Story Behind The Song
Released in 1984, “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” became one of Wham!’s most recognisable and enduring songs, capturing the carefree optimism that defined the duo at the height of their success. Written and produced by George Michael, the single appeared on the album Make It Big and showcased Wham!’s infectious blend of pop, soul and dance music. Alongside Andrew Ridgeley, Michael created a feel-good anthem that perfectly reflected the colourful energy of the mid-1980s.
Inspired by the upbeat sounds of 1960s Motown, the song is driven by lively piano, punchy brass, handclaps and an irresistible rhythm. Its playful lyrics tell the story of someone desperate not to miss out on the excitement of a night out, while George Michael’s confident vocal performance and the duo’s enthusiastic harmonies give the track an unmistakable sense of fun. The memorable chorus and vibrant production made it an instant crowd-pleaser and a staple of radio playlists.
“Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” helped cement Wham!’s reputation as one of Britain’s biggest pop acts, reinforcing their ability to produce infectious, expertly crafted songs with universal appeal. The colourful music video, featuring the duo in their iconic “Choose Life” T-shirts, became one of the defining visual images of the decade. Today, the song remains a quintessential 1980s pop classic, celebrated for its joyous spirit, timeless melody and George Michael’s exceptional songwriting. It continues to be one of Wham!’s best-loved recordings and an enduring favourite with audiences around the world.
The song peaked at No. 01 on the UK charts on 2nd June 1984.
Eighties Archive Song Number
Highest Chart Position
Date Released
Genre
Date Of UK Top 40 Entry
Record Label
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ALL information on this page was obtained from numerous sources. These include The Official Charts website, Discogs, 45Cat, Polyhex, and many other sites.
Some images have been cleaned up using CHATGPT.
A-SIDE & B-SIDE COVERS
TRACK LISTING
| A-Side |
Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go (3:53)
(George Michael) Produced By George Michael
|
| B-Side |
Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go (Instrumental) (4:02)
(George Michael) Produced By George Michael
|
CHART PERFORMANCE
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [12 Weeks] – 26th May 1984 – 11th August 1984 |
OFFICIALLY RELEASED VERSIONS
Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go (Single Version) (3:53)
Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go (Instrumental) (4:02)
See ALL releases of ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go’ on Discogs.
OFFICIAL VIDEO
LYRICS
Jitterbug
Jitterbug
Jitterbug
Jitterbug
You put the boom boom into my heart
You send my soul sky high when your lovin’ starts
Jitterbug into my brain (Yeah, yeah)
Goes a bang-bang-bang ’til my feet do the same
But something’s buggin’ me
Something ain’t right
My best friend told me what you did last night
Left me sleepin’ in my bed
I was dreamin’ but I should’ve been with you instead
Wake me up before you go-go
Don’t leave me hanging on like a yo-yo
Wake me up before you go-go
I don’t wanna miss it when you hit that high
Wake me up before you go-go
‘Cause I’m not plannin’ on going solo
Wake me up before you go-go
Take me dancing tonight
I wanna hit that high
Yeah, yeah
You take the grey skies out of my way
You make the sun shine brighter than Doris Day
Turned a bright spark into a flame (Yeah, yeah)
My beats per minute never been the same
‘Cause you’re my lady, I’m your fool
It makes me crazy when you act so cruel
Come on, baby, let’s not fight
We’ll go dancing, everything will be all right
Wake me up before you go-go
Don’t leave me hanging on like a yo-yo
Wake me up before you go-go
I don’t wanna miss it when you hit that high
Wake me up before you go-go
‘Cause I’m not plannin’ on going solo
Wake me up before you go-go
Take me dancing tonight
I wanna hit that high
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Baby
Jitterbug
Jitterbug
Cuddle up, baby, move in tight
We’ll go dancing tomorrow night
It’s cold out there, but it’s warm in bed
They can dance, we’ll stay home instead
Jitterbug
Wake me up before you go-go
Don’t leave me hanging on like a yo-yo
Wake me up before you go-go
I don’t wanna miss it when you hit that high
Wake me up before you go-go
‘Cause I’m not plannin’ on going solo
Wake me up before you go-go
Take me dancing tonight
Wake me up before you go-go
(Don’t you dare, to leave me hanging on like a yo-yo-yo-yo-yo)
Don’t leave me hanging on like a yo-yo
Wake me up before you go-go
(Take me dancing)
I don’t wanna miss it when you hit that high
(A boom-boom-boom-boom, oh)
Wake me up before you go-go
‘Cause I’m not plannin’ on going solo
(A boom-boom-boom-boom, yeah, yeah, yeah!)
Wake me up before you go-go
Take me dancing tonight
Yeah, yeah
Written by George Michael
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