Edited by Azizi Powell
This post showcases the American children's television Mickey Mouse Clubhouse song "Hot Dog (Hot Diggity Dog)".
Two video examples of that song and the song's lyrics are included in this post. Additional videos and comments are included in this post and the Addendum to this post that refer to the cultural influences on the lyrics to that song, the "Hot Dog" dance as performed in these videos, and also to one of the costumes worn in the second video of that song and dance.
This song is a departure from the usual music featured in this blog which showcases Black music in the United States and around the world. While I believe that African American culture influenced some parts of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse's "Hot Dog (Hot Diggity Dog)" song, by no means do I think that that African American culture is the only cultural influence on this song.
The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic reasons.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to the composers of this song. Thanks to all those quoted in this post and to the producers, singers, and musicians in each of these videos. Thanks also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube. Special thanks to my toddler granddaughter for introducing me to lots of creative children's songs and videos, including "Hot Dog (Hot Diggity Dog)".
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INFORMATION ABOUT MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mickey_Mouse_Clubhouse
"Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is an American animated interactive television series produced from 2006 to Present. The series, Disney Television Animation's first computer animated series, was aimed at preschoolers....
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, and Pluto star in the series, which focuses on interacting with the viewer to stimulate problem solving."
-snip-
The song "Hot Dog (Hot Diggity Dog)" is sung at the end of every episode of this series.
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SHOWCASE VIDEOS
Example #1: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - 'Hot Dog Dance' - Disney Official
DisneyJuniorUK, Published on Sep 12, 2012
Hot Dog Hot Dog Hot Diggidy Dog! Can you learn all of the moves and sing a long to the Hot Dog dance? Mickey and friends will show you how to do the Hot Dog dance!
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Example #2: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - Halloween Hotdog Dance
DisneyJuniorUK, Published on Oct 30, 2013
Join Mickey Mouse and friends as they celebrate Halloween together!
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LYRICS - HOT DOG (HOT DIGGITY DOG) Version #1
(Mickey Mouse Clubhouse)
Hot Dog, Hot Dog, Hot Diggity Dog
Now, we've got ears, it's time for cheers
Hot Dog, Hot Dog, the problem's solved...
Hot Dog, Hot Dog, Hot Diggity Dog!
[character interruption]
Mickey: What a Hot Dog Day!
Hot Dog, Hot Dog, Hot Diggity Dog
It's a brand new day, what'cha waitin' for?
Get up, stretch out, stomp on the floor...
Hot Dog, Hot Dog, Hot Diggity Dog!
Hot Dog, Hot Dog, Hot Diggity Dog
We're splittin' the scene, we're full of beans
So long for now, from Mickey Mouse...
Mickey: That's me!
And the Mickey Mouse...Club...House!
Source: http://disney.wikia.com/wiki/Hot_Dog_Dance
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LYRICS - HOT DOG (HOT DIGGITY DOG) Version #2
(Mickey Mouse Clubhouse)
Hot dog! (Hot dog) Hot dog!
Hot dog, hot dog, hot diggety dog
Now we got ears, it's time for cheers
Hot dog, hot dog, the problem's solved
Hot dog, hot dog, hot diggety dog
Grab my boots and a sandwich
Let's start a parade
Get the coconut drum kit
For Daisy to play
Hot dog, hot dog, hot diggety dog
We're taking off, we're dancing now
Hot dog, leapfrog, and holy cow
Hot dog, hot dog, hot diggety dog
Hot dog, hot dog, hot diggety dog
It's a brand new day
Whatcha waiting for?
Get up, stretch out, stomp on the floor
Hot dog, hot dog, hot diggety dog
Hot dog, hot dog, hot diggety dog
We're splitting the scene
We're full of beans
So long for now from Mickey Mouse
(That's me!)
And the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Source: http://tmbw.net/wiki/Lyrics:Hot_Dog!
-snip-
Both websites indicate that "Hot Dog" (Hot Diggity Dog) is sung by "They Might Be Giants". The song was recorded in 2006. The name of the song's composer isn't given on that website or on any other website about this song that I visted.
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CULTURAL INFLUENCES - THE SONG'S LYRICS [Version #2]
Hot dog
"hot dog - "sausage on a split roll," c.1890, popularized by cartoonist T.A. Dorgan. It is said to echo a 19c. suspicion (occasionally justified) that sausages contained dog meat. Meaning "someone particularly skilled or excellent" (with overtones of showing off) is from 1896. Connection between the two senses, if any, is unclear. Hot dog! as an exclamation of approval was in use by 1906." http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=hot+dog
**
From http://disney.wikia.com/wiki/Hot_Dog_Dance
The song is title[d] "Hot Dog!" and is performed by They Might Be Giants. It echoes Mickey's first spoken words in the 1929 short The Karnival Kid."
-snip-
That cartoon video is found below under my comments about the dance that is performed in that Clubhouse cartoon.
**
Hot diggity dog
This phrase is lifted from the 1956 American Pop song "Hot Diggity (Dog Ziggity Boom)". The song was "recorded by Perry Como and went to #1 on the Billboard pop music chart later that year. The song's melody is based on Emmanuel Chabrier's 1883 composition, España...
The phrase "hot diggity dog!" dates to at least 1928, when Al Jolson was recorded saying "Hot diggity dog! Hot kitty! Hot pussycat! Didn't I tell you you'd love it?" after a performance of the tune "There's a Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder""... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_Diggity_(Dog_Ziggity_Boom).
-snip-
A video of Perry Como singing "Hot Diggity" is included in the Addendum to this post. A video of Emmanuel Chabrier's "España" is also included in the Addendum.
**
"it's time for cheers"
it's time for us to cheer; it's time for us to be happy (cheerful)
**
"Get the coconut drum kit"
A drum made out of coconut for Daisy [the female duck character in the Clubhouse] to play. A video of a coconut drum is included in the Addendum.
**
"Hot dog, leapfrog, and holy cow"
These words all refer to animals and probably have no other meaning in this song beyond that. However, both "hot dog" and "holy cow" are exclamations.
"Holy cow!" (and similar) is an exclamation of surprise used mostly in the United States, Canada, Australia and England. It is a minced oath or euphemism for "Holy Christ!"
Holy Cow! dates to at least 1905.[1]!...The phrase was used by baseball players at least as early as 1913[3] and probably much earlier.[4] The phrase appears to have been adopted as a means to avoid penalties for using obscene or indecent language and may have been based on a general awareness of the holiness of cows in some religious traditions.[5]"From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_cow_(expression)
"Leapfrog is a children's game in which players vault over each other's stooped backs." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leapfrog
**
"Stomp on the floor"
means to dance energetically
From http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/stomp
"Stomp - a jazz composition, especially in early jazz, marked by a driving rhythm and a fast tempo.
a dance to this music, usually marked by heavy stamping of the feet.
Origin 1820-1830"
-snip-
"Stomps" is a referent for music/dance originated in African American culture.
**
"We're splitting the scene"
means "We're leaving this place
Definition: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/split
"To split" meaning "to leave, to depart" probably originated in African American slang.
**
We're full of beans
In the context of this song, that sentence means "we're full of energy and enthusiasm". http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/be+full+of+beans.
However, saying that a person is full of beans may also be a serious insult since being "full of beans" also can mean being "full of 'crap'".
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THE TUNE USED FOR MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE "HOT DOG" SONG?
The words "hot diggity" in the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse song evoke the lyrics from the 1956 song "Hot Diggity (Dog Ziggity Boom)". However, the tune of Mickey Mouse song reminds me of an earlier song "Three Little Fishes". Here's a video of that song:
Andrews Sisters - Three Little Fishes
warholsoup100, Uploaded on May 28, 2011
-snip-
Information about The Andrews Sisters and the lyrics to the "Three Little Fishes" song are included in the publisher's statement for this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaJ-Ou5gTdw
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THE "HOT DOG" DANCE
According to http://disney.wikia.com/wiki/Hot_Dog_Dance
"The Hot Dog Dance" is the dance Mickey and the gang do at the end of every episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Every character has a different dance move he or she does to the song...
Trivia
How everyone performs the dance:
◾Mickey: Swings his body back and fourth while swaying his arms and kicking his feet out.
◾Minnie: Similar to Mickey, but swings out her arms while kicking her heels.
◾Goofy: Flaps his arms like a bird while squatting up and down and kicking out his legs.
◾Pluto: Squats up and down while leaning from side to side.
◾Donald: Swings his arms back and fourth while hopping on his feet.
◾Daisy: Sways her arms side to side and leans to the opposite side.
◾In Season 1, the dance was referred to as the "Mouskadance"."
-snip-
It seems to me that each Mickey Mouse Clubhouse character is doing his or her own version of the same dance.
I believe that this "Hot Dog" dance is another name for the African American originated "Hootchie Kootchie Dance" ("Shimmy Dance") that Minney Mouse does in Mickey Mouse's first cartoon "The Karnival Kid". (from about 1:05 to 1:29 in that video. After which Mickey Mouse calls out "Hot dogs Hot dogs" that he is selling from a cart. In the back of that cart is a sign "Minnie Shimmy Dancer".
Mickey Mouse The Karnival Kid (1929)
chitchcock92, Published on Jul 21, 2012
Mickey Mouse at age 1, said his first words in this cartoon. Mickey (voiced by Walt Disney) said "Hot dogs! Hot dogs"
-snip-
Here's a video of the Shimmy from the 1920s:
The Roaring Twenties - Dancing The Shimmy
Aaron1912,Published on Mar 10, 2012
Before the Charleston there was the Shimmy. Shake your body all over.
-snip-
The Shimmy dance originated among African Americans.
Characteters in the American children's educational cartoon characters "SuperWhy" do a similar dance while singing the song "Hip Hip Hooray" at the end of each of their cartoons. As is the case with the "Hot Dog" dance, each Super Why character does this dance their own way. Here's a video of that song and dance:
YouTube - SUPER WHY! - -Hip Hip Hooray!- - PBS KIDS.HD
jasnoorvirk noor, Uploaded on Feb 23, 2012
-snip-
The Super Why! cartoon series debuted in 2007. It may be a coincidence that these two cartoon series end each episode in what appears to me to be similar ways. Click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Why! for information about Super Why! cartoons.
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WASHBOARD INSTRUMENT IN THE VIDEO OF MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE HALLOWEEN VERSION OF THIS SONG
[Example #2 above]
I found it interesting that Goofy [the tall dog character] is wearing a washboard (rubboard/frottoir) as part of his Halloween costume. Here's information about that musical instrument:
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washboard
"A washboard is a tool designed for hand washing clothing. With mechanized cleaning of clothing becoming more common by the end of the 20th century, the washboard has become better known for its originally subsidiary use as a musical instrument...
Washboards with brass ridges are still made, and some who use washboards as musical instruments prefer the sound of the somewhat more expensive brass boards. One of the few musical instruments invented entirely in the United States is the Zydeco Frottoir (Zydeco Rubboard), a distillation of the washboard into essential elements (percussive surface with shoulder straps) designed by Clifton Chenier and built by Willie Landry in 1946."
-snip-
A video of a Zydeco band including a musician playing a frottoir is found in the Addendum below.
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ADDENDUM: VIDEOS
Example #1: Emmanuel Chabrier - España Rhapsody For Orchestra
glagolitic, Published on Sep 10, 2013
The BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Leonard Slatkin
Recorded live at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday 19th July 2002
-snip-
"España" is the tune used for the 1956 song "Hot Diggity". Emmanuel Chabrier (January 18, 1841 – September 13, 1894) was a French Romantic composer and pianist...Gustav Mahler called España "the beginnings of modern music". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emmanuel_Chabrier
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Example #2: Perry Como Live - Hot Diggity - 1956
furn738, Uploaded on Jun 2, 2011
The melody for Hot Diggity (Dog Ziggity Boom) is based on Emmanuel Chabrier's 1883 composition, "España."
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Example #3: COCONUT HAND DRUM
Sergi Garcia, Published on May 4, 2014
The drums of coconut are common throughout South-East Asia.
They are used to make rhythms.
Hand covering the opening can get different effects.
Includes stick.
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Example #4: Queen Ida and The Bon Temps Zydeco Band - Rosa Majeur
sexmex5, Uploaded on Apr 6, 2008
Good Zydeco
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Visitor comments are welcome.
Showing posts with label animated cartoon program. Show all posts
Showing posts with label animated cartoon program. Show all posts
Monday, March 2, 2015
Saturday, July 20, 2013
"Bongo Bongo Bongo" (I Don't Want to Leave the Congo) & Two "Bongo Congo" Songs
Edited by Azizi Powell
This blog features music & dance from African Americans and other Black cultures throughout the world. However, some music and/or other cultural offerings that don't originate with Black people can remind people of other cultural offerrings or influence the creation, reception, and interpretation of other Black music/cultural offerings.
I wasn't aware of the 1947 American Pop song "Civilization" ("Bongo, Bongo, Bongo (I Don't Want to Leave the Congo") prior to coming across it while surfing YouTube. However, that song reminded me of a television cartoon show & its theme song from the 1960s. Because YouTube has just about everything, I found a soundfile of that theme song under the name "Leonardo & His Short Subjects". In that vaguely remembered animated series, Leonardo the lion is the king of the fictitious African nation of "Bongo Congo". Both of the 1947 "Bongo Bongo Bongo" song and that 1960s cartoon series with its theme song that includes a reference to "Bongo Congo" influence my reception of a Dancehall Reggae song [no recording date known] entitled "Bongo Congo" as well as the 1973/1974 Salsa song "Congo Bongo" and the 2003 Ghanaian Reggae song "Congo Bongo", each of which I also happened upon on YouTube.
This post provides information & lyrics when available, and a soundfile of the three songs "Civilization" ("Bongo, Bongo, Bongo (I Don't Want to Leave the Congo"), the King Leonardo & His Short Subjectstelevision theme song, and the Dancehall Reggae song entitled "Bongo Congo".
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-fania-all-stars-congo-bongo.html and http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/07/blakk-rasta-congo-bongo.html for related posts on the related term "Congo Bongo".
The content of this post is presented for cultural purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
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INFORMATION ABOUT & SOUNDFILE OF "CIVILIZATION"
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civilization_(song)
"'Civilization' is an American pop song. It was written by Bob Hilliard and Carl Sigman, published in 1947 and introduced in the 1947 Broadway musical Angel in the Wings, sung by Elaine Stritch. The song is sometimes also known as "Bongo, Bongo, Bongo (I Don't Want to Leave the Congo)" from its first line of the chorus.
The song is considered satire and is sung from the perspective of a native "savage", whose village has recently been settled by a missionary and other "civilized" people who have been trying to make the tribe into a civilized place. However, the savage thinks differently and sings about the major flaws in civilized society, ultimately deciding that he will stay where he lives (presumably the Congo, as it is referenced in the song lyrics)…
Many recorded versions made the Billboard charts: by The Andrews Sisters and Danny Kaye, by Louis Prima, by "Smilin'" Jack Smith, by Ray McKinley, and by Woody Herman.
The Andrews Sisters and Danny Kaye recording was recorded September 27, 1947 and released by Decca Records as catalog number 24462. The record first reached the Billboard magazine charts on November 14, 1947 and lasted 10 weeks on the chart, peaking at #3”. The Louis Prima recording was recorded July 24, 1947 and released by RCA Victor Records as catalog number 20-2400. The record first reached the Billboard magazine charts on November 7, 1947 and lasted eight weeks on the chart, peaking at #8."
-snip-
Click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQ-fI_xJB88 for a soundfile of The Andrews Sisters and Danny Kaye recording of this song.
-snip-
Civilization (Bongo, Bongo, Bongo) - Louis Prima & His Orchestra
MLNLSF, Uploaded on Apr 9, 2011
Old American Music, Soundtrack "Lolita" 1997 film
-snip-
LYRICS - CIVILIZATION
(written by Bob Hilliard and Carl Sigman)
Each morning, a missionary advertises neon sign
He tells the native population that civilization is fine
And three educated savages holler from a bamboo tree
That civilization is a thing for me to see
So bongo, bongo, bongo, I don't wanna leave the Congo, oh no no no no no
Bingo, bangle, bungle, I'm so happy in the jungle, I refuse to go
Don't want no bright lights, false teeth, doorbells, landlords, I make it clear
That no matter how they coax him, I'll stay right here
I looked through a magazine the missionary's wife concealed (Magazine? What happens?)
I see how people who are civilized bung you with automobile (You know you can get hurt that way Daniel?)
At the movies they have got to pay many coconuts to see (What do they see, Darling?)
Uncivilized pictures that the newsreel takes of me
So bongo, bongo, bongo, he don't wanna leave the Congo, oh no no no no no
Bingo, bangle, bungle, he's so happy in the jungle, he refuse to go
Don't want no penthouse, bathtub, streetcars, taxis, noise in my ear
So, no matter how they coax him, I'll stay right here
They hurry like savages to get aboard an iron train
And though it's smokey and it's crowded, they're too civilized to complain
When they've got two weeks vacation, they hurry to vacation ground (What do they do, Darling?)
They swim and they fish, but that's what I do all year round
So bongo, bongo, bongo, I don't wanna leave the Congo, oh no no no no no
Bingo, bangle, bungle, I'm so happy in the jungle, I refuse to go
Don't want no jailhouse, shotgun, fish-hooks, golf clubs, I got my spears
So, no matter how they coax him, I'll stay right here
They have things like the atom bomb, so I think I'll stay where I "ahm"
Civilization, I'll stay right here!
Source: http://www.lyricstime.com/the-andrews-sisters-civilization-bongo-bongo-bongo-lyrics.html
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INFORMATION ABOUT THE CARTOON SERIES "LEONARDO AND HIS SHORT SUBJECTS"
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Leonardo_and_His_Short_Subjects
" "King Leonardo and his Short Subjects" is an animated cartoon series released in 1960 by Total Television (which would later rename itself Leonardo Productions after the main character of this show), sponsored by General Mills.
The show focused on Leonardo the lion (voiced by Jackson Beck), who was the inept yet well-meaning King of Bongo Congo (a fictional African nation that is known for it's bongos). Leonardo was assisted in his adventures by a mild-mannered skunk named Odie Cologne aka "Odie O. Cologne" (voiced by Allen Swift).
King Leonardo's incompetent brother Itchy (voiced by Allen Swift) along with his friend, gangster, and leader Biggie Rat (voiced by Jackson Beck) attempt to overthrow Leonardo and rule Bongo Congo for themselves. Biggie would often employ the help of an evil German inventor named Professor Messer (voiced by Jackson Beck) and even obtain help from Odie's flirtatious sister Carlotta. Itchy and Biggie would come up with various plots which always ends with them either landing in the dungeon or getting away”.
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King Leonardo cartoon TV Theme Song 45 rpm record
Paul F, Uploaded on Dec 25, 2011
Jackson Beck
Golden Record FF632A
-snip-
LYRICS: KING LEONARDO & HIS SHORT SUBJECTS THEME SONG
Here comes Leonardo, Leonardo Lion.
King of Bongo Congo, the hero lion of iron.
Where Leonardo travels, his subjects all go too.
There's Odio Cologne who's loyal and true blue.
I say there's a booming Hunter, a wily witty Fox.
And Tooter who brings fun to you, and visits magic box.
Good King Leonardo, has his enemies,
Biggie with his pistols, there's Itchy with his fleas.
They fought against the kingdom to overthrow the king,
Looks like Leonardo has had his royal fling.
But Odio Cologne, steps in to change the play,
That loyal skunk, with skill and spunk comes through to save the day.
You'll find adventure and thrills,
Laughter a minute, too.
You mustn't miss, excitement like this,
Or Hunter may hunt you.
Let's watch Leonardo, all his subjects, too.
Odio Cologne, the Fox and Hunter, too.
Tooter and the Wizard, they're ready set to go,
So everyone come join the fun on King Leonardo's Show.
Source: http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/televisiontvthemelyrics-kidsshows/kingleonardo&hisshortsubjects.htm
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SOUNDFILE OF THE DANCEHALL REGGAE SONG "BONGO CONGO"
Bongo Congo feat. Tikaf - Dando Batalla (Rastafari Armada Crew)
rastafariarmada, Uploaded on Aug 3, 2011
desde el cuartel otra rola mas del crew Rastafari Armada , Bongo Congo (Ex Baterista de la agrupacion de El Salvador Anastacio y los del monte) feat. Tikaf , Argentina Buenos Aires , Dancehall Kulcha BLACK KING.
-snip-
Google translate to English:
"from the headquarters of the crew another dime more Rastafari Navy, Bongo Congo (former drummer of the grouping of El Salvador Anastacio and mount) feat. Tikaf, Argentina Buenos Aires, Dancehall Kulcha BLACK KING."
-snip-
There are a number of other YouTube video (soundfiles) of this Dancehall Reggae group. The information given indicates that this group is from Buenos Aries, Argentina. I don't have any other information about the group, including when this song was first recorded.
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ADDENDUM
I want to be clear that I don't know if the American pop song & the American television cartoon show & theme song had any influence whatsoever on the title or lyrics of the "Bongo Congo" Dancehall Reggae song or the Salsa song "Congo Bongo" or the Reggae song "Congo Bongo". It's possible that the composers of those songs might not even know about those American songs or that American cartoon series.
What I am saying is that the "bongo bongo" and "bongo congo" lyrics of those American songs & that television show my reaction to those other songs. Furthermore, the cultural context that I bring to these songs-for instance, the negative stereotype that Americans have about Black people eating watermelon, influenced how I-as an African American- viewed a scene in the Ghanaian "Congo Bongo" video, to the extent that I wondered if the producer had purposely added that scene and used the phrase "Congo Bongo" as a way of re-claiming those actions & words that have negative connotations. But then I realized that the negative connotations of Black folks eating watermelon & the "Bongo Congo"/"Congo Bongo" phrase were in the United States and not necessarily elsewhere.
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Thanks to all those who published information & YouTube examples of these songs.
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
This blog features music & dance from African Americans and other Black cultures throughout the world. However, some music and/or other cultural offerings that don't originate with Black people can remind people of other cultural offerrings or influence the creation, reception, and interpretation of other Black music/cultural offerings.
I wasn't aware of the 1947 American Pop song "Civilization" ("Bongo, Bongo, Bongo (I Don't Want to Leave the Congo") prior to coming across it while surfing YouTube. However, that song reminded me of a television cartoon show & its theme song from the 1960s. Because YouTube has just about everything, I found a soundfile of that theme song under the name "Leonardo & His Short Subjects". In that vaguely remembered animated series, Leonardo the lion is the king of the fictitious African nation of "Bongo Congo". Both of the 1947 "Bongo Bongo Bongo" song and that 1960s cartoon series with its theme song that includes a reference to "Bongo Congo" influence my reception of a Dancehall Reggae song [no recording date known] entitled "Bongo Congo" as well as the 1973/1974 Salsa song "Congo Bongo" and the 2003 Ghanaian Reggae song "Congo Bongo", each of which I also happened upon on YouTube.
This post provides information & lyrics when available, and a soundfile of the three songs "Civilization" ("Bongo, Bongo, Bongo (I Don't Want to Leave the Congo"), the King Leonardo & His Short Subjectstelevision theme song, and the Dancehall Reggae song entitled "Bongo Congo".
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-fania-all-stars-congo-bongo.html and http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/07/blakk-rasta-congo-bongo.html for related posts on the related term "Congo Bongo".
The content of this post is presented for cultural purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
****
INFORMATION ABOUT & SOUNDFILE OF "CIVILIZATION"
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civilization_(song)
"'Civilization' is an American pop song. It was written by Bob Hilliard and Carl Sigman, published in 1947 and introduced in the 1947 Broadway musical Angel in the Wings, sung by Elaine Stritch. The song is sometimes also known as "Bongo, Bongo, Bongo (I Don't Want to Leave the Congo)" from its first line of the chorus.
The song is considered satire and is sung from the perspective of a native "savage", whose village has recently been settled by a missionary and other "civilized" people who have been trying to make the tribe into a civilized place. However, the savage thinks differently and sings about the major flaws in civilized society, ultimately deciding that he will stay where he lives (presumably the Congo, as it is referenced in the song lyrics)…
Many recorded versions made the Billboard charts: by The Andrews Sisters and Danny Kaye, by Louis Prima, by "Smilin'" Jack Smith, by Ray McKinley, and by Woody Herman.
The Andrews Sisters and Danny Kaye recording was recorded September 27, 1947 and released by Decca Records as catalog number 24462. The record first reached the Billboard magazine charts on November 14, 1947 and lasted 10 weeks on the chart, peaking at #3”. The Louis Prima recording was recorded July 24, 1947 and released by RCA Victor Records as catalog number 20-2400. The record first reached the Billboard magazine charts on November 7, 1947 and lasted eight weeks on the chart, peaking at #8."
-snip-
Click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQ-fI_xJB88 for a soundfile of The Andrews Sisters and Danny Kaye recording of this song.
-snip-
Civilization (Bongo, Bongo, Bongo) - Louis Prima & His Orchestra
MLNLSF, Uploaded on Apr 9, 2011
Old American Music, Soundtrack "Lolita" 1997 film
-snip-
LYRICS - CIVILIZATION
(written by Bob Hilliard and Carl Sigman)
Each morning, a missionary advertises neon sign
He tells the native population that civilization is fine
And three educated savages holler from a bamboo tree
That civilization is a thing for me to see
So bongo, bongo, bongo, I don't wanna leave the Congo, oh no no no no no
Bingo, bangle, bungle, I'm so happy in the jungle, I refuse to go
Don't want no bright lights, false teeth, doorbells, landlords, I make it clear
That no matter how they coax him, I'll stay right here
I looked through a magazine the missionary's wife concealed (Magazine? What happens?)
I see how people who are civilized bung you with automobile (You know you can get hurt that way Daniel?)
At the movies they have got to pay many coconuts to see (What do they see, Darling?)
Uncivilized pictures that the newsreel takes of me
So bongo, bongo, bongo, he don't wanna leave the Congo, oh no no no no no
Bingo, bangle, bungle, he's so happy in the jungle, he refuse to go
Don't want no penthouse, bathtub, streetcars, taxis, noise in my ear
So, no matter how they coax him, I'll stay right here
They hurry like savages to get aboard an iron train
And though it's smokey and it's crowded, they're too civilized to complain
When they've got two weeks vacation, they hurry to vacation ground (What do they do, Darling?)
They swim and they fish, but that's what I do all year round
So bongo, bongo, bongo, I don't wanna leave the Congo, oh no no no no no
Bingo, bangle, bungle, I'm so happy in the jungle, I refuse to go
Don't want no jailhouse, shotgun, fish-hooks, golf clubs, I got my spears
So, no matter how they coax him, I'll stay right here
They have things like the atom bomb, so I think I'll stay where I "ahm"
Civilization, I'll stay right here!
Source: http://www.lyricstime.com/the-andrews-sisters-civilization-bongo-bongo-bongo-lyrics.html
****
INFORMATION ABOUT THE CARTOON SERIES "LEONARDO AND HIS SHORT SUBJECTS"
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Leonardo_and_His_Short_Subjects
" "King Leonardo and his Short Subjects" is an animated cartoon series released in 1960 by Total Television (which would later rename itself Leonardo Productions after the main character of this show), sponsored by General Mills.
The show focused on Leonardo the lion (voiced by Jackson Beck), who was the inept yet well-meaning King of Bongo Congo (a fictional African nation that is known for it's bongos). Leonardo was assisted in his adventures by a mild-mannered skunk named Odie Cologne aka "Odie O. Cologne" (voiced by Allen Swift).
King Leonardo's incompetent brother Itchy (voiced by Allen Swift) along with his friend, gangster, and leader Biggie Rat (voiced by Jackson Beck) attempt to overthrow Leonardo and rule Bongo Congo for themselves. Biggie would often employ the help of an evil German inventor named Professor Messer (voiced by Jackson Beck) and even obtain help from Odie's flirtatious sister Carlotta. Itchy and Biggie would come up with various plots which always ends with them either landing in the dungeon or getting away”.
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King Leonardo cartoon TV Theme Song 45 rpm record
Paul F, Uploaded on Dec 25, 2011
Jackson Beck
Golden Record FF632A
-snip-
LYRICS: KING LEONARDO & HIS SHORT SUBJECTS THEME SONG
Here comes Leonardo, Leonardo Lion.
King of Bongo Congo, the hero lion of iron.
Where Leonardo travels, his subjects all go too.
There's Odio Cologne who's loyal and true blue.
I say there's a booming Hunter, a wily witty Fox.
And Tooter who brings fun to you, and visits magic box.
Good King Leonardo, has his enemies,
Biggie with his pistols, there's Itchy with his fleas.
They fought against the kingdom to overthrow the king,
Looks like Leonardo has had his royal fling.
But Odio Cologne, steps in to change the play,
That loyal skunk, with skill and spunk comes through to save the day.
You'll find adventure and thrills,
Laughter a minute, too.
You mustn't miss, excitement like this,
Or Hunter may hunt you.
Let's watch Leonardo, all his subjects, too.
Odio Cologne, the Fox and Hunter, too.
Tooter and the Wizard, they're ready set to go,
So everyone come join the fun on King Leonardo's Show.
Source: http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/televisiontvthemelyrics-kidsshows/kingleonardo&hisshortsubjects.htm
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SOUNDFILE OF THE DANCEHALL REGGAE SONG "BONGO CONGO"
Bongo Congo feat. Tikaf - Dando Batalla (Rastafari Armada Crew)
rastafariarmada, Uploaded on Aug 3, 2011
desde el cuartel otra rola mas del crew Rastafari Armada , Bongo Congo (Ex Baterista de la agrupacion de El Salvador Anastacio y los del monte) feat. Tikaf , Argentina Buenos Aires , Dancehall Kulcha BLACK KING.
-snip-
Google translate to English:
"from the headquarters of the crew another dime more Rastafari Navy, Bongo Congo (former drummer of the grouping of El Salvador Anastacio and mount) feat. Tikaf, Argentina Buenos Aires, Dancehall Kulcha BLACK KING."
-snip-
There are a number of other YouTube video (soundfiles) of this Dancehall Reggae group. The information given indicates that this group is from Buenos Aries, Argentina. I don't have any other information about the group, including when this song was first recorded.
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ADDENDUM
I want to be clear that I don't know if the American pop song & the American television cartoon show & theme song had any influence whatsoever on the title or lyrics of the "Bongo Congo" Dancehall Reggae song or the Salsa song "Congo Bongo" or the Reggae song "Congo Bongo". It's possible that the composers of those songs might not even know about those American songs or that American cartoon series.
What I am saying is that the "bongo bongo" and "bongo congo" lyrics of those American songs & that television show my reaction to those other songs. Furthermore, the cultural context that I bring to these songs-for instance, the negative stereotype that Americans have about Black people eating watermelon, influenced how I-as an African American- viewed a scene in the Ghanaian "Congo Bongo" video, to the extent that I wondered if the producer had purposely added that scene and used the phrase "Congo Bongo" as a way of re-claiming those actions & words that have negative connotations. But then I realized that the negative connotations of Black folks eating watermelon & the "Bongo Congo"/"Congo Bongo" phrase were in the United States and not necessarily elsewhere.
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Thanks to all those who published information & YouTube examples of these songs.
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