About the song
Few songs encapsulate the unfiltered energy of teenage exuberance quite like “Shang-A-Lang” by the Bay City Rollers. Released in 1974, this irresistible anthem quickly became synonymous with the early wave of “Rollermania,” a British pop phenomenon that took the UK—and later, the world—by storm. For many, especially those who grew up in the 1970s, “Shang-A-Lang” was more than just a catchy pop tune; it was the joyous soundtrack to a time of innocence, optimism, and platform shoes.
At its core, “Shang-A-Lang” is a celebration of youthful abandon. Its title—a made-up onomatopoeic phrase—perfectly reflects the nonsensical but intoxicating spirit of pop music at its most carefree. The lyrics recall a simpler time, when music and romance defined the teenage experience: “We sang shang-a-lang and we ran with the gang / Doin’ doo-wop-be-dooby-do ay…” It’s not Shakespeare, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s raw emotion filtered through tambourines and electric guitars, aimed squarely at the heart.
What makes the track especially compelling is the way it walks the line between nostalgia and momentum. Les McKeown’s lead vocals are charmingly earnest, while the arrangement—produced by Phil Coulter and Bill Martin—has a buoyant glam-pop sheen that rivals anything from Slade or T. Rex. It’s sugarcoated, yes, but not saccharine; it manages to uplift without pandering.
For older listeners revisiting this track, “Shang-A-Lang” may conjure memories of Top of the Pops, denim jackets, and hand-made posters pinned to bedroom walls. For younger generations, it offers a window into an era when pop stars were gods and screaming crowds were an expected part of every live show. Above all, it reminds us of the simple, irreplaceable joy of a pop song that knows exactly what it is—and isn’t afraid to shout it from the rooftops.
Whether you’re reliving your youth or discovering the Bay City Rollers for the first time, “Shang-A-Lang” stands as a pure, unapologetic slice of 1970s pop history.
Video
Lyrics
We were rippin’ upWe were rockin’ upRoll it over and lay it downWe were shakin’ itWe were breakin’ itWe were rockin’ to the shang-a-lang sound of the musicHey, hey, rockin’ to the musicHey, hey, rocking to the musicRocking every night and day, hey, heyWell we sang shang-a-lang and we ran with the gangDoin’ doo wop be dooby do ayeWe were all in the news with our blue suede shoesAnd our dancin’ the night awayYeah we sang shang-a-lang and we ran with the gangDoin’ doo wop be dooby do ayeWith the jukebox playing and every body saying that“Music like ours couldn’t die”We were grooving itWe were movin’ itPussy footin’ and booting it ’roundWe were boppin’ itWe were hoppin’ itReally jumping to the shang-a-lang sound of the musicHey, hey, rockin’ to the musicHey, hey, rocking to the musicRocking every night and day, hey, heyAnd we sang shang-a-lang and we ran with the gangDoin’ doo wop be dooby do ayWe were all in the news with our blue suede shoesAnd our dancin’ the night awayYeah we sang shang-a-lang and we ran with the gangDoin’ doo wop be dooby do ayeWith the jukebox playing and every body saying that“Music like ours couldn’t die”Shang-a-langShang-a-langShang-a-langShang-a-lang, shang-a-lang, shang-a-langYeah we sang shang-a-lang and we ran with the gangDoin’ doo wop be dooby do ayeWith the jukebox playing and every body saying that“Music like ours couldn’t die”Well we sang shang-a-lang and we ran with the gangDoin’ doo wop be dooby do ayWe were all in the news with our blue suede shoesAnd our dancin’ the night away