Music Blog

Getting the Knack

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

Written for Song Lyric Sunday. This week Jim Adams
has asked his readers in his post, ‘Significance of Names’,
to write about a song with a person’s name in the title.

Sharona Alperin, 1978

When you’re 17, raging hormones and unrequited young love can be a combustible combination. And for the American rock band The Knack (named after the British comedy film The Knack … And How To Get It), they provided the spark for their first #1 song and the biggest single of 1979 – “My Sharona”.

Though lead singer Doug Fieger was 25 at the time, he purposefully cast himself in the role of a sex-crazed adolescent for the song. “It was a conscious effort for me to come at it from the point of view of my remembered teenage self,” Fieger once said. “I wanted to tell the story from that place where it’s more raw and direct.”

Lead guitarist Berton Averre came up with the famous intro guitar riff, inspired by the intro and beat of Elvis Costello’s song “Pump It Up” and “Going To A Go-Go” by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles. If you want to hear what inspired Berton Averre, check out those two songs on YouTube. It was pretty obvious to me.

But the real inspiration for the song was one Sharona Alperin (see photo above).

In 1978, when The Knack was on the rise in the Los Angeles pop scene, Doug Fieger was introduced to Sharona Alperin, a dark-haired 17-year-old beauty who worked as a clerk in a clothing shop. Fieger said, “It was love at first sight. Literally. I broke up with my girlfriend and chased Sharona for a year.” 

Though Alperin was in a relationship and put Fieger off, it didn’t stop him from pursuing her. “Doug made it very clear he was in love with me,” Alperin said. “It wasn’t like my boyfriend and the world didn’t know. I always say that he was my groupie, I wasn’t his.” Indeed, it was a strange dynamic.

In late 1978, The Knack signed with Capitol, home of their favorite band, the Beatles. “My Sharona” was released a few weeks later, taking over the airwaves in 1979, and has remained a staple in classic rock radio. It has also appeared in several movies, including Reality Bites and Super 8.

Fieger and Alperin finally did get together and had a four year run as a couple. They remained friendly and even 30 years later Fieger called Sharona the love of his life. Fieger died from cancer in 2010 at age 57. Alperin is a now a successful real estate agent in Beverly Hills. Her website’s welcome page (mysharona.com, of course) features the familiar drum beat and guitar riff.

Of the song, Alperin has said, “Michelle, Yoko, Roxanne – there are so many great songs named after women in history. I feel incredibly fortunate that I’ve had this experience. It’s a really exciting adventure that never leaves me.”

“My Sharona” remained at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for six weeks; it was also #1 on Billboard‘s 1979 Top Pop Singles year-end chart. It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America, representing one million copies sold, and was Capital Records’ fastest gold status debut single since the Beatles’ “I Want To Hold Your Hand” in 1964. “My Sharona” has since gone on to sell more than 10 million copies as of 2010.

This is “My Sharona” by The Knack.

LYRICS

Ooh, my little pretty one, pretty one
When you gonna give me some time, Sharona?
Ooh, you make my motor run, my motor run
Gun it coming off of the line, Sharona

Never gonna stop, give it up, such a dirty mind
I always get it up for the touch of the younger kind
My, my, my, I, yi, woo!
M-m-m-my Sharona

Come a little closer, huh, ah, will ya, huh?
Close enough to look in my eyes, Sharona
Keeping it a mystery gets to me
Running down the length of my thighs, Sharona

Never gonna stop, give it up, such a dirty mind
I always get it up for the touch of the younger kind
My, my, my, I, yi, woo!
M-m-m-my Sharona
M-m-m-my Sharona

When you gonna give to me, g-give to me?
Is it just a matter of time, Sharona?
Is it j-just destiny, d-destiny
Or is it just a game in my mind, Sharona?

Never gonna stop, give it up, such a dirty mind
I always get it up for the touch of the younger kind
My, my, my, I, yi, woo!
M-m-m-my, my, my, I, yi, woo!

M-m-m-my Sharona
M-m-m-my Sharona
M-m-m-my Sharona
M-m-m-my Sharona

Mmh, ohh, my Sharona
Mmh, ohh, my Sharona
Mmh, ohh, my Sharona

Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Doug Fieger/Burton Averre
My Sharona lyrics © Wise Brothers Music Llc, Eighties Music

Sharona Alperin today
© RisMedia

For fans of the popular TV show “Monk”, you’ll remember that Sharona Fleming was Adrian Monk’s nurse and assistant during the first three seasons. Monk was in a catatonic state for three and a half years following the murder of his wife, Trudy, until Sharona began taking care of him. A detective with OCD, Monk (played by award-winning actor Tony Shalhoub) was able to resume work because of Sharona’s care. Monk once remarked, “When she found me, I was drowning”. Sharona Fleming was portrayed by actress Bitty Schram. Here are some clips from “Monk”.

Significance of Names

Big thanks to Jim Adams for hosting another great Song Lyric Sunday this week. Be sure to follow the link and check out Jim’s site.

Thanks for stopping by. See you on the flip side. 😎

NAR©2024

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR©2017-present.

45 thoughts on “Getting the Knack”

  3. My friend and I learned a routine to this song at dance camp one summer. I’ll never forget the choreography and then bringing it back to the larger team. It really did help remember when you like the music that you were dancing to .

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Right on about that infectious beat, Jim! Just out of curiosity … did you check out the two songs I mentioned in my post? It was clear to me why they were inspiration for My Sharona.

      Monk was a classic and the cast was so good. Except for sports, I’m not much of a tv watcher but I really enjoyed Monk and I’m happy whenever I catch a rerun. Quality tv is very hard to find. Great song by Randy Newman as well.

      Thanks, Jim, and thanks for a great theme this week. 🎶

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. Michelle, Yoko, and Roxanne were all really great songs. this list of songs is never ending. Aimee by Pure Prairie League, Amanda by Waylon Jennings, Angie by the Rolling Stones, Angie Baby by Helen Reddy, Barbara Ann by the Beach Boys, Bernadette by Four Tops, Bertha by Grateful Dead, Billie Jean by Michael Jackson, Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl) by Looking Glass, Build Me Up Buttercup by The Foundations, Candy-O by The Cars, Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond, Cecilia by Simon & Garfunkel, My Cherie Amour by Stevie Wonder, Denise by Randy & The Rainbows, Diamond Lil by David Bromberg, Diana by Paul Anka, Donna by Ritchie Valens, Come on Eileen by Dexy’s Midnight Runners, Elvira by The Oak Ridge Boys, See Emily Play by Pink Floyd, Fanny (Be Tender with My Love) by Bee Gees, Gloria by Van Morrison, Jamie’s Cryin’ by Van Halen, Sweet Jane by Velvet Underground, Jennifer Juniper by Donovan, Jessica by Allman Brothers, Josie by Steely Dan, Layla by Derek and the Dominos, Lucille by Little Richard, Maggie May by Rod Stewart, Maggie’s Farm by Bob Dylan, Mandy by Barry Manilow, Take a Letter Maria by R. B. Greaves, Mary Ann by Link Wray, Mary Lou by Buddy Knox, Loose Lucy by Grateful Dead, The Wind Cries Mary by Jimi Hendrix and the Experience, Waltzing Matilda by the Seekers, Melissa by the Allman Brothers, Michelle by the Beatles, Nadine by Chuck Berry, Ophelia by The Band, Peggy Sue by Buddy Holly, Rhiannon by Fleetwood Mac, Rikki, Don’t Lose That Number by Steely Dan, Help Me, Rhonda by The Beach Boys, Lovely Rita by The Beatles, Rosalie by The Searchers, Rosanna by Toto, Rosalita, Come Out Tonight by Bruce Springsteen, Smile a Little Smile For Me, Rose Marie by Flying Machine, Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes by Edison Lighthouse, Roxanne by the Police, Ruby (Don’t Take Your Love to Town) by Kenny Rogers, My Sweet Ruby Rose by Gary ‘U.S.’ Bonds, Sexy Sadie by The Beatles, Lay Down, Sally by Eric Clapton, Long Tall Sally Rose by Emmylou Harris, Mustang Sally by Wilson Pickett, Sheena is a Punk Rocker by The Ramones, Sheila by Tommy Roe, Sherry by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Stella Blue by Grateful Dead, Runaround Sue by Dion & The Belmonts, Sorry Suzanne by The Hollies, Wake Up Little Susie by The Everly Brothers, Suzie Q by Creedence Clearwater Revival, Suzy Creamcheese by Frank Zappa, Sylvia’s Mother by Dr. Hook, Venus by Shocking Blue, Victoria by The Kinks, Kinda Fonda Wanda by Neil Young and Wendy by Beach Boys.

        Liked by 1 person

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    1. Thanks, Christine! It’s really a bonus when a song you like also has a great backstory; that’s the case with this one today. The extended version shows off the excellent guitar playing, as well.

      Glad to know you enjoyed this great oldie, Christine! ♡🎶♡

      Liked by 1 person

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    1. Thanks, Marina! I was excited about Jim’s theme today because I knew without question I was going with My Sharona. It’s a classic rock song with a cool backstory.

      Monk was such a great tv show; I’m sure we all thought about Sharona’s song whenever she was on the screen.

      Thanks for your thoughts today, Marina!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  11. Great to hear the story behind the song we all rocked to, back in our beer-soaked day. Its intent rang clear as a bell & we loved it.

    There was also a great cover of this song on an LP by Alvin and the Chipmunks. I kid you not!

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    1. This is carnal lust at its best … teenage or otherwise! Sharona definitely aged well and is doing very nicely for herself.

      I have always liked this song and the extended version, I think, really shows off some excellent guitar playing.

      Thanks, Clive. 😎

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. I always liked the song but it wasn’t such a big hit here – #6 – and I’d never heard of the extended version.

        I hope Sharona shared in some of what must have been huge earnings from it, but she probably doesn’t need them now anyway!

        Liked by 1 person

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          1. I followed your link too. I like the way she gives you the choice of listening to her song, in case you hadn’t made the connection. I bet she uses her looks well to seal deals (he said, in a sexist kind of way) 🤣

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