We Thought 'The Electric Slide' Was About Vibrators And It's Sadly Not (UPDATE)

Jenna Amatulli
Updated

Lots of songs are about sex and orgasms, but “Electric Boogie (The Electric Slide)” is not one of them.

No, despite rumors that made their way this week across social media and into some news outlets ― including HuffPost ― that song you danced to at your niece’s bat mitzvah and your cousin Sara’s wedding is not about a vibrator.

The outlet Aazios, an online source of LGBTQ news and entertainment, got the ball rolling on Tuesday when it reported an unnamed source “close to” the songwriter Neville Livingston, aka Bunny Wailer, had confirmed the song was about a vibrator. The publication said the source reached out to Wailer in Kingston, Jamaica, where he lives, to find the real meaning.

“I’m surprised it took people this long to figure out,” Aazios reported the source said.

But that interpretation is apparently not true. Livingston adamantly denied the rumor in a statement to EDM:

“At no time have I ever lent credence to a rumor that the song was inspired by anything other than Eddie Grant’s Electric Avenue,” he said. “To state otherwise is a falsehood and offends my legacy, the legacy of the singer Marcia Griffiths, and tarnishes the reputation of a song beloved by millions of fans the world over.”

Despite the truth being out there, people were rattled (yet excited) by the idea that the song could possibly have been about a sex toy:

CORRECTION: A previous version of this piece reported as fact a story from another outlet indicating “The Electric Slide” was written about vibrators. The song’s writer later publicly stated the song was not about vibrators.

Also on HuffPost

Dr. Macaura's Pulsocon Blood Circulator (1880-1920)


With a strong vibration and a sound like a ratchet, this early model reminds us that what vibrators do best besides provide massage is foster blood circulation -- the key to early vibrators' claims that they could address a wide range of health complaints.
With a strong vibration and a sound like a ratchet, this early model reminds us that what vibrators do best besides provide massage is foster blood circulation -- the key to early vibrators' claims that they could address a wide range of health complaints.

Dr. Johansen's Vibrator (1904-1907)

Homes without electricity could still enjoy the health benefits of vibration with hand-crank mechanical models, which were available in both Europe and the US. At least one model was also made in Japan.

Homes without electricity could still enjoy the health benefits of vibration with hand-crank mechanical models, which were available in both Europe and the US. At least one model was also made in Japan.

Detwiller Pneumatic Vibrator (1906)

Look closely at the graphic on the inside lid of the Detwiller's case and you'll see the tank of compressed air that made this model vibrate. A very unusual design that did not make the marketplace headway that electricity-powered vibrators did.
Look closely at the graphic on the inside lid of the Detwiller's case and you'll see the tank of compressed air that made this model vibrate. A very unusual design that did not make the marketplace headway that electricity-powered vibrators did.

Polar Cub (1928)

The rather simple design of the vibrator itself is left in the dust by its opulently-decorated box, covered with iceberg, polar bear cubs, and a lady in her nightgown. Info on the box is provided in English, French, and Spanish!
The rather simple design of the vibrator itself is left in the dust by its opulently-decorated box, covered with iceberg, polar bear cubs, and a lady in her nightgown. Info on the box is provided in English, French, and Spanish!

Vibrosage (1933)

Half as large as the vibrators of the 'teens and '20s, this well-designed little item was easy to find in the 1930s and '40s, and is commonly found made of brightly-colored aluminum.
Half as large as the vibrators of the 'teens and '20s, this well-designed little item was easy to find in the 1930s and '40s, and is commonly found made of brightly-colored aluminum.

Redusaway (1940s)

By the late '30s to early '40s, vibrators were increasingly marketed to assist in weight loss. This use of vibration may not work particularly well, though vibration plate machines -- an update of this mid-century design -- can be found in some gyms today.
By the late '30s to early '40s, vibrators were increasingly marketed to assist in weight loss. This use of vibration may not work particularly well, though vibration plate machines -- an update of this mid-century design -- can be found in some gyms today.

Rolling Pin Heat Massager (1932)

Grandmother used a rolling pin for baking, and perhaps for much more! Deco-designed with Bakelite handles and a heating function in addition to vibration.

Grandmother used a rolling pin for baking, and perhaps for much more! Deco-designed with Bakelite handles and a heating function in addition to vibration.

Spot Reducer (1950s)

More weight loss claims, featuring a vibrating rubber suction cup and an easy-to-use hand strap. 

More weight loss claims, featuring a vibrating rubber suction cup and an easy-to-use hand strap.

Stim-u-Lax (early 1960s)

Originally designed in the 1930s and little-changed throughout the middle of the 20th century, this Swedish massager was often encountered at the barbershop, where its specialty was scalp massage after a haircut.
Originally designed in the 1930s and little-changed throughout the middle of the 20th century, this Swedish massager was often encountered at the barbershop, where its specialty was scalp massage after a haircut.

Hitachi (late 1960s-early 1970s)

Currently the most popular electric vibrator, the Hitachi Magic Wand began its life decades ago with a sleek modern look.
Currently the most popular electric vibrator, the Hitachi Magic Wand began its life decades ago with a sleek modern look.

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.