Antonio Mcgowan
Don't Look, Ethel! is a line from the 1974 hit song The Streak by Ray Stevens. The song is about a man who streaks at various places, including a basketball game and a gas station, and the reactions of bystanders, one of whom is named Ethel. The song's lyrics combine news flashes with sung lyrics, creating an early example of rap music. The song's release coincided with the popularity of streaking in the 1970s, and it topped the charts in many countries. The line Don't Look, Ethel! has become particularly memorable, with some people teasing individuals named Ethel because of it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Song | The Streak |
| Singer | Ray Stevens |
| Year | 1974 |
| Lyrics | "I hollered over to Ethel, I said, "Don't look, Ethel!" But it's too late, she'd already been incensed." |
| Inspiration | The early-to-mid-70s "streaking" craze |
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What You'll Learn
The Streak by Ray Stevens
"The Streak" by Ray Stevens is a song that capitalised on the "streaking" craze of the early to mid-1970s. The song is told from the perspective of an "Action News" reporter and a witness, who describes a streaker causing a disturbance in various locations, including a basketball game, a gas station, and a supermarket.
In the song, the witness describes the streaker as "the fastest thing on two feet", who is "just as proud as he can be of his anatomy". The streaker, referred to as "The Streak", is said to be "always making the news" and wearing only his "tennis shoes". The witness warns Ethel, a character who is also referenced in the song's title, not to look at the streaker, but it is always "too late".
The chorus of the song describes the streaker as someone who "ain't crude" and "ain't lewd", but is simply "in the mood to run in the nude". This section also reiterates the streaker's penchant for showing off his body and seeking attention:
> "He likes to turn the other cheek
> He's always makin' the news
> Wearin' just his tennis shoes
> Guess you could call him unique"
The inclusion of Ethel in the song has caused some controversy, with a commenter named Ethel Carlyle from Bristol, Tennessee, expressing frustration at people repeating the line "Don't look, Ethel!" to her after the song's release.
Overall, "The Streak" by Ray Stevens is a lighthearted and humorous take on the streaking phenomenon of the 1970s, incorporating elements of storytelling, characterisation, and a catchy chorus to create a memorable and entertaining song.
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The song's lyrics
The song "The Streak" by Ray Stevens is a fun and lighthearted song that gained popularity during the "streaking" craze in the early to mid-1970s. The song is presented in a unique format, combining "news flashes" with sung lyrics, and even including kazoo sounds. The lyrics are presented as a conversation between a reporter and a witness, with the chorus and some spoken lines in between.
The song begins with the reporter saying:
> Hello, everyone, this is your action news reporter with all the news that is news across the nation, on the scene at the [supermarket/gas station/gym]. There seems to have been some disturbance here. Pardon me, sir, did you see what happened?
The witness then responds:
> Yeah, I did. I's standin' over there by the tomaters, and here he come, running' through the pole beans, through the fruits and vegetables, nekkid as a jay bird.
The chorus then kicks in, describing the streaker:
> He ain't crude, look at that, look at that / He ain't lewd, look at that, look at that / He's just in the mood to run in the nude / Oh, yes, they call him the Streak.
The witness continues, addressing his companion, Ethel:
> I hollered over to Ethel, I said, "Don't look, Ethel!" But it's too late, she'd already been [incensed/mooned].
The song continues with more descriptions of the streaker's antics, including appearing at a basketball game, running through a supermarket, and streaking around a gas station. The chorus and the "Don't look, Ethel!" line are repeated throughout the song, creating a catchy and humorous effect.
The inclusion of the name "Ethel" in the song caused some controversy, with a woman named Ethel Carlyle from Bristol, Tennessee, expressing her frustration at being associated with the song:
> By using my name in your song, everyone that meets says 'Don't look, Ethel.' It makes me furious... People have teased me that I wanted to change my name to something else... But my grandmother's name was Ethel. She also hated that song. I could not do that to her.
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The song's chorus
The song "The Streak" by Ray Stevens is a fun and comedic take on the streaking craze that took the world by storm in the 1970s. The song's chorus is a catchy and memorable part of the song, with a playful tone that adds to the lighthearted nature of the track.
The chorus begins with an energetic and attention-grabbing phrase, "Here he comes, look at that, look at that/There he goes, look at that, look at that." This line sets the scene and introduces the main character, known as "The Streak," who is running around in the nude. The chorus then continues with a humorous description of this individual, highlighting their bold and uninhibited nature: "And he ain't wearing no clothes/Oh yes, they call him the Streak." This line also serves as a play on words, as "streak" refers both to the act of running naked and the nickname given to this daring individual.
The chorus goes on to emphasize the speed and pride of "The Streak": "Fastest thing on two feet/Look at that, look at that/He's just as proud as he can be/Of his anatomy." These lines portray a character who is not only swift but also unashamed of their nudity, proudly displaying their physique to the world. This sense of exhibitionism is further emphasized in the following lines: "He's going to give us a peek/Oh, yes, they call him the Streak/Look at that, look at that/He likes to show off his physique." Here, the chorus celebrates the audacity and fearlessness of "The Streak," presenting a playful and lighthearted take on a social phenomenon that captured the imagination of people worldwide.
The chorus of "The Streak" effectively captures the playful and mischievous spirit of the streaking trend, presenting it as a humorous and entertaining act of rebellion. Through its catchy lyrics and playful tone, the chorus invites listeners to join in on the fun and perhaps even embrace their own "streaking" adventures, embracing a sense of freedom and daring.
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The streaking craze of the 1970s
The 1970s witnessed a unique cultural phenomenon that swept across the globe—streaking. This trend involved individuals running naked in public spaces, often at sporting events or crowded places like supermarkets. The song "The Streak" by Ray Stevens, released in 1974, captured and fuelled the craze with its playful and humorous take on this fleeting fad.
The song's narrative structure and lyrics vividly portray the excitement and surprise of encountering a streaker. It includes mock news reports and witness accounts, adding to its comedic effect. The chorus, with its catchy phrase "They call him the Streak," became ingrained in popular culture. The song's success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries, is a testament to how it resonated with the spirit of the times.
The song's impact was such that it left an indelible mark on popular culture, with the phrase "Don't look, Ethel!" becoming a memorable part of the streaking craze. This phrase, a warning shout-out from a witness to their companion, adds a layer of humour to the entire scenario. The witness describes the streaker's boldness, pride, and nonchalance as they "turn the other cheek," unconcerned by their nakedness.
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The impact of the song on people named Ethel
The song "The Streak" by Ray Stevens, released in 1974, includes the lyrics "Don't look, Ethel!" which appear to have had an impact on people named Ethel.
For instance, an Ethel Carlyle from Bristol, Tennessee, expressed her displeasure with the song, stating that everyone she meets mentions the song line to her, and it infuriates her. She also mentions that people have teased her about wanting to change her name and that even her grandmother, who was also named Ethel, disliked the song. This suggests that the song's popularity may have led to teasing and annoyance for individuals named Ethel.
The song's impact on people named Ethel seems to be a mix of amusement and frustration. While some, like Ethel Carlyle, found the constant references to the song irritating, others might have taken it in stride or even embraced the joke. It is possible that the song's popularity led to increased awareness and usage of the name Ethel, which could have resulted in both positive and negative attention for those bearing the name.
The song's lyrics, which include the line "Don't look, Ethel!" seem to have become a catchphrase of sorts, with people using it as a playful warning or reference to the song. This could have resulted in a range of reactions from people named Ethel, from finding it amusing to feeling exasperated by the constant reminders.
It is worth noting that the song "The Streak" was a hit, topping the charts in many countries, which likely contributed to the widespread recognition of the "Don't look, Ethel!" line. The song's popularity and catchy nature may have intensified the impact on people named Ethel, making it a memorable and enduring reference for them.
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Frequently asked questions
It is a phrase that might be referencing something specific, but without more context, it doesn't have a clear meaning.
It's unclear who or what 'ethel' is in this context, so it's hard to determine any significance or consequences of looking at them too late.
'Incensed' typically means to be angry or infuriated. It implies that someone is upset or agitated about something.
Without additional context, it's challenging to determine any specific event or incident this phrase might be referring to. It could be an idiomatic expression or a reference to something unique.
