13 Indelible and Intriguing Novel Songs → Playlist

13 Indelible and Intriguing Novel Songs features songs by Afroman, Aqua, Doja Cat, Napoleon XIV, Randy Newman, and They Might Be Giants.

… Um… okay, Doja Cat … 🐮 As for Joe Tex, he informs us, “I ain’t gonna bump no more with no big fat woman.” You just have to hear the song! Going even more old-school than Joe, Napoleon XIV shocked the world with a surprising, unusual hit where, “And they’re coming to take me away, ha-ha / They’re coming to take me away, ho-ho, hee-hee, ha-ha / To the funny farm / Where life is beautiful all the time.” All three artists referenced give us novel/novelty songs. 13 Indelible and Intriguing Novel Songs highlights distinct and unusual gems that are DEFINITELY one-of-one. 13 Indelible and Intriguing Novel Songs features songs by Afroman, Aqua, Doja Cat, Napoleon XIV, Randy Newman, and They Might Be Giants. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the indelible and utterly intriguing novel songs, shall we?! We shall!

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~ Table of Contents ~
1. Doja Cat, “Mooo!”	2. Baha Men, “Who Let The Dogs Out”	3. Ylvis, “The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)”
4. Aqua, “Barbie Girl”	5.The Chainsmokers, “#Selfie”	6. Cheech & Chong, “Basketball Jones”
7. Afroman, “Because I Got High”	8. They Might Be Giants, “Istanbul (Not Constantinople)”	9. Randy Newman, “Short People”
10. Harry Nilsson, “Coconut”	11. Sheb Wooley, “The Purple People Eater”	12. Joe Tex, “Ain’t Gonna Bump No More (With No Big Fat Woman)”
13. Napoleon XIV, “They’re Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!”

 

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1. Doja Cat, “Mooo!”

Amala (Deluxe Version) » Kemosabe Records / RCA Records » 2019

It’s giving cow 🐄, Doja Cat (Amala). Welp, that’s what the Grammy-winning rapper/singer asserts on her novelty song, “Mooo!” “Mooo!” appears as the 16^th and final track on the deluxe edition of Amala, reissued in 2019. See Exhibit A… or, technically, B: “Bitch, I’m a cow, bitch, I’m a cow / I’m not a cat, I don’t say meow / Bitch, I’m a cow, bitch, I’m a cow.” She said what she said! MOOOOOOO! Fittingly, “Mooo!” commences with a cow mooing. While mooing isn’t refined, smooth, contemporary R&B/hip-hop production follows; it’s quite sophisticated. Doja Cat, TROY NōKA, and Yeti Beats produced it. “Mooo!” features multiple samples and lots of songwriting credits.

Is Doja Cat herself sophisticated? She has her moments when she sings beautifully and smoothly. But, for the most part, NO.  I mean, she said she was a cow… She exhibits a compelling cadence and flow during the verses.  What’s most impressive is how committed she is to the novel nature of “Mooo!” “Got milk, bitch? Got beef? (Got beef?) / Got steak, ho? Got cheese? (Got it),” She raps in the first verse and continues, “Grade A, ho, not lean (Not lean) / Got me A1, sauce, please / These heifers got nothin’ on me.” Damn! In the second verse, she references lots of songs, including “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” (“Old MacDonald had a farm / I give him a titty, tryna keep him calm”), “Slob On My Knob” by Juicy J credited to Tear Da Club Up Thugs, and “Milkshake” by Kelis (“Milkshake brings all the boys to the farm…”). During the outro, keeping things outlandish, she states, “I want a cheeseburger, fucking vegans.” Only Doja Cat.  All in all, “Mooo!”, like Doja Cat herself, is one of one.  The song speaks for itself.

Appears in 🔻:

Doja Cat, Mooo!: Wacky Wednesday No. 34 (2026)

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2. Baha Men, “Who Let The Dogs Out”

Who Let The Dogs Out » Capitol » 2000

“Who Let The Dogs Out?” by the Bahamian collective, the Baha Men, is an iconic, unforgettable song from the 2000s. You know what else is intriguing about “Who Let The Dogs Out?” It is a cover 🤯.  Written by Anslem Douglas and Ossie Gurley, it is Douglas who originally released it in 1998 as “Dogie.” Of course, Baha Men transformed “Dogie” into “Who Let The Dogs Out?”, the opening track from their multiplatinum 2000 album, Who Let The Dogs Out.  A top 40 hit on the pop charts, peaking at number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, the Baha Men won their only Grammy for Best Dance Recording at the 43^rd Annual Grammy Awards. Dyson Knight gets the honors of performing the seminal chorus.

“Who Let The Dogs Out?” is groovy AF.  There is no shortage of striking instrumental cues, including the percussive groove, tropical sounds, and smooth guitar. There are plenty of ridiculous sound effects: barking, heavy panting, and aggressive ad-libs. A novel, reggae/dance-infused-rap song, it was easy to disregard the lyrics.  Revisiting the song years later, beyond acknowledging playful vocals showcasing a compelling cadence and flow, the theme and lyrics are worth analyzing further. “And everybody was having a ball,” Patrick Carey sings in the first verse, and continues, “Until the fellas started name-calling /… And the girls respond to the call, I heard a woman shout out…” Well, the dogs appear to be those men… There is some distinct slang during the bridge that precedes the second verse: “Called she mealybug and sketel /… Get back, you flea-infested mongrel.” Again, more to unpack than previously thought, though, it’s clear the men are something else. Well, dogs: “Say, a doggy is nutting if he don’t have a bone.” In the third verse, Marvin Prosper, embracing his inner dog, asserts, “And I can’t see color, any color will do / I’ll stick on you, that’s why they call me Pitbull / ‘Cause I’m a man of the land / When they see me, they say, ‘Woo.’” Woo, indeed! All in all, “Who Let The Dogs Out?” is a one-hit wonder extraordinaire.  Personality-filled performances, infectious lyrics, and an unforgettable chorus make this song a surefire, timeless vibe.

Appears in 🔻:

Baha Men, Who Let The Dogs Out?: 1 Hit WONDERful No. 41 (2025) Who, What, When, Where, Why, How Songs (2025) 13 More Electrifying Animal Songs (2025)

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3. Ylvis, “The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)”

“The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)” » Urheim / 45^th & 3rd Music LLC / Warner Music Norway AS » 2013

Five words: What does the fox say? Oh, snap! In 2013, Norwegian comedy duo Ylvis (brothers Bård Ylvisåker and Vegard Ylvisåker) unveiled a viral song for the ages with “The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)”.  Comedic, funny, and irreverent, “What Does the Fox Say?” gained steam because it is infectious to the nth degree.  Corny? Yes. Catchy? Yes.  Irresistible? 100% yes! Ylvis composed this novel, wacky dance-pop cut with producers M4sonic and Stargate (Tor Erik Hermansen and Mikkel Storleer Eriksen). The single, which peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100, was certified gold by the RIAA.

So, what makes “The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)” so special? The musical backdrop is sweet, helping to fuel Ylvis’ fire. The sound is characteristic of dance-pop and electro-pop with its keys, synths, and programming. As if not more intriguing, are the lyrics, sung by both Bård and Vegard.  In the first verse and pre-chorus, Bård teaches us about the sounds that various animals make. “Dog goes ‘woof’, cat goes ‘meow,’” he sings, adding, “Ducks say ‘quack’ and fish go ‘blub’ / And the seal goes ‘ow ow ow.’” Word. But this song is about only one animal, in all of its glory – the fox! In both choruses, the fox makes some unusual sounds:

“Ring-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!

… Wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow!

…Jacha-chacha-chacha-chow!

Fraka-kaka-kaka-kaka-kow!

What does the fox say?”

In the second verse, Vegard describes the fox in all of its glory: “Big blue eyes, pointy noise / Chasing mice and digging holes / Tiny paws up the hill / Suddenly you’re standing still.” In the bridge, which is more legato, the bros continue to characterize this mysterious animal: “What is your sound? Will we ever know? / Will always be a mystery / What do you say?” Unusual, “The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)” is a classic from the 2010s. It is a novel song that never grows old. 

Appears in 🔻:

Ylvis, The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?): Wacky Wednesday No. 16 (2025) WHAT is up with These 15 Songs, Vol. 2 (2025) 15 Captivating Songs That Ask a Question (2025) 13 Divine Do, Does, or Doing Songs (2025) 13 More Electrifying Animal Songs (2025) 21 Unforgettable and Unusual Songs (2026)

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4. Aqua,“Barbie Girl”

Aquarium » Universal Music (Denmark) A/S » 1997

Woo! Aqua earned a big-time, triple platinum hit with “Barbie Girl” in 1997. The Barbie-driven bop appeared on the Danish-Norwegian pop collective’s multiplatinum album, Aquarium. In the U.S., “Barbie Girl” peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100, their most successful showing on the pop charts. Claus Norreen, Johnny Jam, Karsten Dalhgaard (Delgado), Lene Nystrøm, René Dif, and Søren Rasted wrote the exuberant track.  Johnny Jam, Delgado, Rasted, and Norreen produced it.

Like much of Eurodance/Europop music, “Barbie Girl” sounds bright, bubbly, and sparkling in sound.  In this relentless, driving rhythmic cut, the beat pounds while the synths sizzle.  The vocals are tongue-in-cheek – playful to the nth degree. Nystrøm channels her inner Barbie with her distinct, high-pitched vocals. This is a big part of the charm of this pop classic. “I’m a blonde bimbo girl in a fantasy world,” she sings in the first verse, continuing, “Dress me up, make it tight, I’m your dolly.” Sexual lyrics, for sure! Beyond Nystøm, René Dif brings it, channeling his inner Ken. To Lene, aka Barbie, he asserts, “You’re my doll, rock and roll, feel the glamor in pink / Kiss me here, touch me there, hanky-panky.” Oh, snap! Aqua was sued by Mattel.  The famed toy company took issue with what they deemed copyright infringement (using Barbie) and, unsurprisingly, the sexual references. Mattel lost, ultimately.  Yes, “You can brush my hair, undress me everywhere” rightfully raised eyebrows at the time, but “Barbie Girl” should be taken with a grain of salt. After all, “Imagination, life is your creation!” Well, something like that! 

 

Appears in 🔻:

Aqua, Barbie Girl: Wacky Wednesday No. 23 (2025) Girl, These Songs Are About You, Vol. 2 (2025) 21 Unforgettable and Unusual Songs (2026)

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5. The Chainsmokers, “#Selfie”

“#SELFIE” » Dim Mak Inc. » 2014

One of the most social media-driven social media songs arrives at the hands of The Chainsmokers.  Before “Closer” dominated the airwaves, Drew Taggart, who is still hot 🥵, composed an obnoxious, totally unforgettable viral hit: “#SELFIE”.  Him and his other half, Alex Pall, produced it. There is nothing deep about it.  This is a fun record that shows how superficial white girls 🫢🤭🤫 can be. A pop hit, “#SELFIE” peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Alexis Killacam is the uncredited vocalist on “#SELFIE.” She brings the spoken word, stereotypical white-girl outlandishness to life.  The lyrics are cringeworthy, intentionally. “When Jason was at the table / I kept on seeing him look at me when he was with that other girl,” she speaks in the first verse, and continues, “Do you think he was just doing that to make me jealous? / Because he was totally texting me all night last night.” Of course, she clowns the girl he’s with – “She’s so short, and that dress is so tacky / Who wears Cheetah?” In the second verse, it’s all about the Gram and likes… “Can you guys help me pick a filter… What should my caption be? /… How about ‘Living with my bitches, #LIVE’…. I only got ten likes in the last five minutes / Do you think I should take it down?” Believe it or not, there’s a third verse, and it’s eye-roll worthy, too! “That girl is such a fake model / She definitely bought all her Instagram followers.” Beyond the ridiculous lyrics and the vain, airheaded-ness on display, the music slaps, PERIODT. Vibrant, rhythmic synths, a punchy, danceable beat, and a mean drop make “#SELFIE” lit, even more than a decade after its release.

Appears in 🔻:

The Chainsmokers, #SELFIE: Bangerz N Bopz No. 56 (2026) 13 Indelible Songs That Reference Social Media (2026)

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6. Cheech & Chong, “Basketball Jones”

Los Cochinos » Warner Bros. » 1973

“Basketball Jones,” a parody song, mind you, is a certified classic by comedic duo Cheech & Chong (Cheech Marin 🇺🇸 and Tommy Chong 🇨🇦). The song it parodies is a classic in its own right: “Love Jones” by Brighter Side of Darkness, released in 1972. “Basketball Jones” appeared on the duo’s 1973 album, Los Cochinos. Notably, it marked their biggest and most timeless hit. A cover, courtesy of Chris Rock and Barry White, appeared on the original Space Jam motion picture soundtrack. Among the memorable lyrics on this indelible and intriguing novel song are as follows:

“Yes, I am the victim of a Basketball Jones
Ever since I was a little baby, I always be dribblin’
In fac’, I was de baddest dribbler in the whole neighborhood
Then one day, my mama bought me a basketball
And I loved that basketball
I took that basketball with me everywhere I went
That basketball was like a basketball to me.”  

Word. “Basketball Jones” is one of one, PERIODT!

Appears in 🔻:

13 Basketball Songs to Celebrate March Madness (2018) 18 Songs That Encompass Various Sports (2019)

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7. Afroman, “Because I Got High”

The Good Times » Republic » 2001 

Afroman (Joseph Foreman) earned brief success. His main claim to fame was his song, “Because I Got High”, which appeared on his 2001 gold-certified album, The Good Times. “Because I Got High” cemented its place in 2000s hip-hop/rap history.  It peaked at no. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, was certified platinum, and earned a Grammy nomination (Best Rap Solo Performance).

“Because I Got High” is self-explanatory – no deep analysis is necessary.  Because Afroman spends far too much time getting high (on weed), frankly, he does lots of dumb shit. It’s not so bad early on, though: “I was gonna clean my room until I got high /… I was gonna get up and find the broom, but then I got high.” Not cleaning a room? Forgivable.  His academics are affected by his weed intake, which is less than stellar, hence why he’s “Taking it [the class] next semester” because he flunked.  Where things get hairier on this infectious, melodic rap cut is Afroman shirking bigger responsibilities.  Not going to court and paying his child support – DEAD BEAT DAD! Running from the cops instead of pulling over like he should, and because he was high, he ends up paraplegic… Process that one.  Among the funniest and lewdest happenings in “Because I Got High” occur in the seventh verse:

“I was gonna make love to you (Oh!) but then I got high

… I was gonna eat yo pussy too, but then I got high

Now I’m jacking off and I know why

‘Cause I got high

Because I got high

Because I got high.”

Damn, Afroman! At least he’s transparent when he asserts, “I messed up my entire life because I got high.” His mistakes are troubling but sweet music to our ears on the unforgettable “Because I Got High”, a stoner anthem for the ages!

Appears in 🔻:

Afroman, Because I Got High: 1 Hit WONDERful No. 39 (2024) Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 2 (2024) 11 Bangers from the 2000s That Kick Ass (2024) 13 Intriguing Because Songs (2025) 21 Songs Associated with the Seven Deadly Sins, Vol. 2 (2025)

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8. They Might Be Giants, “Istanbul (Not Constantinople)” – The Four Lads cover

Flood » Elektra Entertainment » 1990

They Might Be Giants (John Flansburgh and John Linnell) are renowned for the song “Istanbul (Not Constantinople)”, a song about the ancient Constantinople that is now modern-day Istanbul, Turkey. BUT it should be noted that they weren’t the first to record it. “Istanbul” dates back to 1953, when it was originally recorded by the Canadian traditional pop quartet The Four Lads.  This novelty classic appears as the second single and fourth track from They Might Be Giants’ platinum-certified 1990 album, Flood.

They Might Be Giants put in work on their renowned rendition of “Istanbul (Not Constantinople).”  The novelty song remains short, running only about two-and-a-half minutes long. Even so, it is sweet.  Also, it runs slightly longer than the original, which is slower in tempo. The ears perk up as you hear Mark Feldman’s sweet violin playing.  The violin is one of many key instruments.  Another key instrument is the accordion, which is a common instrument in Turkish music. John Linnell handles the accordion duties masterfully.  With the Turkish music cues firmly planted and an exceptional groove, “Istanbul” cooks musically.  The sound is as playful as the original from the 1950s, while updated to fit the bill in the 1990s.  It is less jazzy than the original, embracing alternative and Turkish folk. Beyond the instrumental triumphs, the vocals are superb, too.  The novelty doesn’t wear off even the slightest in the hands of John Flansburgh.  There are fewer voices and harmonies, but no drop-off whatsoever in quality. It is hard to top a classic, but They Might Be Giants make “Istanbul (Not Constantinople)” their own, and it never grows stale!

Appears in 🔻:

They Might Be Giants, Istanbul (Not Constantinople): Covers No. 11 (2026) The Four Lads vs. They Might Be Giants: Face Off No. 14 (2026)

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9. Randy Newman, “Short People”

Little Criminals » Warner » 1977

If you are a millennial or younger, many folks know Grammy-winning musician Randy Newman as the voice and songwriter of the Disney multi-platinum classic, “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from the original Toy Story.  If you are a true crime enthusiast and enjoy a dark soundtrack, perhaps your ears perked up with Newman’s creepy “In Germany Before the War”, written about the deplorable, sick Peter Kürten.  Despite these surefire bops from Randy, technically, when it comes to pop hits, he is a one-hit wonder.  With only three charting hits on the pop charts, only “Short People” reached the top 40.  Specifically, the opening track from his 1977 album, Little Criminals, peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. Newman wrote the gold-certified song while Lenny Waronker and Russ Titelman produced it.

Randy Newman carved out the biggest hit of his career not associated with Woody and Buzz Lightyear.  But he also courted controversy. Why? Let’s start with the centerpiece, the chorus:

“Well, I don’t want no short people

Don’t want no short people

Don’t want no short people ‘round here.”

Aww, hell, Randy! WTF? How did this fly in 1977? It sure as hell won’t fly in the 2020s! Gen-Z won’t stand for the mistreatment of the small!  In the verses, Mr. Newman adds salt to the wounds. “Short people got no reason to live,” he sings in the first verse, adding, controversially, “They got little hands, little eyes / They walk around tellin’ great big lies.” In the second verse, the sentiment is similar: “You got to pick ‘em up just to say hello / They got little cars that go beep, beep, beep…” And how about their “grubby little fingers and dirty little minds.” D-d-d-damn! Tina Benitez-Eves of American Songwriter corrects the misinterpretation of the song, describing it as “a more figurative look at individuals who are small-minded.” From that perspective, things are far less, dare I say, small-minded from Newman’s perspective.  The bridge is one of the cleverer, more interesting moments from the song:

“(Short people are just the same as you and I)

A fool such as I

(All men are brothers until the day they die)

It’s a wonderful world.”

Randy Newman is a one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetime musician 💯. The sunny-sounding, anti-small-minded “Short People” is a surefire classic that speaks to his genius.  He sings marvelously in his distinct voice and catches the ear with his tuneful melodies and those unforgettable, controversial lyrics.  The musical accompaniment is sensational too, with prominent keys and juicy guitars standing out in particular. This song exemplifies being ONE-HIT WONDERFUL!

Appears in 🔻:

Randy Newman, Short People: 1 Hit WONDERful No. 23 (2025)

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10. Harry Nilsson, “Coconut”

Nilsson Schmilsson » RCA Records » 1971

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson (1941 – 1994) wrote and recorded one of the greatest novelty songs of all time. “Coconut” is infectious from the opening tip until the final note sounds. This hypnotic song is the seventh track from Nilsson’s Grammy-nominated album, Nilsson Schmilsson, released in 1971. “Coconut” was one of three top 10 hits by Nilsson – this man is no one-hit wonder! It peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. Richard Perry (1942 – 2024) produced it.

“Coconut” begins silly… what is Harry Nilsson singing? The indecipherable, nonsensical vocals set the tone for a playful, crowd-pleasing smash. Acoustic guitar accompaniment follows, with a fabulous percussive groove establishing itself.  Of course, the star of the show is Nilsson, who brings it with his playful, often nonchalant vocals.  He exudes plenty of personality throughout this performance, selling the childish, novel lyrics like a champ.

“Brother bought a coconut; he bought it for a dime
His sister had another one, she paid it for a lime
She put the lime in the coconut, she drank ‘em both up.”

What?! How do you even respond to that 🤪? Later, the girl famously calls the doctor and asks him, “I say, doctor, ain’t there nothin’ I can take / … to relieve this bellyache?” Does the doc have a solution? Nope. Basically, everything goes back to lime in the coconut, and drinking ‘em both up with no resolution.  Perhaps we can all agree, “You’re such a silly woman.” As “Coconut” progresses, there is more instrumentation, though never too much.  Also, vocal harmonies up the ante, providing additional musicianship to utter silliness. Nilsson also grows more assertive, truly selling this irresistible, utterly infectious record. All told, “Coconut” is a fun, hypnotic, novel rock classic.  This one never gets old. 

Appears in 🔻:

Harry Nilsson, Coconut: Throwback Vibez No. 28 (2026)

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11. Sheb Wooley, “The Purple People Eater”

The Purple People Eater  » UMG Recordings, Inc. » 1997

Huh?! Say what, now?! Please, Sheb Wooley (1921 – 2003), tell us more! “I commenced to shakin’ and I said, ‘Ooh-eee! / It looks like a purple people eater to me.” A purple people eater?! Oh, snap! It should go without saying that “The Purple People Eater” ranks near the top among the beloved Halloween songs. The novelty record is an oldie, released way back in 1958 by Wooley, who was a singer, songwriter, and actor.  A big deal, it reached number one on the precursor to the Billboard Hot 100, the Billboard Top 100 chart.

As the excerpted lyrics suggest, the songwriting of “The Purple People Eater” is utterly ridiculous.  That, ladies and gentlemen, is part of the charm. “Well, he came down to Earth, and he laid in a tree / I said, ‘Mr. Purple People Eater, don’t eat me!’” Sheb sings in the second verse, and continues, “I heard him say in a voice so gruff: / ‘I wouldn’t eat you ‘cause you’re so tough’.” Word.  Of course, The Purple People Eater gets his own, distinct, chipmunk/helium-like, high-pitched voice. By the end of the song, our Purple People Eater is on TV, “Playin’ rock and roll music through the horn in his head.” It’s giving, saxophone 🎷!  The chorus, the centerpiece of this monstrous classic, goes dumb, but it’s infectiously dumb!

“It was a one-eyed, one-horned, flyin’ purple people eater

One-eyed, one-horned, flyin’ purple people eater

A one-eyed, one-horned, flyin’ purple people eater

Sure looks strange to me.”

Woo! “The Purple People Eater” doesn’t require an extensive musical breakdown or analysis. This Halloween classic is what it is.  It stands on its own.

Appears in 🔻:

11 Songs That are Purple Through & Through (2021) Sheb Wooley, The Purple People Eater: Throwback Vibez No. 174 (2025)

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12. Joe Tex, “Ain’t Gonna Bump No More (With No Big Fat Woman)”

The Hits » Sony ATV » 2011

Noted, Joe Tex (Joseph Arrington Jr., 1935 – 1982). So, what happened? “This big fat woman bumped me on the floor / She was rarin’ to go, that chick was rarin’ to go.” Ooh-wee! “Ain’t Gonna Bump No More (With No Big Fat Woman)” was released in 1976. It appeared as the opener on Tex’s 1977 album, Bumps & Bruises. It also appears on the artist’s compilations, including Skinny Legs And All and The Hits. One of his biggest hits, it peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 💪. “Ain’t Gonna Bump No More (With No Big Fat Woman)” was written by Tex and producer Buddy Killen. 

The title of  “Ain’t Gonna Bump No More (With No Big Fat Woman)” alone should let you know you are in for a musical treat. Fueled by one of the funkiest disco grooves you’ll ever hear, the record thrives on a fabulous sound palette. Beyond the drums, fueling the instrumental fire are warm keys, swelling organ, rhythmic guitar, and an active, utterly fat bass line. Beyond the core instrumentation, the listener is treated to articulated, biting horns (brass and saxophones). Even with a sophisticated sound, this joint hits the dance floor H-A-R-D.  Also, Joe Tex doesn’t compromise his gritty, overt, bluesy, and soulful vocal style. Perhaps the southern soul is dialed back in favor of raising those disco fingers, but Tex remains assertive. The melodies are tuneful, the lyrics are memorable (quite humorous), and the ad-libs are top-notch. “Man, she did a dip / Almost broke my hip,” Tex sings in the first verse, and adds, “She wanted to bump some more, but I told her no / You done knocked me down once / Said ‘If you wanna dance, find you a big fat man’.” Ooh-wee.  In the second verse, Tex is still lamenting his hip because this large woman, well, “She was gettin’ down, Lord / That woman was gettin’ down.” The chorus is the crème de la crème, where Tex declares, multiple times, “I ain’t gonna bump no more with no big fat woman.” All told, the novel “Ain’t Gonna Bump No More (With No Big Fat Woman)” is simply unforgettable. Could some view it as problematic because of its fat-shaming? Of course, but personally, I take it with a grain of salt, even if this song likely wouldn’t fly in the 2020s. The instrumental slaps – a catalyst for cutting a mean rug! And the short-lived but impactful Joe Tex was one of one.

Appears in 🔻:

Joe Tex, Ain’t Gonna Bump No More (With No Big Fat Woman): Throwback Vibez No. 88 (2026)

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13. Napoleon XIV, “They’re Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!”

They’re Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa! » Print Music Inc. » 1966

Oh, snap! Napoleon XIV is best known for “They’re Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!” one of the weirder songs you’ll ever hear.  That is part of the charm! The song, which is about mental health and insanity, also stirred some controversy, which ended its chart run.  But before censorship reared its ugly head, it peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 👍. “They’re Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!” is the sixth track on Napoleon XIV’s 1966 album of the same name. was written and produced by Napoleon XIV himself, Jerry Samuels (1938 – 2023).

“They’re Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!” shines for many reasons.  It brilliantly and deceptively makes you believe that Napoleon XIV is addressing a woman for most of the song. “Remember when you ran away / And I got on my knees / And begged you not to leave because I’d go berserk?” he sings (chants) in the first verse, and continues, “Well, you left me anyhow / And then the days got worse and worse / And now you see I’ve gone completely out of my mind.” Napoleon continues to lose it, but the third verse, excerpted earlier, confirms he’s lost it over a dog. The chorus is the crème de la crème, in all of its madness 🤪:

“And they’re coming to take me away, ha-ha

They’re coming to take me away, ho-ho, hee-hee, ha-ha

To the funny farm

Where life is beautiful all the time

And I’ll be happy to see those nice young men in their clean white coats

And they’re coming to take me away, ha-ha.”

Adding to the madness are vocal inflection and pitch-shifted vocals.  It’s a sight to behold, rather, listen to. Napoleon brings plenty of attitude, playfulness, and insanity to his performance.  Intriguingly, the accompaniment is minimal: percussion only.  There is something hypnotic about the groove, as well as the siren sound effects, signaling his “Trip to the funny farm.” Ultimately, “They’re Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!” is a novel song for the ages.  Hear it once, and you’ll never forget it!

Appears in 🔻:

Napoleon XIV, They’re Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!: Wacky Wednesday No. 25 (2026) 21 Unforgettable and Unusual Songs (2026)

 

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13 Indelible and Intriguing Novel Songs (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; 45th & 3rd Music LLC, Capitol, Dim Mak Inc., Elektra Entertainment, Kemosabe Records, Print Music Inc., RCA Records, Republic Records, Sony ATV, Urheim, Warner, Warner Music Norway AS; Canva AI; Eden Moon, Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]

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