Napoleon XIV, They’re Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa! | Wacky Wednesday

In the 25^th edition of Wacky Wednesday (2026), we break down the unique “They’re Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!” performed by Napoleon XIV.  

[otw_shortcode_dropcap label=”D” size=”large” border_color_class=”otw-no-border-color” shadow=”shadow” square=”square”]o you know what day it is? It is Wednesday, folks! Do you know what that means? Why, it is Wacky Wednesday! In the spirited column Wacky Wednesday, we analyze and explore unique, unusual, or wacky songs from different genres.  These songs can be new or old; the only requirement is that they ‘catch the ear’ because of their distinctiveness.  With the background established, in the 25^th edition of Wacky Wednesday (2026), we break down the unique “They’re Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!”, performed by Napoleon XIV. Wacky Wednesday vibes commence![/otw_shortcode_dropcap]

[nx_pullquote]“Well, you just wait, they’ll find you out yet / And when they do, they’ll put you in / The ASPCA [American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals], you mangy mutt.”[/nx_pullquote]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!