About The Song
Ah, the 1970s! A time of wide lapels, platform shoes, and a pulsating new sound that took the world by storm – disco. If you cast your mind back to those Saturday nights spent grooving under the mirrored ball, there’s a good chance a particular melody might come to mind. We’re talking about the infectious “Zing Went the Strings of My Heart,” a song that became synonymous with the disco era, thanks in no small part to the soulful stylings of The Trammps.
But “Zing Went the Strings of My Heart” wasn’t born on the dance floor. The song actually has a much earlier origin story. Believe it or not, the melody goes all the way back to 1939! It was first introduced in the Broadway revue “Thumbs Up!” The original version, though charming, was a far cry from the disco anthem we know and love.
Here’s where The Trammps come in. This Philadelphia-based group, known for their smooth vocals and tight harmonies, released their version of “Zing Went the Strings of My Heart” in 1972. Their rendition transformed the song entirely. Gone were the slow tempos and big band arrangements. The Trammps injected the melody with a dose of disco magic, adding a driving beat, funky bassline, and of course, those unforgettable strings that became the song’s signature.
The result? An instant classic. “Zing Went the Strings of My Heart” climbed the charts in the US, particularly resonating on the R&B scene. But the song’s true explosion of popularity came a few years later. In 1977, the unforgettable sounds of “Zing” found a whole new audience when it was included in the soundtrack for the John Travolta phenomenon, “Saturday Night Fever.”
Suddenly, everyone was “Zinging” along. The song became a disco staple, spun by DJs in clubs worldwide and capturing the carefree, celebratory spirit of the era. It wasn’t just about the catchy melody though. The lyrics of “Zing Went the Strings of My Heart” spoke to a universal feeling – that thrilling moment when you meet someone special, and your heart does a little dance of its own.
So, the next time you hear those opening strings, take a moment to reminisce. Let “Zing Went the Strings of My Heart” transport you back to the disco ball’s dazzling light, the pulsating rhythm, and the sheer joy of dancing the night away.