
The Electric Slide, also known as The Electric Boogie, is a popular dance song written by Bunny Wailer (Neville Livingston) in 1982. The song is strongly associated with the Electric Slide line dance and has become a celebratory staple. There are rumours that the song is about a vibrator, based on interpretations of its lyrics. However, the songwriter has denied these rumours, stating that the song was inspired by Eddy Grant's Electric Avenue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Song Title | Electric Boogie (The Electric Slide) |
| Songwriter | Bunny Wailer (Neville Livingston) |
| Song Inspiration | The song "Electric Avenue" by Eddy Grant |
| Year of Release | 1982 |
| Rumoured Subject Matter | A vibrator |
| Dance Style | Line dance |
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What You'll Learn

The song's writer, Bunny Wailer, denies the vibrator claims
The song "Electric Boogie", also known as "Electric Slide", was written by Bunny Wailer and released in December 1982. The song was inspired by Eddy Grant's "Electric Avenue", which was also released in 1982.
In 2018, rumours began circulating that the song was about a vibrator. This rumour was 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'". According to sources, the songwriter, Bunny Wailer (also known as Neville Livingston), confirmed the song was about a vibrator after his girlfriend told him she didn't need him because she had a vibrator nicknamed the "Electric Slide".
However, Bunny Wailer has denied these claims. In a statement to EDM, Wailer said:
> "At no time have I ever lent credence to a rumor that the song was inspired by anything other than Eddie Grant’s Electric Avenue. To state otherwise is a falsehood and offends my legacy, the legacy of the singer Marcia Griffiths, and tarnishes the reputation of a song beloved by millions of fans the world over."
Marcia Griffiths, who the song was written for, has also denied the rumour, stating that the song was made out of innocent fun and was not related to anything sexual.
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The rumour originated from an interpretation of the song's lyrics
The Electric Boogie, also known as the Electric Slide, is a popular dance song written by Bunny Wailer, aka Neville Livingston, in 1982. The song was inspired by Eddy Grant's Electric Avenue, released the same year.
The rumour that the song is about a vibrator originated from an interpretation of the song's lyrics. Some people interpret the lyrics "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" as suggestive of a vibrator.
This interpretation gained traction on social media, with some people claiming that Livingston had confirmed the subtext of the lyrics. However, this "confirmation" was later discredited, as it came from an anonymous third party and not from Livingston himself. In fact, Livingston specifically denied the rumour, stating that the song was inspired by Electric Avenue and nothing else.
Despite Livingston's denial, the rumour persisted, and some people continue to associate the song with vibrators. This interpretation has even led to excitement and humour among some listeners, with some people's childhoods being "ruined" by the revelation.
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The song was inspired by Eddy Grant's Electric Avenue
The song "Electric Slide", also known as Electric Boogie, was inspired by Eddy Grant's "Electric Avenue". Eddy Grant, horrified and enraged by certain events, composed "Electric Avenue" in response. The song was one of the new songs he wrote after losing his recent batch of songs during baggage transit. "Electric Avenue" was released as a single in 1983 and became an instant hit. It peaked at No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and Billboard magazine's Hot 100 chart. The song's music video, filmed in Barbados, also contributed to its popularity in the United States.
"Electric Slide", written by Neville Livingston (aka Bunny Wailer), is rumoured to be about a vibrator. Livingston was allegedly inspired to write the song after his girlfriend told him she didn't need him because she had her vibrator, which was called the "Electric Slide". Interestingly, Bunny Wailer stated that Eddy Grant's "Electric Avenue" inspired his song "Electric Boogie", which he wrote for Marcia Griffiths in 1982.
"Electric Slide" has become a well-known and beloved song, often played at churches and other gatherings. The catchy and bubbly track has a distinct dance associated with it, known as the "Electric Slide" or "Electric Boogie" dance. The song's lyrics invite listeners to join in on a "party ride" and learn the electric slide dance.
While the song's upbeat and energetic vibe has made it a favourite for many, the true meaning behind the lyrics has sparked curiosity and debate. The recent revelation from Livingston himself has added a new layer to the interpretation of the song's message.
The impact of "Electric Slide" extends beyond its musical success. Its association with vibrators has led to discussions and humour surrounding the topic. The song's popularity has also resulted in its use in various contexts, such as the controversial use of "Electric Avenue" by US President Donald Trump during his 2020 re-election campaign, which led to a copyright infringement lawsuit.
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Bunny Wailer co-wrote the song with Marcia Griffiths
The Electric Slide, also known as the Electric Boogie, is a song written by Bunny Wailer, aka Neville Livingston, and Marcia Griffiths. The song was written and recorded for the first time in December 1982. It was inspired by Eddy Grant's song "Electric Avenue", which was also released that year. The song is strongly associated with the Electric Slide line dance and has become a celebratory staple.
According to sources, Wailer wrote the song for Griffiths, and it came about spontaneously as the two artists experimented with a rhythm box Griffiths had purchased in Toronto earlier that year. Griffiths has stated that the song was made out of innocent fun and has denied any sexual connotations.
The song was originally recorded in 1976 and then recorded by Griffiths in 1983. It was remixed into its most well-known form in 1989. The song is said to have a Caribbean influence with hints of disco.
The Electric Slide dance was choreographed by Richard L. "Ric" Silver, who claimed to have created the dance in 1976. Silver stated that he received a demo of the song "Electric Boogie" that year, which he used to create the dance steps. The dance became popular in 1989 and was listed by Linedancer Magazine as the number-one dance in the world for ten years.
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The song is strongly associated with the Electric Slide line dance
"Electric Boogie", also known as "The Electric Slide", is a dance song written by Bunny Wailer and released in December 1982. The song is strongly associated with the Electric Slide line dance and has become a celebratory staple. The Electric Slide is a dance fad that gained immense popularity due to the song.
The song's lyrics have led to widespread speculation that it is about a vibrator. Bunny Wailer, however, has denied these claims. According to sources, Wailer stated that the song was inspired by Eddy Grant's "Electric Avenue", released in the same year.
Despite Wailer's denial, the rumor persists due to interpretations of the song's lyrics. Some people find excitement in the idea that the song could be about a sex toy.
The Electric Slide song and its associated line dance continue to be popular at celebrations, with the dance being taught and performed at weddings and other joyous occasions. The song's upbeat and catchy rhythm, along with the easy-to-follow dance steps, contribute to its enduring appeal.
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Frequently asked questions
The song "Electric Slide", also known as Electric Boogie, is rumoured to be about a vibrator.
The rumour originated from an interpretation of the song's lyrics. One interpretation of the lyrics is: "It's Electric! You can't see it/It's electric! You gotta feel it/It's electric! Ooh, it's shakin'".
The songwriter, Neville Livingston, aka Bunny Wailer, has denied the rumour. He has stated that the song was inspired by Eddy Grant's "Electric Avenue".
"Electric Boogie" was written by Bunny Wailer in 1982 after hearing Eddy Grant's "Electric Avenue". The song was created spontaneously when Wailer and singer Marcia Griffiths experimented with a rhythm box Griffiths had purchased in Toronto.




































