Hey Witch Doctor Give Us The Magic Words
Do you remember the song "Witch Doctor" by David Seville? The song has been around since the 1950s, but it's still catchy and fun to sing. The chorus goes, "Oo ee oo ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang." It's a silly phrase that doesn't mean anything, but it sure is memorable. The song has been covered by many artists and featured in movies and TV shows.
The Origin of the Song
The song was written and recorded by David Seville, who was also known as Ross Bagdasarian Sr. He was a musician, songwriter, and voice actor. He is best known for creating the animated group Alvin and the Chipmunks. "Witch Doctor" was released in 1958 and became a hit in the United States and the United Kingdom. It reached number one in the UK and number two in the US.
The song is about a man who goes to see a witch doctor to try and get the girl he loves to notice him. The witch doctor gives him a potion and tells him to repeat the magic words "ting tang walla walla bing bang." The man is skeptical but tries it anyway. To his surprise, it works, and the girl falls in love with him.
The Meaning Behind the Lyrics
The lyrics of "Witch Doctor" don't have any real meaning. The magic words are nonsense syllables that were created to be catchy and memorable. The song is meant to be fun and lighthearted. It's a playful take on love potions and magic spells.
The song's success was due in part to its catchy melody and funny lyrics. It was a novelty song that stood out from other songs of the time. The song's popularity led to a dance craze called the "Witch Doctor Dance." The dance involved shaking your arms and legs while singing the chorus.
The Legacy of "Witch Doctor"
"Witch Doctor" has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The song has been featured in movies such as "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip" and "The Lion King 1½." It has also been used in TV shows like "The Simpsons" and "South Park." The song has been covered by many artists, including The Chipmunks, The Muppets, and Sha Na Na.
The song's legacy also includes its influence on other songs. The chorus of "Witch Doctor" was used in the song "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" by The Tokens. The melody and lyrics of "Witch Doctor" were also used in the song "Doctor Jones" by Aqua.
Conclusion
"Witch Doctor" may be a silly song with nonsense lyrics, but it has had a lasting impact on popular culture. Its catchy melody and funny lyrics have made it a beloved classic that people still sing and dance to today. The song's legacy includes its influence on other songs and its use in movies and TV shows. So the next time you hear someone singing "ting tang walla walla bing bang," you'll know where it came from.
