Overview
These Boots Are Made for Walking is a hit song written by Lee Hazlewood and recorded by American singer Nancy Sinatra. Released on December 16, 1965, it became an instant success, topping the charts in the United States and the United Kingdom. The song is known for its distinctive bass line and has been covered in various musical styles over the years.These Boots Are Made for Walking
Release Details
- Artist: Nancy Sinatra
- Album: Boots
- B-side: “The City Never Sleeps at Night”
- Released: December 16, 1965
- Recorded: November 19, 1965, at United Western, Hollywood
- Genre: Pop, go-go, folk rock, country
- Length: 2:40
- Label: Reprise
- Songwriter: Lee Hazlewood
- Producer: Lee Hazlewood
Chart Performance
- US Billboard Hot 100: #1
- UK Singles Chart: #1
Notable Covers
- Megadeth
- Billy Ray Cyrus
- Jessica Simpson
Background
Nancy Sinatra Version
Nancy Sinatra’s version of “These Boots Are Made for Walkin'” was released as a single in December 1965 and was included in her debut album Boots (1966). The song quickly climbed the charts, reaching number one in multiple countries. The track features Los Angeles session musicians known as the Wrecking Crew, with Chuck Berghofer on double bass, providing the notable bass line. These Boots Are Made for Walking
Promotional Film: Sinatra also recorded a promotional film for the song, considered one of the early music videos. The video featured Sinatra wearing an iconic pair of red leather boots and was produced for Color-Sonics. These Boots Are Made for Walking
Recording
Lee Hazlewood originally intended to record the song himself but was persuaded by Sinatra, who believed it suited a female voice better. The recording session took place on November 19, 1965, and included musicians from the Wrecking Crew. These Boots Are Made for Walking
Cultural Impact
The song has been featured in various films and TV shows, including Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket, Natural Born Killers, and Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery. It has also been used in commercials and has been covered by numerous artists in different genres. These Boots Are Made for Walking
Recognition
In 2020, the 1965 recording of the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. These Boots Are Made for Walking
Cover Versions
Billy Ray Cyrus Version
Billy Ray Cyrus covered “These Boots Are Made for Walkin'” and included it in his debut album Some Gave All (1992). The cover was released as a single and charted in Belgium and the Netherlands. These Boots Are Made for Walking
Jessica Simpson Version
Jessica Simpson’s version was recorded for the soundtrack of the film The Dukes of Hazzard (2005). This cover reached number fourteen on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was certified Gold by the RIAA. The music video, directed by Brett Ratner, was controversial for its sexual imagery. These Boots Are Made for Walking
Megadeth Version
Megadeth’s cover, titled “These Boots,” was featured on their debut album Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good! (1985). The version included altered lyrics and was more of a parody. It was later released with censored lyrics after legal objections from Lee Hazlewood. These Boots Are Made for Walking
Personnel
Nancy Sinatra Version
- Vocals: Nancy Sinatra
- Bass: Chuck Berghofer
- Guitar: Nick Bonney, Jerry Cole, Don Lanier, Lou Norell, William Pitman
- Drums: Donald R. Frost
- Trumpet: Roy V. Caton, Oliver Mitchell
- Tenor Sax: Plas Johnson
- French Horn: Richard Perissi
- Keyboard: Don Randi
- Percussion: Emil Richards
- Arranger/Conductor: Billy Strange
- Producer: Lee Hazlewood
Charts and Certifications
- US Billboard Hot 100: #1
- UK Singles Chart: #1
- Certifications:
- US RIAA: Gold (1,000,000 units)
- UK: Silver (200,000 units)
- Australia ARIA: Platinum (70,000 units)
- New Zealand RMNZ: Gold (5,000 units)
Release History
The song has been released in various formats and regions, including promotional singles and digital downloads. Notably, the UK promotional single was released on February 1, 2000, by EMI and Maverick.
Legacy
“These Boots Are Made for Walkin'” remains an iconic song from the 1960s, recognized for its catchy melody, memorable lyrics, and cultural impact. Its success and the numerous cover versions highlight its enduring popularity across generations and genres.
