7. Play That Funky Music (Wild Cherry)
“Play That Funky Music”
Yeah, heyHey, Once I was a boogie singer playin’ in a Rock and Roll Band
I never had no problems, yeah
Burnin’ down one night stands
And everything around me, yeah
Got to stop to feelin’ so low And I decided quickly (Yes I did)
To disco down and check out the show
Yeah, they was dancin’ and singin’ and movin’ to the groovin’
And just when it hit me somebody turned around and shouted
Play that funky music white boy
Play that funky music right
Play that funky music white boy
Lay down the boogie and play that funky music till you die
Till you die
Oh ya, yaI tried to understand this
I thought that they were out of their minds
How could I be so foolish (How could I)
To not see I was the one behind
So still I kept on fighting
Well, losing every step of the way
I said, I must go back there (I got to go back)
And check to see if things still the same
Yeah they was dancin’ and singin’ and movin’ to the groovin’
And just when it hit me somebody turned around and shouted
Play that funky music white boy
Play that funky music right
Play that funky music white boy
Lay down the boogie and play that funky music till you die
Till you die, ya
Till you die(Gonna play that electified funky music, yeah)(Hey, wait a minute)
Now first it wasn’t easy
Changin’ Rock and Roll and minds and things were getting shaky
I thought I’d have to leave it behind
But now it’s so much better (it’s so much better)
I’m funking out in every way
But I’ll never lose that feelin’ (no I won’t)
Of how I learned my lesson that day
When they were dancin’ and singin’ and movin’ to the groovin’
And just when it hit me somebody turned around and shouted
Play that funky music white boy
Play that funky music right
Play that funky music white boy
Lay down the boogie and play that funky music till you die
Till you die
Oh’ till you dieThey shouted play that funky music
(Play that funky music)
Play that funky music
(You Gotta keep on playin’ funky music)
Play that funky music
(Play that funky music)
Play that funky music
(Come and take you higher, ya)
Play that funky music white boy
Play that funky music right, ya
Play that funky music white boy
Play that funky music right
Play that funky music white boy
Play that funky music right
Click NEXT to see our 5th pick
6. Funkytown (Lipps, Inc.)
Funkytown
Gotta make a move to a town that’s right for me
Town to keep me movin’
Keep me groovin’ with some energy
Well, I talk about it, talk about it
Talk about it, talk about it
Talk about, talk about
Talk about movin’
Gotta move on
Gotta move on
Gotta move on
Won’t you take me to
Funkytown
Won’t you take me to
Funkytown
Won’t you take me to
Funkytown
Won’t you take me to
Funkytown
Won’t you take me to
Funkytown
Won’t you take me to
Funkytown
Won’t you take me to
Funkytown
Won’t you take me to
Funkytown
Gotta make a move to a town that’s right for me
Town to keep me movin’
Keep me groovin’ with some energy
Well, I talk about it, talk about it
Talk about it, talk about it
Talk about, talk about
Talk about movin’
Gotta move on
Gotta move on
Gotta move on
Won’t you take me to
Funkytown
Won’t you take me to
Funkytown
Won’t you take me to
Funkytown
Won’t you take me to
Funkytown
Won’t you take me to
To Funkytown
Won’t you take me now
To Funkytown
5. In The Summertime (Mungo Jerry)
“In The Summertime”
You can stretch right up and touch the sky
When the weather’s fine
You got women, you got women on your mind
Have a drink, have a drive
Go out and see what you can findIf her daddy’s rich, take her out for a meal
If her daddy’s poor, just do what you feel
Speed along the lane
Do a turn or return the twenty-five
When the sun goes down
You can make it, make it good and really fineWe’re not bad people, we’re not dirty, we’re not mean
We love everybody, but we do as we please
When the weather’s fine
We go fishing or go swimming in the sea
We’re always happy
Life’s for living, yeah, that’s our philosophySing along with us, dee-dee dee-dee dee
Da doo da-da da, yeah, we’re hap-pap-py
Da da da, dee da doo dee da doo da doo da
Da doo da-da da, dee da da dee da daWhen the winter’s here, yeah, it’s party time
Bring your bottle, wear your bright clothes
’cause it will soon be summertime
And we’ll sing again
We’ll go driving or maybe we’ll settle down
If she’s rich, if she’s nice
Bring your friends and we’ll all go into townIn the summertime when the weather is high
You can stretch right up and touch the sky
When the weather’s fine
You got women, you got women on your mind
Have a drink, have a drive
Go out and see what you can findIf her daddy’s rich, take her out for a meal
If her daddy’s poor, just do what you feel
Speed along the lane
Do a turn or return the twenty-five
When the sun goes down
You can make it, make it good and really fineWe’re not bad people, we’re not dirty, we’re not mean
We love everybody, but we do as we please
When the weather’s fine
We go fishing or go swimming in the sea
We’re always happy
Life’s for living, yeah, that’s our philosophySing along with us, dee-dee dee-dee dee
Da doo da-da da, yeah, we’re hap-pap-py
Da da da, dee da doo dee da doo da doo da
Da doo da-da da, dee da da dee da da
Forgot about this NEXT one…
4. Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes) – (Edison Lighthouse)
Love Grows
She ain’t got no money
Her clothes are kinda funny
Her hair is kinda wild and free
Oh, but Love grows where my Rosemary goes
And nobody knows like me
She talks kinda lazy
And people say she she’s crazy
And her life’s a mystery
Oh, but Love grows where my Rosemary goes
And nobody knows like me
There’s something about her hand holding mine
It’s a feeling that’s fine
And I just gotta say
She’s really got a magical spell
And it’s working so well
That I can’t get away
I’m a lucky fella
And I’ve just got to tell her
That I love her endlessly
Because Love grows where my Rosemary goes
And nobody knows like me
There’s something about her hand holding mine
It’s a feeling that’s fine
And I just gotta say
She’s really got a magical spell
And it’s working so well
That I can’t get away
I’m a lucky fella
And I’ve just got to tell her
That I love her endlessly
Because Love grows where my Rosemary goes
And nobody knows like me
Fadeout:
It keeps growing every place she’s been
And nobody knows like me
If you’ve met her, you’ll never forget her
And nobody knows like me
La la la- believe it when you’ve seen it
Nobody knows like me
Picture taking a long distance car ride with the windows open or the roof down and this NEXT song blasting on the radio…
3. Ooh-Oo CHILD (The Five Stairsteps)
Ooh-oo child
Things are gonna get easier
Ooh-oo child
Things’ll get brighter
Ooh-oo child
Things are gonna get easier
Ooh-oo child
Things’ll get brighter
Some day, yeah
We’ll get it together and we’ll get it all done
Some day
When your head is much lighter
Some day, yeah
We’ll walk in the rays of a beautiful sun
Some day
When the world is much brighter
Ooh-oo child
Things are gonna be easier
Ooh-oo child
Things’ll get be brighter
Ooh-oo child
Things are gonna be easier
Ooh-oo child
Things’ll get be brighter
We’ll get it together and we’ll get it all done
Some day
When your head is much lighter
Some day, yeah
We’ll walk in the rays of a beautiful sun
Some day
When the world is much brighter
Some day, yeah
We’ll get it together and we’ll get it all done
Some day
When your head is much lighter
Some day, yeah
We’ll walk in the rays of a beautiful sun
Some day
When the world is much brighter
Ooh-oo child
Things are gonna get easier
Ooh-oo child
Things’ll get brighter
Ooh-oo child
Things are gonna get easier
Ooh-oo child
Things’ll get brighter
Right now, right now
(You just wait and see how things are gonna be)
2. Spirit In The Sky (Norman Greenbaum)
https://youtu.be/-cXrEPNvRO8
“Spirit In The Sky”
They lay me to rest
Gonna go to the place
That’s the best
When I lay me down to die
Goin up to the spirit in the skyGoin up to the spirit in the sky
That’s where I’m gonna go
When I die
When I die and they
Lay me to rest
I’m gonna go to the place
That’s the bestPrepare yourself
You know it’s a must
Gotta have a friend in Jesus
So you know that
When you die
You’re gonna go to
The spirit in the skyGonna go to the spirit in the sky
That’s where you’re gonna go
When you die
When you die and
They lay you to rest
You’re gonna go to
The place that’s the bestNever been a sinner
He never sinned
I got a friend in Jesus
So you know that
When I die
He’s gonna set me up
With the spirit in the skySet me up with
The spirit in the sky
That’s where I’m gonna
Go when I die
When I die and they
Lay me to rest
I’m gonna go to the place
That’s the bestI’m gonna go to the place
That’s the best
I’m gonna go to the place
That’s the best
You tell us!!!
So, these are our picks but might not be yours. What would you add or take away? We welcome your comments in the comment section below.
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