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Buddy Holly
Weezer
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- Album
- Weezer (Deluxe Edition)
- Released
- 1994
- Genres
- alternative rock
- Length
- 2:40
- Tempo
- 121 BPM
- Label
- Universal Strategic Marketing
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About this song
"Buddy Holly" was the second single from Weezer's 1994 debut album, released on September 7, 1994, which would have been Buddy Holly's 58th birthday. It became an international hit, reaching #17 on the US pop charts and #12 in the UK, and Rolling Stone named it one of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2011. Songwriter Rivers Cuomo had little confidence in the song, and producer Ric Ocasek pushed the band to include it on the album. Spike Jonze filmed its music video, which digitally placed the band in the diner from Happy Days.
What it's about
The song describes an unlikely pair, with the narrator trying to protect the other from those who wish them harm. The narrator seems cowardly yet sees themself as suave and capable, and tries to convince everyone of this without backing it up with action.
Fun facts
- Sampled in 60 other songs, like “Guess What's Back by David0Mario”.
- Covered 24 times, including “Buddy Holly by The Holophonics”.
- Written by Rivers Cuomo.
- Produced by Ric Ocasek.
- Recorded at Electric Lady Studios.