
The Electric Slide, also known as Electric Boogie, is a popular dance song by Neville Livingston, aka Bunny Wailer. In 2018, rumours began circulating that the song was about a vibrator, based on interpretations of lyrics such as It's Electric! You can't see it/It's electric! You gotta feel it. Livingston denied these claims, stating that the song was inspired by Eddie Grant's Electric Avenue. However, this has not stopped the rumour mill, with many still believing the song has a hidden meaning.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Song Name | Electric Boogie (The Electric Slide) |
| Songwriters | Neville Livingston, Bunny Wailer |
| Performer | Marcia Griffiths |
| Year of Release | 1982 |
| Lyrics Interpreted as Referring to a Vibrator | "It's Electric! You can't see it", "It's electric! You gotta feel it", "It's electric! Ooh, it's shakin'", "Jiggle-a-mesa-cara, she's a pumpin' like a matic", "She's a movin' like electric", "She sure got the boogie" |
| Rumored Inspiration | Livingston's girlfriend's vibrator, nicknamed "Electric Slide" |
| Confirmation by Songwriter | Denied by Livingston, unconfirmed by Griffiths |
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What You'll Learn

The Electric Slide's lyrics
The Electric Slide, also known as Electric Boogie, is a popular dance song. It has been rumoured to be about a vibrator, with some interpreting the lyrics as referring to a sex toy:
> It's Electric! You can't see it
> It's electric! You gotta feel it
> It's electric! Ooh, it's shakin'
> It's electric! Jiggle-a-mesa-cara
> She's a pumpin' like a matic
> She's a movin' like electric
> She sure got the boogie
However, this interpretation has been disputed. The songwriter, Neville Livingston, aka Bunny Wailer, has denied the rumour, stating that the song was inspired by Eddie Grant's Electric Avenue. Livingston claimed that the song was written after his girlfriend told him she didn't need him because she had a vibrator nicknamed the "Electric Slide".
Marcia Griffiths, who performed on the song, also denied the rumour, stating that the song was about "positive vibrations, not vibrators". Despite the denial from both Livingston and Griffiths, the interpretation of the song's lyrics as being about a vibrator has persisted, with many people believing this to be the true meaning of the song.
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Rumours vs. facts
Rumours vs Facts
The song "Electric Boogie (The Electric Slide)" by Neville Livingston, also known as Bunny Wailer, is rumoured to be about a vibrator. This speculation is based on an interpretation of the song's lyrics, such as "It's Electric! You can't see it/It's electric! You gotta feel it/It's electric! Ooh, it's shakin'".
Some sources claim that Livingston confirmed the song's subtext, with one article reporting that Livingston said, "I'm surprised it took people this long to figure out". However, Livingston has also adamantly denied the rumour, stating that the song was inspired by Eddie Grant's "Electric Avenue" and that any other interpretation is a "falsehood".
Marcia Griffiths, who performed on the song, also denied the rumour, telling The Blast that the song was about "positive vibrations, not vibrators". She also said that when she called Wailer to discuss the rumour, he had no idea about it.
A search through news articles, musical histories, magazines, and album reviews yielded no results to support the claim that the song was written about a sex toy.
While the interpretation of the song's lyrics is intriguing, it is important to consider the perspectives of those directly involved in creating and performing the song. As such, it is safe to conclude that the rumour of "The Electric Slide" being about a vibrator is just that—a rumour.
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The songwriter's response
Livingston told EDM that none of the stories were true, stating that the song was not inspired by a vibrator but rather by Eddie Grant's "Electric Avenue." He expressed that suggesting otherwise is a falsehood that offends his legacy, the legacy of singer Marcia Griffiths, who performed on the song, and tarnishes the reputation of a beloved song. Griffiths also denied the rumour, stating that she does not sing about vibrators but instead sings to teach, educate, and uplift.
However, other sources continue to perpetuate the rumour. According to some, Livingston confirmed the song's inspiration after his girlfriend told him she didn't need him because she had a vibrator nicknamed the "Electric Slide." This interpretation of the song's lyrics has sparked discussions and humour among listeners, with some finding it amusing and others feeling their childhoods were ruined.
While the songwriter's response seems to deny the vibrator interpretation, the rumour persists due to its suggestive lyrics and interpretations by listeners.
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Interpretations of the song
The song "Electric Slide" by Bunny Wailer has been interpreted in a variety of ways, with many listeners curious about the true meaning behind the lyrics. While some interpretations suggest that the song is about a vibrator, there are other possible readings that offer alternative understandings. Here are some of the most prevalent interpretations:
One common interpretation suggests that Bunny Wailer is indeed singing about a vibrator or a similar pleasure device. The lyrics can be seen as a playful and suggestive description of a woman's experience with such a device. The "electric slide" could refer to the vibrating motion of the device, providing a sensual and pleasurable experience. This interpretation is supported by hints throughout the song, such as the mention of "electric feel" and "electric touch," which could allude to the physical sensations produced by a vibrator.
Another interpretation takes a slightly different direction, suggesting that the song is about a charismatic and skilled dancer. In this reading, the "electric slide" refers to an impressive and captivating dance move or style. The singer might be describing a person who enters the room with confidence and an electric presence, drawing attention with their smooth and slick dance moves. This interpretation emphasizes the energetic and vibrant atmosphere created by a talented dancer, with the "electric feel" being more metaphorical and indicative of a lively performance.
There is also a possibility that the song carries a socio-political message. Considering Bunny Wailer's history as a reggae artist and his involvement in the Rastafari movement, the "electric slide" could be a metaphor for social and political awakening. The song may be encouraging listeners to break free from societal constraints and embrace a more liberated mindset. The "electric feel" and "electric touch" could represent the empowering and enlightening nature of knowledge or political awareness. This interpretation aligns with themes of activism and social consciousness often found in reggae music.
Additionally, some listeners interpret the song as a reflection on the digital age and the impact of technology. In this context, the "electric slide" could symbolize the rapid advancement and proliferation of technology in modern life. The "electric feel" might refer to the overwhelming sensation of being surrounded by electronic devices and the constant flow of information. This interpretation presents a more cautionary tale, highlighting the potential for technology to overwhelm and consume our lives.
Lastly, a more lighthearted interpretation suggests that the song is simply about enjoying life and embracing fun experiences. The "electric slide" could be a metaphor for letting go and fully immersing oneself in the moment, whether it's on the dance floor or during exciting adventures. The "electric feel" and "electric touch" could represent the thrill and excitement of living life to the fullest, embracing new experiences with enthusiasm and a sense of freedom.
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The song's legacy
"The Electric Slide", also known as "The Electric Boogie", is a popular dance song written by Bunny Wailer, aka Neville Livingston. The song was written in response to hearing Eddy Grant's "Electric Avenue" in 1982.
In 2018, the rumour gained traction when an article was published reporting that Livingston had confirmed the subtext of the lyrics. The article cited an anonymous source who claimed that Livingston wrote the song after a girlfriend told him she didn't need him because she had a vibrator nicknamed the "Electric Slide". However, the reliability of this story has been questioned, as Livingston himself never confirmed this interpretation and specifically denied the rumour in a statement to EDM, saying that the song was inspired by "Electric Avenue" and nothing else.
Marcia Griffiths, who performed on the song, also denied the rumour, stating that the song was about "positive vibrations, not vibrators". She also noted that when she called Wailer to ask about the rumour, he had no idea about it. Despite these denials, the song's legacy has been impacted by the widespread interpretation that it is about a vibrator, with many people expressing surprise, excitement, and humour about the idea.
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Frequently asked questions
The popular dance song "Electric Boogie (The Electric Slide)" by Marcia Griffiths is rumoured to be about a vibrator. However, Griffiths has denied the rumour, stating that the song is about positive vibrations, not vibrators.
The song was inspired by Eddie Grant's "Electric Avenue".
The song was written by Neville Livingston, also known as Bunny Wailer.
The lyrics "It's Electric!/You can't see it/It's electric!/You gotta feel it/It's electric!/Ooh, it's shakin'" have been interpreted as hinting at a vibrator.
The songwriter, Neville Livingston, has denied the rumour that the song is about a vibrator, stating that he has never lent credence to any interpretation other than the song being inspired by Eddie Grant's "Electric Avenue".






































