The Contours – The Stretch: A Dance Craze Captured in Soulful Song
In the vibrant tapestry of 1960s soul music, The Contours stand out as a group brimming with energy and innovation. While their iconic hit “Do You Love Me” cemented their place in music history, another song, The Stretch, reflects a different side of the group – their ability to capture the fleeting magic of a dance craze and transform it into a timeless groove.
Background
Released in 1962 on Motown Records, The Stretch arrived at the peak of a dance craze sweeping across the African American communities in the United States.
The dance, also known as “The Funky Chicken,” involved a series of rhythmic arm extensions and leg kicks, often performed in a group setting. The Contours, with their finger on the pulse of popular culture, saw an opportunity to immortalize this fleeting phenomenon in song.
The Stretch transcended its initial association with a passing dance craze. It became an anthem for a generation, capturing the spirit of youthful rebellion and the joy of communal expression.
The song’s influence can be heard in countless soul, funk, and even disco tracks that followed, a testament to its enduring power.
Beyond its cultural impact, The Stretch remains a testament to The Contours’ talent for crafting catchy, danceable songs. It’s a reminder that music can not only capture the fleeting moments of pop culture but also elevate them to a timeless art form.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
You put your hands up highLet your feelings flyAnd you stretch, ooh(Stretch, ooh!)(Stretch, aah!)Well wellYou shimmyMy twosieHully-gully tooBetween every danceYou should get a chanceTo do the stretchThe natural stretchYou put your hands up highLet your feelings flyAnd you stretch, ooh(Stretch, ooh!)(Stretch, aah!)You can dance any danceAs you hardly slay ’emAnything that’ll set your soul on fireAnd when I say stretch, stop all that messAnd let’s stretch(Stretch, ooh!)(Stretch, aah!)(Stretch, ooh!)