If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok lately, you’ve likely encountered a catchy, slightly ominous musical snippet. It’s become the soundtrack to countless comedic mishaps and relatable disasters online. This is the sound of the “Oh No Song,” instantly recognizable by its repeated “Oh no, Oh, no, Oh, no, no, no, no, no” refrain that signals something hilariously unfortunate is about to unfold.
Shangri-Las Oh No TikTok Trend
Many might assume this viral “oh no song” is a recent creation, perhaps by a contemporary rapper or producer. Some have even mistakenly attributed it to artists like Kreepa or Capone. However, the reality is that this trending sound is actually a sample lifted from a classic track dating back decades. The true origin of the “oh no song” lies in the 1964 hit “Remember (Walking In The Sand)” by the iconic girl group, The Shangri-Las.
The Shangri-Las are perhaps best known for their chart-topping hit “Leader Of The Pack,” a song synonymous with the dramatic, melodramatic teen anthems of the 1960s girl group era. Their music, filled with tales of rebellious biker boyfriends and fickle lovers, perfectly captured the teenage angst of the time. This inherent drama and emotional resonance is likely why their song has found a surprising resurgence with a completely new generation on TikTok, becoming the ubiquitous “oh no song” of the digital age.
Like many prominent girl groups of the 1960s, The Shangri-Las were composed of young women, in fact, all teenagers. Hailing from Queens, New York City, the group featured two sets of sisters, all of whom were still in high school when their musical journey began. Their rapid ascent to fame was largely orchestrated by songwriter and producer George Francis “Shadow” Morton, a figure who earned his intriguing nickname by famously lurking around the legendary Brill Building, a hub of music publishing.
The creation of “Remember (Walking In The Sand),” now famously known as the “oh no song,” has an interesting backstory rooted in a songwriting challenge. Morton was in a meeting with the accomplished songwriting duo Ellie Greenwich and Jeff Barry. Barry, seemingly unimpressed, challenged Morton’s profession.
“Just what is it you do for a living?” Barry reportedly asked Morton with a hint of skepticism. “I’m a songwriter – like you,” Morton retorted confidently. Barry then probed further, “What kind of songs?” to which Morton declared, “Hit songs.” Barry, still doubtful, challenged him, “Why don’t you bring me one?” Taking this as a direct dare, Morton frantically made calls, finding a group of young women from Queens – The Shangri-Las – willing to record. The only catch? Morton didn’t actually have any of these promised “hit songs.” In a moment of creative pressure, Morton famously penned “Remember (Walking In The Sand)” in his car, parked on the side of the road, en route to the recording session.
The Shangri-Las Group Photo
Adding another layer of musical history to the “oh no song,” a young, then-unknown pianist played on the track. When Morton needed a piano part for “Remember (Walking In The Sand),” he enlisted a 15-year-old musician who happened to be in the studio that day – none other than Billy Joel.
Billy Joel himself confirmed his involvement, recalling in a 2005 interview with Rolling Stone, “I played on a session with “Shadow” Morton for two songs: “Remember (Walkin’ in the Sand)” and “Leader of the Pack.” He further elaborated that the instrumental tracks were recorded before The Shangri-Las added their vocals. Despite some conflicting accounts, Joel firmly believes it was him on the recording, humorously noting, “I never got paid, though, so it doesn’t make any difference.”
Regardless of payment disputes, Shadow Morton indeed delivered on his promise of a hit. “Remember (Walking In The Sand)” soared to No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its influence extends far beyond its initial success, having been covered by major artists like Aerosmith and extensively sampled over the ensuing decades. Whether it’s chopped and remixed or simply sampled in its original form, the iconic “oh no song” sample from this Shangri-Las’ anthem continues to resonate, finding new life and a massive new audience thanks to TikTok.
Discover more classic songs experiencing a TikTok revival.
