Shirley Ellis: "The Clapping Song" live on Shivaree March (1965) Requested by Mark H "The Clapping Song" is an American song, written by Lincoln Chase, originally arranged by Charles Callello and recorded by Shirley Ellis in 1965. The song was released shortly after Ellis had released "The Name Game". "The Clapping Song" incorporates lyrics from the song "Little Rubber Dolly", a 1930s song recorded by the Light Crust Doughboys, and also features instructions for a clapping game. The single sold