Wham!, the British pop duo formed in 1981 by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, became one of the most successful and vibrant acts of the 1980s. Known for their charismatic image, upbeat sound, and infectious sense of fun, they helped define the decade’s pop landscape with a string of global hits. Their blend of youthful exuberance and sharp songwriting produced classics such as “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” “Freedom,” and the enduring holiday favorite “Last Christmas.” Beyond their polished pop appeal, Wham! also explored more mature themes in tracks like “Careless Whisper” and “Everything She Wants,” revealing George Michael’s emerging talent as a world-class songwriter and vocalist.
The duo’s 1986 farewell concert marked the end of a brief but monumental run, leaving behind a legacy of joyful, timeless pop and a lasting influence on artists worldwide.
George Michael unfortunately passed away in 2016.
Wham!’s “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” is pure 80s sunshine — a bright, joyful burst of pop energy that still feels irresistible decades later. Released in 1984, the song pairs George Michael’s vibrant vocals with an upbeat, retro-inspired groove that practically demands you get up and dance.
Its playful hooks, cheerful harmonies, and colorful music video helped propel it to No. 1 in both the UK and the US, cementing Wham!’s status as international pop sensations. Fun, carefree, and full of life, “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” remains one of the decade’s most iconic feel-good anthems.
The song peaked at No. 01 in the UK charts on 2nd June 1984.
| 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 |
| Genre | Electronic, Pop, SynthPop |
| Release Date | May 1984 |
| Label | EPIC |
| Catalogue Number | A 4440 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 26th May 1984 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 01 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 12 |
| 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)
Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go (Extended Version) (4:59)
See ALL releases of ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go’ on Discogs.
Versions On Spotify
If you have an active Spotify account you will be able to play the complete versions of the songs below. If you don’t have an account, you will only be able to hear a 30-second sample.
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
