"Greased Lightnin'" is a song from the 1971 musical '' Grease'' which was also adapted into the 1978 film '' Grease''. A soundtrack recording from the film version, with

John Travolta John Joseph Travolta (born February 18, 1954) is an American actor. He began acting in television before transitioning into a leading man in films. List of awards and nominations received by John Travolta, His accolades include a Primetime Em ...

on lead vocals, peaked at No. 47 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 in 1978.

Synopsis

Kenickie, a member of the greaser gang at the center of the musical, has purchased a used car with the savings from his summer job, giving it the nickname "Greased Lightnin. While the other greasers are skeptical of the car because it is in such poor shape, he is able to win them over with a rousing

rock and roll Rock and roll (often written as rock & roll, rock-n-roll, and rock 'n' roll) is a Genre (music), genre of popular music that evolved in the United States during the late 1940s and early 1950s. It Origins of rock and roll, originated from African ...

number describing the modifications needed to transform it into a

hot rod Hot rods are typically American cars that might be old, classic, or modern and that have been rebuilt or modified with large engines optimized for speed and acceleration. One definition is: "a car that's been stripped down, souped up and ma ...

capable of arousing the ladies. ''

Record World ''Record World'' magazine was one of three major weekly music industry trade magazines in the United States, with ''Billboard'' and '' Cashbox''. It was founded in 1946 as ''Music Vendor''. In 1964, it was changed to ''Record World'' under the ...

'' said that "the beat is 50s perfect."

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Critical reception

STL Today described the song as "a number saluting a

and all the joy it promises".

References

{{authority control 1971 songs 1978 singles American rock-and-roll songs John Travolta songs Songs about cars Songs from Grease (musical) Songs from Grease (film) Songs written by Jim Jacobs Songs written by Warren Casey Obscenity controversies in music