Peak
10
Weeks
15
Score
2,080
Chart Year
1958
The title was taken from the pet phrase of one of Little Richard's favorite DJ's, Jimmy Pennick. Musically, the song was inspired by the sax player Jackie Brenston, famous for singing lead and playing with Ike Turner on the song "Rocket 88." Like most of Little Richard's songs, this contains a lot of innuendo ("sure like to ball") but most people were too busy listening to the music to notice, or didn't get the reference. At the time, the most common meaning for "balling" was dancing; only later did it became a popular euphemism for oral sex. The term later took on a new meaning when it came describe a lavish and extravagant lifestyle, with these guys flashing their cash known as "ballers." This song was a huge influence on many musicians in the early years of rock and roll. Speaking with Songfacts, Roger Reale, who was in the group Rue Morgue with Mick Ronson, said: "It's revolutionary, rebellious and celebratory all in one, starting with that rolling piano intro, before moving into a totally unique vocal performance. I had never heard such a direct, crazed, almost otherworldly vocal before in my life." The Swinging Blue Jeans took this to #43 in 1964 with their cover; in 1966, Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels used it in a medley with "Devil With A Blue Dress" that went to #4. Jerry Lee Lewis, The Everly Brothers and the Meat Puppets have also recorded the song. Creedence Clearwater Revival, big fans of Little Richard, covered this on their 1969 album Bayou Country. That year, they performed it on The Ed Sullivan Show, which surprised the band because the family-friendly program steered clear of music that could offend sensitive viewers. It was clear that Sullivan and the show's producers had no idea what was going on in the song. Little Richard's publisher sued Creedence Clearwater Revival over their song "Travelin' Band," which they claimed lifted from "Molly." A settlement was reached with Creedence giving up some of their royalties.
Good golly Miss Molly, sure like to ball. Good golly, Miss Molly, sure like to ball. When you're rockin' and a rollin' can't hear your momma call. Good golly Miss Molly, sure like to ball. Good golly, Miss Molly, sure like to ball. When you're rockin' and a rollin' can't hear your momma call. From the early, early mornin' till the early, early night You can see miss Molly rockin' at the house of blue light. Good golly, miss Molly, sure like to ball. When you're rockin' and a rollin' can't hear your momma call. I am going to the corner, gonna buy a diamond ring. When she hugs me and kiss me make me ting-a-ling-a-ling Good golly, Miss Molly, sure like to ball. When you're rockin' and a rollin' can't hear your momma call. Good golly Miss Molly, sure like to ball. Good golly, Miss Molly, sure like to ball. When you're rockin' and a rollin' can't hear your momma call.
| Week | Chart Date | Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Feb 17, 1958 | 57 | 69 |
| 2 | Feb 24, 1958 | 31 | 95 |
| 3 | Mar 3, 1958 | 26 | 100 |
| 4 | Mar 10, 1958 | 16 | 110 |
| 5 | Mar 17, 1958 | 10 | 116 |
| 6 | Mar 24, 1958 | 16 | 110 |
| 7 | Mar 31, 1958 | 24 | 102 |
| 8 | Apr 7, 1958 | 23 | 103 |
| 9 | Apr 14, 1958 | 30 | 96 |
| 10 | Apr 21, 1958 | 31 | 95 |
| 11 | Apr 28, 1958 | 40 | 86 |
| 12 | May 5, 1958 | 56 | 70 |
| 13 | May 12, 1958 | 73 | 53 |
| 14 | May 19, 1958 | 77 | 49 |
| 15 | May 26, 1958 | 81 | 45 |