“Ebeneezer Goode” is a song by the Scottish electronic dance music group The Shamen written by their frontman Colin Angus and English Dj, producer and rapper Richard West (aka Mr. C). “Ebeneezer Goode” was released in August 1992 as a second single from their album “Boss Drum.” The Shamen, formed in 1986, were known for their pioneering contributions to the electronic and rave music scenes in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Upon its release, “Ebeneezer Goode” received immense commercial success, reaching the top of the UK Singles Chart and remaining there for four weeks. The song’s catchy and infectious rhythm, combined with its humorous and cheeky lyrics, contributed to its popularity among club-goers and mainstream audiences alike.
“Ebeneezer Goode” is a dance and rave anthem that became a significant hit during the early ’90s. The song’s title is a play on words, as it sounds like “Eezer Goode,” which phonetically resembles the drug Ecstasy, commonly referred to as “E.” The song’s lyrics are filled with double entendres and playful references to drug culture. The song’s success also drew attention to discussions about drug references in music and lyrics, prompting debates and controversies. Despite some controversy, “Ebeneezer Goode” remained a cultural phenomenon and is remembered as one of the defining tracks of the early ’90s dance and rave music scene.
The music video for “Ebeneezer Goode” features The Shamen performing the song at a rave-like event, with colorful and psychedelic visuals that match the song’s energetic and trippy vibe. “Boss Drum,” the album that “Ebeneezer Goode” appeared on, became The Shamen’s most successful record, earning critical acclaim and commercial triumph.
The Shamen continued to release music and perform for several years, though their lineup underwent changes over time. They remained influential figures in the electronic music scene, and their impact on dance and rave culture of the era is still acknowledged and celebrated. Despite the controversy surrounding its drug-related lyrics, “Ebeneezer Goode” has become a nostalgic and enduring track from the early ’90s, remembered for its infectious dance beats and its place in the cultural landscape of the time.