"Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" is a 1977 hit single by the Spanish vocal duo Baccara. Written by Frank Dostal and Rolf Soja, and produced by Soja, this standard disco song was a major hit across Europe and became the duo's sole number one single in the UK, spending a single week at the top in October 1977. It did not chart in the United States, despite receiving airplay in several markets. It became the best-selling single of all-time by a female group, eventually selling more than 18 million copies worldwide. The breathed intro to the song is very similar to Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes and Thelma Houston's "Don't Leave Me This Way", which was a clear influence on the Baccara song. Baccara was composed of Spanish flamenco dancers Mayte Mateos and Maria Mendiola. They were discovered on the island of Fuerteventura by RCA Records executive Leon Deane who saw them dancing flamenco and singing traditional songs for tourists; he subsequently signed them to the label. In 1999 a new version was recorded featuring Michael Universal rapping new verses while Baccara sang the chorus. It was entitled "Yes Sir I Can Boogie '99".
Track listings
7" single
"Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" – 4:28
"Cara Mia" – 2:53
12" maxi single
"Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" – 6:50
"Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" – 6:50
Chart positions
Certifications and sales
Cover versions
Finnish musician M. A. Numminen recorded a German version of the song, and also a Swedish one—with more verses.
In 1978, Czech singer Věra Špinarová recorded cover "Já mám ráda boogie".
In 1977, a sound-alike cover of the song was featured on the album Top of the Pops, Volume 62, using uncredited studio singers and musicians. When the album was released on iTunes in 2008, it was credited to Top of the Poppers.
In 1981, Brotherhood of Man recorded the song on their 20 Disco Greats / 20 Love Songs album.
In 1985, Alexander Bard recorded the song on their Barbie album.
In 1993, Israeli singer Dana International recorded the song on her first album Danna International.
In 1994, ABBA cover act Björn Again recorded a cover version that appears on the second disc of their double album Flash Back!/Live
In 1977, Eini released a cover of the song, translating the song to Finnish.
In 2000, Nina Miranda of Smoke City fame covered the track for the soundtrack of the movie Born Romantic.
In 2003, Goldfrapp included a live cover version with altered lyrics titled "Yes Sir" on the Dutch edition of their album Black Cherry, and as a b-side to their single "Twist".
In 2003, Sophie Ellis-Bextor has also performed the song live and recorded a studio version as a B-side to her single "I Won't Change You".
In the 2005 film Kinky Boots, it is sung by Chiwetel Ejiofor during the final monologue and over the credits.
In 2005, the Danish heavy metal bandEvil Masquerade covered the song on the Japanese release of their album Theatrical Madness.
In 2006, Tanja Thomas covered the song on her album, My Passion.
In 2008, Mexican band La Gusana Ciega also recorded a cover for their cover album Jaibol.
In 2015, fans of League of Irelandfootball club St. Patrick's Athletic F.C., possibly inspired by the Cadbury ad, adopted the song's melody as a chant, amending the lyrics to "Oh yes sir, I can boogie, but I need a certain team. I need Patrick's, super Patrick's, all night long".
In 2015, in the Spanish movie "La Isla Mínima", the song can be heard in the scene at the disco bar.
