Cu Ma La Be Stay
Chubby Checker
The Joyful Dance of 'Cu Ma La Be Stay'
Chubby Checker's 'Cu Ma La Be Stay' is a vibrant and infectious song that captures the essence of communal joy and the simple pleasures of dancing with friends. The repetitive and catchy lyrics, 'Cu ma lama, Cu ma la, Cu ma la be-stay,' serve as a chant that invites listeners to join in and become part of the fun. The song's structure, with its call-and-response format between Chubby and the group, creates an interactive and inclusive atmosphere, making it feel like a live performance where everyone is encouraged to participate.
The lyrics paint a picture of a warm summer evening when the sun goes down, and the heat rises from the ground. This setting is perfect for gathering with friends and enjoying the night through dance and music. The song emphasizes the importance of community and togetherness, as everyone forms a circle and takes turns jumping inside to dance. The instructions to 'clap your hands,' 'stamp your feet,' and 'do the jerk' to the 'cu ma la beat' highlight the physical and energetic nature of the dance, making it a full-body experience that brings people closer together.
Chubby Checker, known for popularizing dance crazes like 'The Twist,' continues his legacy of creating music that gets people moving with 'Cu Ma La Be Stay.' The song's playful and nonsensical lyrics, such as 'Ar cha know know know be-stay' and the repeated mentions of 'Momma say,' 'Poppa say,' and 'Chubby say,' add to the fun and carefree vibe. These elements, combined with the lively instrumental breaks, make 'Cu Ma La Be Stay' a celebration of dance, music, and the joy of being in the moment with friends and loved ones.