Yes Sir I Can Boogie Lawrence Dunn, November 4, 2023November 4, 2023 It’s hard to imagine a journey more far-fetched than the one that took Yes Sir I Can Boogie from beneath a spinning glitterball in Studio 54 to the packed terraces at Hampden Park for Scotland’s Euro 2020 opener against the Czech Republic. Yet, like a tartan phoenix rising from the disco ashes, it did exactly that. The song was written by Frank Dostal and Rolf Soja and produced by Soja. It’s the first and only UK number one for Spanish vocal duo Baccara, who were also the first female duo to do so (though they were not the first Spaniards to do so, that honor going to swarthy, smarmy crooner Julio Iglesias). The track is all about the confident, womanly singer asserting her sexuality and ability to dance, which is evident in the way she repeats the line “yes sir i can boogie” over and over again. Originally formed on the island of Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, Baccara comprised flamenco dancers Mayte Mateos and Maria Mendiola. The pair were discovered while dancing and singing traditional Spanish folk songs for tourists by RCA Records executive Leon Deane, who convinced them that they had the potential to be major stars. He remodelled their stage act, hired backing musicians and gave them the sexy moniker Baccara, a reference to their dark Spanish looks and contrasting outfits of black and white. Baccara dominated the charts across Europe in 1977 with their hit singles, including the effervescent It’s Not Easy Being Me and this infectious floor-filler, which features a catchy keyboard riff. It’s a fun and upbeat song that celebrates feminine power and confidence, with the singer refusing to let anyone or anything stand in her way of enjoying herself. Although the song is more of a fun, uplifting disco number than an anthem of female empowerment, it has become associated with the concept, as the lyrics point out that women can be just as powerful and strong as men, even when they aren’t necessarily as physically active. The empowering message behind the song is still as relevant today as it was when it was released, and it’s no surprise that it has gone on to become such an iconic tune. Main