Louie Louie

The Kingsmen’s 1963 classic, “Louie Louie,” is our look into classic FBI overreach, political malfeasance, and societal pressure to solve a nonexistent problem. You will recall that the lyrics to “Louie Louie” are incomphrensible, but that is exactly what led to a 31-month FBI investigation. The concern was that the song was lewd and obscene, and isn’t that what you want? The federal government spending three years investigating? But first, why was it considered incomphrensible?

The Kingsmen were a Portland, Oregon, band looking to make a hit. They pooled their money to cover the $36, one-hour, studio fee so they could cut “Louie Louie.” The lead singer was Jack Ely, and he was operating off the song cover version by Rockin’ Robin Roberts with the Fabulous Wailers. Problem is, his bandmates were going off the original version by Richard Berry, the song’s author, as shown to them the night before by, wait for it, their lead singer, Jack Ely! The band played a 90-minute live version the night before the recording, so you would think they would have the timing right. Between using a single overhead microphone, inconsistent timing, and forgotten lyrics, the band wanted to scrap this version once they heard it. However the record company liked it; it was so bad it was good. 

What makes a hit, you ask? A great song is required, but a little controversy doesn’t hurt. After parents protested that the song lyrics were so obscene they could not repeat them, the Indiana governor filed a complaint with the FCC, who called in the FBI. Naturally the FBI made it into as big a controversy as they could. Classic government. 

The FBI interviewed people, chased down rumors of “real lyrics,” and had the actual recording analyzed for discernable words, to no avail. After draining the government coffers as best as they could, the FBI determined that the lyrics were “unintelligible at any speed”—and the case was closed.

So what did we learn as a nation? Well, we recognized that the FBI was a political tool of leaders who lacked the stomach to say, “Get over it!” We learned the FBI doesn’t have “fidelity, bravery, or integrity” in their core, although some singular agents do, occasionally, prove us wrong. And 62 years later, the FBI is still sent to investigate dubious matters that strong leadership would say “declined, doesn’t meet our agency’s requirements,” or “this is a waste of our time” (better answer). Will that change under new leadership in the FBI and DOJ? I can’t see how it could get worse. 

“Louie Louie” is number 74 on my all-time rock song list. 

FYI: Dr. Pepper Blackberry soda is pretty good. I recommend it.

Kelly Burke was born in Knoxville where he spent his younger years, followed by high school years in Atlanta where he graduated from Georgia Tech. He then graduated from Mercer Law School. He has been in private practice, a magistrate judge, and an elected district attorney. He writes about the law, politics, music and Ireland. He and his wife enjoy gardening, playing with their Lagotto Ramanolo named George Harrison, and spending time with their grandchildren.