Isaac Hayes, “Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic” | Throwback Vibez

On the 13^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic” by Isaac Hayes. 

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he vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace Throwback Vibez are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome – we don’t discriminate ‘round here! On the 13^th edition of Throwback Vibez (202X), we recollect and reflect on “Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic”, performed by Isaac Hayes.

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Theme & Lyrics

“Now, what I say? Hyperbolicsesquedalymistic.” Woo! Soul musician/icon Isaac Hayes was clearly a beast – Isaac F#¢king Hayes! When broken into its 13 syllables, his 1969 song, “Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic”, is pronounced HY-PER-BO-LIC-SYL-LA-BIC-SES-QUA-DA-LY-MIS-TIC.  Sure, this 30+ letter-titled soul classic isn’t cited nearly as often as another 30+ word song, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”, but this ridiculously titled is a popular record for sampling. Notably, “Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic” appears on one of Hayes’ best and most important album, Hot Buttered Soul.  Besides this gem, Hot Buttered Soul features perhaps his most popular song, “Walk on By”.

“Your modus operandi

Is really all right, out of sight

Your sweet phalanges

Know how to squeeze

My gastronomical stupensity

Is really satisfied when you’re loving me.”

Um, say what now? What is “Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic” about exactly? Love seems to be a big idea, with Hayes asserting in the second verse, “The M.D. tells me / My heart’s on strike / Emanating, originating from a love asphyxiation.” Woo!  Another thing that makes this song captivating is the purposeful overuse of big words rarely used on a normal basis – part of the charm! Also, can’t knock how funky this joint is with its extended instrumental section! The full, rhythmic bass line, the bluesy piano riffs, rad guitar, and of course, the infectious drum groove. No wonder so many artists have sampled it including rapper The Game ( “The Remedy”) in 2006.

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Final Thoughts

“Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic” may be one of the silliest song titles ever but this joint from ’69 slaps!  Honestly, music just doesn’t get this funky in the 2020s! Not Isaac Hayes but rather Isaac F#¢king Hayes!

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Isaac Hayes • Hot Buttered Soul • Concord Music Group • 1969
Isaac Hayes, “Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic”: Throwback Vibez No. 13 (2022) [: Brent Faulkner, Concord Music Group, cotton bro, The Musical Hype]

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