The song references the cha-cha-cha, a dance of Cuban origin that became popular in the United States in the late 1950s.

The song originated from a Christmas 1958 party at Lou Rawls' stepfather's house.

During the celebration, all began doing the cha-cha-cha, including Cooke's daughter, Linda.

", Cooke grabbed a sheet of paper and wrote down the lyrics while everyone else danced.

[2] Credits adapted from the liner notes to the 2003 compilation Portrait of a Legend: 1951–1964.