Barry Manilow – Bandstand Boogie

About the song

There are few songs that so joyfully capture the spirit of a cultural moment as Barry Manilow’s vibrant rendition of “Bandstand Boogie.” Originally composed by Charles Albertine in the 1950s as the theme for the iconic television show American Bandstand, this upbeat, brass-driven tune became a nostalgic touchstone when Barry Manilow recorded his vocal version in 1975. By pairing his infectious enthusiasm with lyrics that celebrated the teenage energy and musical revolution of Bandstand, Manilow turned what had been a jazzy instrumental into a full-blown pop anthem—a tribute not only to the program itself but to the era it defined.

“Bandstand Boogie” is more than just a theme song. It’s a love letter to the early days of rock ’n’ roll, to sock hops, dance contests, and the sheer excitement of seeing your favorite act on television. Manilow’s arrangement swings with crisp horns, a toe-tapping rhythm, and his unmistakably theatrical flair. The lyrics—“We’re goin’ hoppin’! We’re goin’ hoppin’ today!”—exude youthful delight and bring listeners right back to the golden age of American Bandstand, whether they lived through it or discovered it later.

What makes Barry Manilow’s take so memorable is how seamlessly he fuses nostalgia with polish. His performance doesn’t feel like a retro novelty—it’s a celebration, delivered with heartfelt respect for the music that came before him. In an era where television and music were becoming increasingly intertwined, “Bandstand Boogie” stood as a reminder of when rock was still fresh and thrilling, and when a television show could launch a new dance craze or a new teen idol overnight.

Today, listening to “Bandstand Boogie” evokes not only the soundtrack of a generation but also the joyous memories of simpler times—when Saturday afternoons were for dancing in the living room, and music truly brought people together. It’s a feel-good slice of American pop history, and Barry Manilow delivers it with just the right blend of showmanship and reverence.

Video

Lyrics

We’re goin’ hoppin’ (hop)
We’re goin’ hoppin’ today
Where things are poppin’ (pop)
The Philadelphia way
We’re gonna drop in (drop)
On all the music they play
On the Bandstand (Bandstand)

We’re goin’ swingin’ (swing)
We’re gonna swing in the crowd
And we’ll be clingin’ (cling)
And floatin’ high as a cloud
The phones are ringin’ (ring)
My mom and dad are so proud
I’m on Bandstand (Bandstand)

And I’ll jump, and hey, I may even show ’em my handstand
Because I’m on, because I’m on the American Bandstand
When we dance real slow, I’ll show all the guys in the grandstand
What a swinger I am, I am on American Bandstand

We’re goin’ hoppin
We’re goin’ hoppin’ today
Where things are poppin’
The Philadelphia way
We’re gonna drop in
On all the music they play
On the Bandstand (Bandstand)

Bandstand
Bandstand
Bandstand
What d’ya know, here on the show, ready to go, what a pro

Hey, I’m makin’ my mark
Gee, this joint is jumpin’
They made such a fuss just to see us arrive
Hey, it’s Mr. Dick Clark
What a place you’ve got here
Swell spot the music’s hot here
Best in the east, give it at least a seventy five!

Now for all you Joes, here goes my American handstand
Because I’m on, because I’m on the American Bandstand
As we dance real slow, I’m showin’ the guys in the grandstand
That I like my girl, but I love American Bandstand

The singers’ croonin’
He ain’t the greatest, but, gee
My baby’s swoonin’
In front of all of TV
So if you tune in
You’ll see my baby and me
On the Bandstand (Bandstand)

And now we’re hoppin’
And we’ll be hoppin’ all day
When things are poppin’
The Philadelphia way
And you can drop in
On all the music they play
On the Bandstand
Bandstand

And we’ll rock and roll and stroll on American
Lindy Hop and Slop, it’s American
Tune in, I’m on
Turn on, I’m in, I’m on
Today
Bandstand