| Down at the Twist and Shout | |
| Type: | single |
| Artist: | Mary Chapin Carpenter |
| Album: | Shooting Straight in the Dark |
| B-Side: | Halley Came to Jackson |
| Released: | June 3, 1991 |
| Length: | 3:21 |
| Label: | Columbia |
| Prev Title: | Right Now |
| Prev Year: | 1991 |
| Next Title: | Going Out Tonight |
| Next Year: | 1991 |
"Down at the Twist and Shout" is a song written and recorded by American country music artist Mary Chapin Carpenter. It celebrates the Bethesda, Maryland, dance and music venue Twist & Shout.[1] It was released in June 1991 as the third single from the album Shooting Straight in the Dark. The song reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart on September 14, 1991.[2] The Cajun-themed song features backing from members of BeauSoleil, who are also name-dropped in the lyrics.[3] Carpenter (and BeauSoleil) performed the song pregame at Super Bowl XXXI.
In 1992, "Down at the Twist and Shout" won Carpenter a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female.[4] It was also nominated at the Academy of Country Music Awards for Song of the Year, losing to Billy Dean's "Somewhere in My Broken Heart".
Alvin and the Chipmunks recorded a cover for their 1992 album Chipmunks in Low Places.
American Aquarium covered the song on their 2021 album Slappers, Bangers, and Certified Twangers: Vol 1.
The music video was directed by Jack Cole and premiered in mid-1991.
Per liner notes from Shooting Straight in the Dark.[3]
| Chart (1991) | Position | |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Country Tracks (RPM)[5] | 82 | |
| US Country Songs (Billboard)[6] | 47 |