“Hooked on a Feeling” is a classic pop song that has been covered by various artists over the years. The song was originally written by Mark James and was first recorded by B.J. Thomas in 1968.
Thomas’s version featured the sound of the electric sitar (played by Reggie Young) and reached No. 5 in 1969 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, it was the 1973 version by the Swedish band Blue Swede that became the most well-known and iconic rendition reaching the top of the pop charts.
The song was written by Mark James, who was introduced to producer Chips Moman around 1967 by Moman’s mutual friend Steve Tyrell, a singer and James’ manager. James wrote the song about the thrills of being in love, inspired by his feelings for his childhood sweetheart.
Country artists Louise Mandrell and RC Bannon also recorded and released this song in 1979. In 1973, the Swedish pop rock group Blue Swede did a cover version, which included the ooga chaka introduction from a 1971 cover by Jonathan King. King had heard Johnny Preston’s Running Bear, which was the inspiration for the ooga chaka chant.
In 1992, Blue Swede’s recording was featured on the soundtrack of Quentin Tarantino’s debut feature Reservoir Dogs. The 2014 feature film Guardians of the Galaxy, which featured the brass fanfare and title lyrics of the Blue Swede cover version prominently in its trailers and theatrical release, resulted in a significant spike in sales for the recording.
Hooked on a Feeling written by Mark James
I can't stop this feeling
Deep inside of me
Girl, you just don't realize what you do to me
When you hold me
In your arms so tight
You let me know
Everything's all right
I, I'm hooked on a feeling
High on believing
That you're in love with me
Your lips are sweet as candy
The taste stays on my mind
Girl, you keep me thirsty for
Another cup of wine
I got it bad for you, girl
But I don't need a cure
I'll just stay addicted and hope I can endure
All the good love
When we're all alone
Keep it up, girl
Yeah, you turn me on
I, I'm hooked on a feeling
High on believing
That you're in love with me
All the good love
When we're all alone
Keep it up, girl
Yeah, you turn me on
I, I'm hooked on a feeling
I'm high on believing
That you're in love with me
Further Reading
Sources
- Hooked on a Feeling https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hooked_on_a_Feeling
- Hooked on a Feeling https://www.songfacts.com/lyrics/bj-thomas/hooked-on-a-feeling
- Blue Swede – Hooked on a Feeling https://www.discogs.com/master/236086-Blue-Swede-Hooked-On-A-Feeling
- Blue Swede – Hooked on a Feeling https://www.allmusic.com/album/hooked-on-a-feeling-mw0000840362#awards
