Come On, Let’s Go by Ritchie Valens is a high energy and bouncy rock ‘n’ roll classic that emerged during a period when the genre was still in its relative infancy. The song perfectly captures the carefree spirit of teenage love and the thrill of youth. Valens’ vocal performance and the guitar riff is exuberant, radiating a sense of urgency and fun, which makes it instantly engaging. Just over a year ago I presented his romantic ballad Donna which he had dedicated to a high-school sweetheart at school named Donna Ludwig. I became familiar with the title track, today’s featured song and Donna in the 1987 biopic – La Bamba.
Ritchie Valens, born Richard Steven Valenzuela, was discovered by producer Bob Keane of Del-Fi Records in Los Angeles. Valens’ musical journey began in the suburbs of California, where his Mexican-American heritage heavily influenced his sound. Keane saw immense potential in Valens, and they began working together in the studio. Come On, Let’s Go was one of the first tracks recorded during these early sessions in May 1958. Valens was one of the pioneers of Chicano rock typically performed by Mexican – American groups combining traditional Mexican music with latin rhythms and American rock ‘n’ roll. Released in 1958, Come On, Let’s Go set the stage for his brief yet impactful career.
[Verse 1]
Well, come on let’s go
Let’s go, let’s go, little darlin’
And tell me that you’ll never leave me
Come on, come on, let’s go, ah
Again, again and again
[Verse 2]
Well, now
Swing me, swing me
All the way down there
Come on let’s go, little darlin’
Let’s go, let’s go again once more
[Bridge]
Well
I love you so, dear
And I’ll never let you go
Come on, baby, so
Oh pretty baby, I-I love you so
[Verse 3]
Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go
Little sweetheart
Then we can always be together
Come on, come on
Let’s go again
[Guitar Solo]
[Bridge]
I love you so, dear
And I’ll never let you go
Come on, baby, so
Oh pretty baby, I-I love you so
[Verse 4]
Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go
Little darlin’
They’re dancin’, and we belong here
Come on, come on, let’s go, ah
Again, again and again and again
[Outro]
Upon its release, Come On, Let’s Go became a modest hit, peaking at No 42 on the Billboard Hot 100. While it wasn’t as commercially successful as Valens’ later hit “La Bamba,” it played a crucial role in building his reputation as a rising rock ‘n’ roll star. The song received significant airplay and was lauded for its infectious energy, making it a dance floor favourite in both English- and Spanish-speaking communities.
Ritchie Valens’ career was tragically cut short at just 17 years old, when he died in a plane crash in 1959 along with Buddy Holly and J. P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson; an event famously known as “The Day the Music Died.” Despite his brief time in the limelight, Valens left behind a legacy that has influenced countless musicians. One notable cover of Come On, Let’s Go was recorded by the rockabilly band The Ramones, who gave it somewhat of a punk twist.
References:
1. Come On, Let’s Go – Ritchie Valens
