Duke of Earl

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"Duke of Earl" is a 1962 hit song, originally written and performed by Gene Chandler. This is perhaps the best known of Chandler's songs, and so he dubbed himself 'The Duke of Earl'.

The word "Duke" is said approximately 125 times during the entire song.

A cover version was recorded by the UK based doo-wop outfit, known as Darts in 1979. It reached number six in the UK singles chart.

The Swedish band The Boppers have recorded a cover version of this song.

The band Red Hot Chili Peppers have also taken to playing this song whilst on tour. Notably John Frusciante plays it solo and stops at the chorus because it is "Too high" for him.

In the film Carry on Behind, Ernie (who is played by Jack Douglas) can be seen wearing a Duke of Earl T-Shirt.

In the film The Man with Two Brains a beautiful prostitute sings the song (described it as her "favorite") revealing her unexpectedly unpleasant and squeaky voice (she pronounces it "Dook, Dook, Dook, Dook of Oil...").

In Vancouver, Canada, Duke of Earl is also the name of a male beauty pageant/talent show performed annually by Grade 12 students at the Earl Marriott Secondary school in South Surrey.

Lyrics

Duke, Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl
Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl
Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl

Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl
Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl
Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl
Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl

As I walk through this world
Nothing can stop the Duke of Earl
And you, you are my girl
And no one can hurt you, oh no
Yes, I'm gonna love you
Come on let me hold you darlin'
'Cause I'm the Duke of Earl

And when I hold you
You will be my Duchess, Duchess of Earl
We'll walk through my dukedom
And the paradise we will share

Yes, oh, I
I'm gonna love you
Nothing can stop me now
'Cause I'm the Duke of Earl

Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl
Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl
Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl

I'm gonna love you
Nothing can stop me now
'Cause I'm the Duke of Earl

Preceded by "Peppermint Twist - Part I" by Joey Dee and the Starliters	Billboard Hot 100 number one single February 17, 1962	Succeeded by "Hey! Baby" by Bruce Channel