Ray Stevens was inspired to write this after reading an article about streaking, which was a fad among college students where they would run around naked in public.
By the time Stevens recorded this, a bunch of other songs about streaking had already been released. He took it to a Nashville radio station, and the song got a great response when they played it.
Five days after this was released, one of the most high-profile streaks took place at the Academy Awards, when advertising executive Robert Opel streaked past David Niven on live TV. This added to the public’s fascination with streaking and helped make the song a huge hit.
(source songfacts.com)
Hello, everyone, this is your action news reporter with all the news that is news across the nation, on the scene at the supermarket.
There seems to have been some disturbance here. Pardon me, sir, did you see what happened?
[Witness:]
Yeah, I did. I’s standin’ overe there by the tomaters, and here he come, running through the pole beans, through the fruits and vegetables, nekkid as a jay bird.
And I hollered over t’ Ethel, I said, “Don’t look, Ethel!” But it’s too late, she’d already been incensed.
[Chorus:]
Here he comes, look at that, look at that
There he goes, look at that, look at that
And he ain’t wearin’ no clothes
Oh yes, they call him the Streak
(Look at that, look at that)
Fastest thing on two feet
(Look at that, look at that)
He’s just as proud as he can be
Of his anatomy
He goin’ give us a peek
Oh, yes, they call him the Streak
(Look at that, look at that)
He likes to show off his physique
(Look at that, look at that)
If there’s an audience to be found
He’ll be streakin’ around
Invitin’ public critique
[Reporter:]
This is your action news reporter once again and we’re here at the gas station. Pardon me, sir, did you see what happened?
[Witness:]
Yeah, I did. I’s just in here gettin my car checked, he just appeared out of the traffic.
Come streakin’ around the grease rack there, didn’t have nothin’ on but a smile.
I looked in there, and Ethel was gettin’ her a cold drink.
I hollered, “Don’t look, Ethel!” But it was too late.
She’d already been mooned. Flashed her right there in front of the shock absorbers.
[Chorus:]
He ain’t crude, look at that, look at that
He ain’t lewd, look at that, look at that
He’s just in the mood to run in the nude
Oh, yes, they call him the Streak
(Look at that, look at that)
He likes to turn the other cheek
(Look at that, look at that)
He’s always makin’ the news
Wearin’ just his tennis shoes
Guess you could call him unique
[Reporter:]
Once again, your action news reporter in the booth at the gym, covering the disturbance at the basketball playoff.
Pardon me, sir, did you see what happened?
[Witness:]
Yeah, I did. Half time, I’s just goin’ down thar to get Ethel a snow cone.
And here he come, right out of the cheap seats, dribbling, right down the middle of the court.
Didn’t have on nothing but his PF’s. Made a hook shot and got out through the concessions stand.
I hollered up at Ethel, I said, “Don’t look, Ethel!”
But it was too late. She’d already got a free shot.
Grandstandin’, right there in front of the home team.
[Chorus:]
Oh, yes, they call him the Streak
(Look at that, look at that)
The fastest thing on two feet
(Look at that, look at that)
He’s just as proud as he can be
Of his anatomy
He’s gonna give us a peek
[Witness:]
Here he comes again.
Who’s that with him?
Ethel? Is that you, Ethel?
What do you think you’re
doin’? You git your
clothes on!
[Chorus:]
Oh, yes, they call him the Streak
(Look at that, look at that)
He likes to show off his physique
(Look at that, look at that)
If there’s an audience to be found
He’ll be streakin’ around
Invitin’ public critique
Ethel! Where you goin’?
Ethel, you shameless
hussy! Say it isn’t so,
Ethel! Ethelllllll!!!
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