Whether it's the late B.J. Thomas' 1968 pop hit or the Swedish rock band Blue Swede's cover from 1974, you likely have a version of "Hooked on a Feeling" permanently implanted in your brain.
The catchy staple of oldies radio was penned by one of Thomas' friends since a young age, Mark James. The Houston, Texas-born songwriter wrote the fun, catchy love song while working for legendary Memphis producer Chips Moman.
Other James originals and co-writes you'll recognize range from Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds" to Willie Nelson's "Always on My Mind."
Thomas first recorded the song, taking it to the Top 5 of the all-genre Billboard Hot 100.
Two years later, British musician Jonathan King added the "ooga-chaka ooga-ooga" opening, comparable to the chanting in such Native American-themed songs as George Jones' 1962 song "Running Bear" (though King likened it to "a reggae rhythm by male voices").
Blue Swede singer Björn Skifs and producer Bengt Palmers turned King's version into an adult contemporary standard in 1974. The Blue Swede version appeared in a trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and on its Awesome Mix playlist, introducing the song to a younger audience.
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Over the years, Thomas won over country audiences with crossover chart-topper ?(Hey Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song" and such covers as Hank Williams' "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry." He even sang the theme song for the '80s sitcom Growing Pains with both Jennifer Warnes (seasons 2 and 3) and Dusty Springfield (season 4).
The "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" singer passed away in Arlington, Texas on May 29, 2021 following a battle with lung cancer.
"Hooked on a Feeling" Lyrics
I can't stop this feelin', deep inside of me
Girl, you just don't realize, what you do to me
When ya hold me in your arms, so tight
You let me know, everything's all right
I, I'm hooked on a feelin'
High on believin', that you're in love with me
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 ya turn me on
I, I'm hooked on a feelin'
High on believin', that you're in love with me
All the good love, when we're all alone
Keep it up, girl, yeah ya turn me on
I, I'm hooked on a feelin'
I'm high on believin', that you're in love with me
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