My Ding A Ling

Introduction

“My Ding-A-Ling” by Chuck Berry is a playful and catchy novelty song that took the world by storm upon its release in 1972. Despite its controversial nature, the song became one of Chuck Berry’s most commercially successful singles, showcasing his unique ability to blend humor with rock and roll. Join us as we dive into the backstory of “My Ding-A-Ling” and explore its enduring legacy in the world of music.

Did You Know?

• “My Ding-A-Ling” was originally recorded by Dave Bartholomew in 1952 under the title “Little Girl Sing Ding-a-Ling.”
• Chuck Berry’s live rendition of the song, recorded at the Lanchester Arts Festival in England, became the definitive version and propelled the song to the top of the charts.
• Despite facing criticism and censorship for its suggestive lyrics, “My Ding-A-Ling” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming Chuck Berry’s only chart-topping single.
• The song’s playful and irreverent lyrics, coupled with Berry’s charismatic delivery, endeared it to audiences and cemented its status as a cult classic.

Video

Lyrics: My Ding A Ling

When I was a little bitty boy
My grandmother bought me a cute little toy
Silver bells hanging on a string
She told me it was my ding-a-ling-a-ling, oh

My ding-a-ling, my ding-a-ling
I want you to play with my ding-a-ling
My ding-a-ling, my ding-a-ling
I want you to play with my ding-a-ling

You know, then mama took me to Sunday school
They tried to teach me the golden rule
Everytime that choir would sing
Watch me playin’ with my ding-a-ling-a-ling, oh

My ding-a-ling, my ding-a-ling
I want you to play with my ding-a-ling
My ding-a-ling, my ding-a-ling
I want you to play with my ding-a-ling

Once I was climbing the garden wall
I slipped and had a terrible fall
I fell so hard, I heard bells ring
But held on to my ding-a-ling-a-ling, oh

My ding-a-ling, my ding-a-ling
I want you to play with my ding-a-ling
My ding-a-ling, my ding-a-ling
I want you to play with my ding-a-ling

Once, I was swimmin’ ‘cross Turtle Creek
Man, them snappers all around my feet
Sure was hard swimmin’ ‘cross that thing
With both hands holdin’ my ding-a-ling-a-ling, oh

My ding-a-ling, my ding-a-ling
I want you to play with my ding-a-ling
My ding-a-ling, my ding-a-ling
I want you to play with my ding-a-ling

This little song, it ain’t so sad
The cutest little song you ever had
Those of you who will not sing
You must be playin’ with your own ding-a-ling

My ding-a-ling, my ding-a-ling
I want you to play with my ding-a-ling
My ding-a-ling, my ding-a-ling
I want you to play with my ding-a-ling

Your own ding-a-ling, your own ding-a-ling
We saw you playin’ with your own ding-a-ling
My ding-a-ling, everybody sing
I wanna play with my ding-a-ling
I wanna play with my ding-a-ling