Volkswagen 2012 Beetle High Five Commercial Song The clapping song by Shirley Ellis.

The 2012 Beetle looks different from models past. We think that’s a good thing. Not that we don’t love the old Bugs—they’ll always have a place in our hearts. It’s just that, well, this new Beetle really is something special. And part of what makes it so special is the obvious connection to its automotive ancestors. From the very first glance, you know that it’s a Beetle.

Volkswagen: 2012 Beetle High Five Commercial
Song: The clapping song by Shirley Ellis

We sent automotive genealogist (OK, Volkswagen Digital Marketing Manager) Brian Chee to Berlin to get a closer look at the 2012 Beetle and examine what’s different and what makes it a Beetle through and through. Here’s what he had to say:


Song: The clapping song by Shirley Ellis
Release: 1965 (From the Album Because Of Winn-Dixie Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Buy the song on Amazon here.

Lyrics used in the commercial
3, 6, 9
The goose drank wine
The monkey chew tobacco on the streetcar line
The line broke, the monkey got choked
And they all went to heaven in a little rowboat

Clap pat - clap pat - clap pat - clap slap
Clap pat! clap your hand...
Pat it on your partner hand... right hand
Clap pat! clap your hand...
Cross it with your left arm
Pat your partner left palm
Clap pat! clap your hand...
Pat your partner right palm
And a right palm again
Clap slap! clap your hand...
Slap your thigh and sing a little song go...

My Mother told me... ...

Song: The clapping song by Shirley Ellis
Release: 1965 (From the Album Because Of Winn-Dixie Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Buy the song on Amazon here.

Yep. You’re right. The 2012 Beetle lacks both a chrome bumper and a split rear window, and its engine is up front. But that doesn’t mean the all-new version wasn’t inspired by one of the bestselling cars ever. In fact, after seeing them side-by-side, I can tell you that the family resemblance is immediately apparent.

From the exterior design to interior features meant to reflect the original model’s smart and simple purpose, the inspiration drawn from the past–and applied with a modern interpretation–is clear. Read more >>