About The Song
“Rock the Boat” is a song by The Hues Corporation, released in 1973 on their debut album “Freedom for the Stallion”. It was written by Wally Holmes. The single edit later appeared on certain editions of their 1974 second album ‘Rockin’ Soul’. On May 19th, 1974, it entered Billboard’s Hot Top 100 chart at #83, eventually peaking at #1 for one week on June 30th, 1974, and spending a total of 18 weeks on the chart. The song peaked at #1 on the Pop chart and #2 on the R&B chart in 1974. Additionally, it was a hit in the Netherlands, reaching #7 on the Single Top 100, and peaked at #9 on the Billboard Dance/Disco chart in the US.
The Hues Corporation’s “Rock the Boat” initially had sexual undertones, but the band transformed it into a disco hit celebrating taking chances on love. It’s a metaphor for disrupting the status quo, inspiring other songs like “Rock Your Baby”. Originally released in 1973, the song gained traction with the rise of disco, becoming a hit after radio embraced the genre. “Rock the Boat” metaphorically explores love and the importance of stability in relationships, using imagery of a boat sailing on the ocean. “Rock the Boat” remains one of the most iconic disco songs, selling over 2 million copies and continuing to inspire musicians and fans.
Lyrics
So I'd like to know where you got the notion
Said I'd like to know where you got the notion
To rock the boat
Don't rock the boat, baby
Rock the boat
Don't tip the boat over
Rock the boat
Don't rock the boat, baby
Rock the boat
Ever since our voyage of love began
Your touch has thrilled me
Like the rush of the wind
And your arms have held me
Safe from a rolling sea
There's always been a quiet place
To harbor you and me
Our love is like a ship on the ocean
We've been sailing with a cargo
Full of love and devotion
So I'd like to know where you got the notion
Said I'd like to know where you got the notion
To rock the boat
Don't rock the boat, baby
Rock the boat
Don't tip the boat over
Rock the boat
Don't rock the boat, baby
Rock the boat
Up to now
We sailed through every storm
And I've always had your tender lips
To keep me warm
Oh, I need to have the strength
That flows from you
Don't let me drift away my dear
When love can see me through
Our love is like a ship on the ocean
We've been sailing with a cargo
Full of love and devotion
So I'd like to know where you got the notion
Said I'd like to know where you got the notion
So I'd like to know where you got the notion
Said I'd like to know where you got the notion
To rock the boat
Don't rock the boat, baby
Rock the boat
Don't tip the boat over
Rock the boat
Don't rock the boat, baby
Rock the boat
Don't tip the boat over
Rock the boat
Rock the boat
Rock on with yo bad self
Rock the boat
Rock on with yo bad self
Rock the boat
Rock on with yo bad self
Rock the boat
Rock the boat
Rock the boat
Rock the boat
Rock the boat
Rock the boat
Rock the boat
Rock the boat
Rock the boat
Rock the boat
Rock the boat
Rock the boat
Rock the boat
Rock the boat