About The Song

“Tossin’ and Turnin'” is a song written by Ritchie Adams and Malou Rene, and originally recorded by Bobby Lewis. The record was released on the Beltone label in December 1960. It reached number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 on July 10, 1961, and R&B chart. The song is commonly listed among oldies compilations. The song’s popularity and resemblance to a certain area of a famous montage on the show The Simpsons have made it an iconic and memorable tune.

“Tossin’ and Turnin’ is a classic rock and roll track that perfectly captures the restlessness, frustration, and obsession that often accompany early stages of a crush or romance. The lyrics of the song are about a person who is tossing and turning on their bed, thinking of someone and unable to sleep. The song’s catchy tune and lyrics continue to captivate audiences today, over 60 years after its release.

Video

Lyrics

[Intro]
Baby
Baby
You did something to me

[Verse 1]
I couldn’t sleep at all last night
Just a-thinkin’ of you
Baby, things weren’t right

[Chorus]
Well, I was tossin’ and turnin’
Turnin’ and tossin’
Tossin’ and turnin’ all night

[Verse 2]
I kicked the blankets on the floor
Turned my pillow upside down
I never, never did before

[Chorus]
Because I was tossin’ and turnin’
Turnin’ and tossin’
Tossin’ and turnin’ all night

[Bridge]
Jumped out of bed
Turned on the light
I pulled down the shade
Went to the kitchen for a bite
Rolled up the shade
Turned off the light
I jumped back into bed
It was the middle of the night

[Verse 3]
The clock downstairs was strikin’ four
Couldn’t get you off my mind
I heard the milkman at the door

[Chorus]
‘Cause I was tossin’ and turnin’
Turnin’ and tossin’
Tossin’ and turnin’ all night

[Instrumental Break]

[Bridge]
Jumped out of bed
Turned on the light
I pulled down the shade
Went to the kitchen for a bite
Rolled up the shade
Turned off the light
I jumped back into bed
It was the middle of the night

[Verse 3]
The clock downstairs was strikin’ four
I couldn’t get you off my mind
I heard the milkman at the door
[Outro]
‘Cause I was tossin’ and turnin’, hey-hey-hey-hey
I was turnin’ and tossin’ all day-day-day
I was tossin’, hey-hey-hey and turnin’ and tossin’
Tossin’ and turnin’ all babe-babe-babe