(Red Label Music Publishing).
The Super Bowl Shuffle is one of the greatest artistic masterpieces in song form, both in and out of the sports world.
The Chicago Bear Shufflin’ Crew gifted the world with this song and dance combination, as well as the talented backup vocals and band.
24 Chicago Bears were members of the Shufflin’ Crew. Not everyone can appreciate good art and some were unsure of participating – particularly before the Bears actually won the Super Bowl. You have to speak it into existence, party poopers!
Ron Rivera actually slept through the filming of the song. We forgive you River Boat Ron!
The Super Bowl Shuffle Production
Released by Red Label Records and distributed through Capitol Records two months ahead of the Super Bowl, the song quickly blew up in popularity.
Although not played often on the radio, over 500,000 copies of the song were sold, and was number 41 on the Billboard Hot 100 in February of 1986, and was nominated for a Grammy.
The Super Bowl Shuffle would raise over $300,000 in profits which was all donated to charity.
The Super Bowl Shuffle Filming
Magic happened at the Park West, a Chicago Night Club, on the morning of December 3rd of 1985. Not all the magic mind you – two participants would film the following week at the Bears practice facility and had their parts inserted in the video.
Filming wasn’t entirely smooth – Walter Payton, nicknamed “Sweetness” was pinching people in the butt with a beartrap-like grasp, according to photographer Don Levey.
The Chicago Bear Shufflin’ Crew would be nothing without the talented band. They used instruments like cowbells, congas, tambourines, guitars, and drums. Former RB Calvin Thomas wowed us all with his saxophone skills.
Passion is the best descriptor for the chorus component of the crew. The six singers may be in the back but their voices carry us. The single loss of the Bear’s season the night before did nothing to damper their energy.
The Super Bowl Shuffle Lyrics
Verses 1-3
Former RB Sweetness is up first with his rhymes – he compares making love to football and speaks to the philanthropic use of song proceeds all in eight lines.
Willie Gault stole the show – he claimed to be “as smooth as a chocolate swirl,” and did some moves with his hips that would put Elvis Presley to shame.
Mike Singletary describes himself as “big and bold.” It can only be assumed that he is referring to his strong dad energy complete with large glasses and classic dance moves.
Verses 4-6
After a rousing chorus, Jim McMahon’s verse consists of him calling himself “punky” and the team cat motivator.
Self-proclaimed mama’s boy and ladies’ man Otis Williams reminds us all that he is more than just his body. He has a mind too, and don’t you forget it.
No one is quite sure what Steve Fuller even says because we are all wowed by his complete lack of rhythm. It’s surprising there wasn’t a super bowl scuffle after he continuously ran into the people next to him. Maybe he should be on the cowbell next time.
Mike Richardson appears to do a bit of a super bowl stumble during his verse but still drops his lines. Mike says he can “break ’em” and “shake ’em” and he’s not just talking about his moves on the dance field.
Verses 6-9
Following the second chorus, Richard Dent shouts out the fans and threatens the life and limb of his future opponents. Well done.
Gary Fencik’s dance skills make up for his Muppet voice and Steve Fuller’s dance disaster. He also calls himself Mr. Clean – who doesn’t love those sponges?
William Perry maybe last but he is certainly not least. The 80s cinematography really comes into play with the screenshots of Perry approaching the microphone. William makes his nickname “fridge” known in his verse and talks about trash canning his opponents.
The final rousing chorus is the perfect end to a perfect song. It’s clear why this was the first NFL team to produce a song and music video – we needed it and they delivered.
A complete list of personnel participating in this song can be found here. The lyrics of the full song are here.
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