"Alley Oop" is written about the titular character in the American comic strip "Alley Oop," which was created in 1932 by V.T. Hamlin. In 1960, the song was a #1 pop hit for the group The Hollywood Argyles; several competing versions also charted at the same time.

A caveman performed "Alley Oop" as the UK Spot in episode 516 of The Muppet Show. Some prehistoric pigs sing backup as Animal attempts to clobber a saber-toothed tiger, a bear, and a brontosaurus. The number ends with Animal knocking the caveman unconscious.