Daily Countdown: Weird Al Songs #53

#53

Tacky

Title: “Tacky”

Album: Mandatory Fun

Release: 2014

Written: Pharrell L. Williams/Al Yankovic

Parody: “Happy” by Pharrell Williams

Genre: Pop

Video featured: Aisha Tyler, Margaret Cho, Eric Stonestreet, Jack Black, and Kristen Schaal

Lyrics

It might seem crazy, wearing stripes and plaid
I Instagram every meal I’ve had
All my used liquor bottles are on display
We can go to see a show but I’ll make you pay

Wear my belt with suspenders and sandals with my socks
(Because I’m tacky)
Got some new glitter Uggs and lovely pink sequined Crocs
(Because I’m tacky)
Never let you forget some favor I did for you
(Because I’m tacky)
If you’re okay with that, then, you might just be tacky, too

I meet some chick, ask her this and that
Like ‘Are you pregnant girl, or just really fat?’ (what?)
Well, now I’m dropping names almost constantly
That’s what Kanye West keeps telling me, here’s why

Wear my Ed Hardy shirt with fluorescent orange pants
(Because I’m tacky)
Got my new resume it’s printed in Comic Sans
(Because I’m tacky)
Think it’s fun threatening waiters with a bad Yelp review
(Because I’m tacky)
If you think that’s just fine, then, you’re probably tacky, too

Bring me shame, can’t nothing
Bring me shame, I never know why
Bring me shame, can’t nothing
Bring me shame, I said
Bring me shame, can’t nothing
Bring me shame, it’s pointless to try
Bring me shame, can’t nothing
Bring me shame, I said

43 Bumper Stickers and a YOLO license plate
(Because I’m tacky)
Bring along my coupon book whenever I’m on a date
(Because I’m tacky)
Practice my twerking moves in line at the DMV
(Because I’m tacky)
Took the whole bowl of restaurant mints. Hey, it said they’re free
(Because I’m tacky)
I get drunk at the bank
And take off my shirt, at least
(Because I’m tacky)
I would live-tweet a funeral, take selfies with the deceased
(Because I’m tacky)
If I’m bit by a zombie, I’m probably not telling you
(Because I’m tacky)
If you don’t think that’s bad, guess what, then you’re tacky, too

Source: LyricFind

Daily Countdown: Weird Al Songs #54

#54

Spy Hard

Title: “Spy Hard”

Written: Al Yankovic

Released: 1996

Genre: Orchestral Pop

Appeared: As the theme song for Leslie Nielson’s movie Spy Hard.

Album: Medium Rarities disc on Squeeze Box. Originally released as a B side single with “Gump”

The video of this song parodied the opening themes for James Bond movies.

Lyrics

A man of intrigue
He lives for the thrill
Always has places to go
And people to kill

Danger is the game he plays
And he holds every card
'Cause if you wanna win
You gotta spy hard

A man of the world
So suave and discreet
He trips over the women
Piled up at his feet

But evil's lurking
So he's always on his guard
Cause if your gonna spy
You better spy hard

He's always there
When the chips are beginning to fall
He wouldn't care if they kicked him and grabbed him
And shot him and stabbed him
And nailed both his ears to the wall

Facing death everyday
Is a tough job for any man
But his hours are flexible
And he's got a great dental plan

By the way if you walked in late
Allow me to reiterate
The name of this movie is Spy Hard

They call it Spy Hard
You're watching Spy Hard
It's the theme from Spy Hard!!!

Source: Weird Al Wiki

Daily Countdown: Weird Al Songs #55

#55

Polkarama!

Title: “Polkarama!”

Writer: Scott Storch / Ray Charles / Carl Allen Sturken / Curtis James Jackson / Chad Hugo / Pharrell Williams / Brandon Flowers / Brian Burton / Robert Hardy / Kanye West / Jaime Gomez / David Jolicoeur / Trevor Smith / Damon Albarn / Scott Weiland / Saul Hudson / Renald J. Richard / Rivers Cuomo / Ray Anthony / Eric Judy / Michael Fratantuno / Thomas Calloway / Terence Yoshiaki Graves / Vada J. Nobles / Dann Michael Gallucci / Christopher Anthony Martin / Nicholas Mccarthy / Ronnie Vannucci / Mark Stoermer / Paul Robert Thomson / Berryman Guy Rupert / Buckland Jonathan Mark / Alisha Quiona Brooks / Champion William / George Pajon Jr. / David G Kushner / Isaac K Brock / Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. / Terry Rendal / Al Yankovic / Thomas Werner / Matthew William Sorum / Alexander Paul Kaprano Huntley / Alla Pineda / Christopher Jamie Hewlett / Dave Brent Flowers / Duff Rose Mckagen / Evan A. Rodgers

Album: Straight Outta Lynwood

Released: 2006

Style: Polka/Comedy

Songs: “The Chicken Dance,” “Let’s Get it Started,” “Take Me Out,” “Beverly Hills,” “Speed of Sound,” “Float On,” “Feel Good Inc.,” “Don’t Cha,” “Somebody Told Me,” “Slither,” “Candy Shop,” “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” “Pon de Replay,” “Gold Digger,” and “The Nina Bobina Polka.”

Lyrics

Let’s get it started! (Ha!)
Let’s get it started! (In here!)
Let’s get it started! (Ha!)
Let’s get it started! (In here!)
Let’s get it started! (Ha!)
Let’s get it started! (In here!)
And the bass keeps runnin’, runnin’
And runnin’, runnin’
And runnin’, runnin’,
And runnin’, runnin’,
I say, don’t you know
You say, you don’t know
I say…
Take me out!
I say, you don’t show
Don’t move, time is slow
I say… (gunshot)
Take me out!
Beverly Hills, that’s where I wanna be!
(Gimme! Gimme!)
Living in Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, rollin’ like a celebrity
(Gimme! Gimme!)
Living in Beverly Hills
And birds go flying at the speed of sound
To show you how it all began
Birds came flying from the underground
If you could see it, then you’d understand
And we’ll all float on, okay
And we’ll all float on
All right already, we’ll all float on
Now don’t you worry, we’ll all float on
All right!
Feel good!
Feel good!
Feel good!
Don’t cha wish your girlfriend was hot like me?
Don’t cha wish your girlfriend was a freak like me?
Don’t cha?
Don’t cha?
Don’t cha wish your girlfriend was raw like me?
Don’t cha wish your girlfriend was fun like me?
Don’t cha?
Don’t cha?
Don’t cha, don’t cha, don’t cha?
Somebody told me
You had a boyfriend
Who looked like a girlfriend
That I had in February of last year
It’s not confidential
Well, I got potential
A rushin’ and rushin’ around
Hey!
Hey!
Hey!
I’ll take you to the candy shop
I’ll let you lick a lollipop
Go ‘head, girl, don’t you stop
Keep goin’ ’til you hit the spot
Whoa!
(We’ll take you to the candy shop) Yeah!
(For one taste o’ what we got) Uh-huh!
(We’ll have you spending all you got) Come on!
(Keep goin’ ’til you hit the spot) Whoa!
When the pimp’s in the crib, ma
Drop it like it’s hot
Drop it like it’s hot
Drop it like it’s hot
When the pimp’s gonna get at you
Drop it like it’s hot
Drop it like it’s hot
Come, Mr. DJ, song pon de replay
(Come, Mr. DJ, won’t you turn the music up?)
All the gal pon the dance floor, wantin’ some more, what
(Come, Mr. DJ, won’t you turn the music up?)
Hey, mister
Please, Mr. DJ
Tell me if you hear me
Turn the music up!
She take my money
(She take my money)
When I’m in need
(When I’m in need)
Yes, she’s a triflin’ friend indeed (friend indeed)
Well, she’s a gold digger
Way over town (way over town)
That digs on me
Hey! Hey!
Now, I ain’t sayin’ she’s a gold digger
But she ain’t messin’ with no broke, broke
Now, I ain’t sayin’ she’s a gold digger
But she ain’t messin’ with no broke, broke
Get down, girl, go ‘head, get down (I gotta leave)
Get down, girl, go ‘head, get down (I gotta leave)
Get down, girl, go ‘head, get down (I gotta leave)
Get down, girl, go ‘head!
But I
ain’t
sayin’ she’s a
Gold, gold digger
Gold, gold digger
Gold, gold digger
Hey!

Source: Musixmatch

Daily Countdown: Weird Al Songs #56

#56

What is Life

Title: “What is Life”

Written: George Harrison

Album: George Fest: A Night to Celebrate the Music of George Harrison

Style: pop/rock/uptempo soul

Performed: George Fest tribute concert on September 28, 2014

The first song on this list that was not written (at least in part) by Weird Al. Weird Al performed this at the George Fest tribute concert at the Fonda Theater in Los Angeles. Al was one of several other performers covering tracks from the former Beatle. Al also sang on the version of The Traveling Wilburys’ song, “Handle With Care.” “What is Life” was one of my favorite Georege Harrison songs and seeing the live performance by Weird Al was a great addition to it for me.

It is a straight cover of the song, without any comedic undertones.

Lyrics

What I feel, I can’t say
But my love is there for you anytime of day
But if it’s not love that you need
Then I’ll try my best to make everything succeed

Tell me, what is my life without your love
Tell me, who am I without you, by my side

What I know, I can do
If I give my love now to everyone like you
But if it’s not love that you need
Then I’ll try my best to make ev’rything succeed

Tell me, what is my life without your love
Tell me, who am I without you, by my side
Tell me, what is my life without your love
Tell me, who am I without you, by my side

What I feel, I can’t say
But my love is there for you any time of day
But if it’s not love that you need
Then I’ll try my best to make everything succeed

Tell me, what is my life without your love
Tell me, who am I without you, by my side
Oh tell me, what is my life without your love
Tell me, who am I without you, by my side

What is my life without your love
Tell me, who am I without you, by my side

[fade:]
Oh tell me, what is my life without your love
Tell me who am I without you by my side

Daily Countdown: Weird Al Songs #56.5

#56.5

Polka Power

As I was going through the list of songs on the Top 100, I discovered a mistake in the list. Instead of cutting a song that absolutely deserves its spot on the list, I decided to make this special exception for Weird Al and make it a Top 100 with 101 songs in it. Thus, Polka Power becomes the first ever 1/2 entry on our Daily Countdown lists and the only Daily Countdown Two-a-day.

Title: “Polka Power”

Album: Running With Scissors

Released: 1989

Genre: Polka/Comedy

Songs: “The Twelfth Street Rag,” “Wannabe,” “Flagpole Sitta,” “Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are),” “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back),” “Walkin’ On the Sun,” “Intergalactic,” “Tubthumping,” “Ray of Light,” “Push,” “Semi-Charmed Life,” “The Dope Show,” “MMMBop,” “Sex and Candy,” “Closing Time,” and “W.A.Y. Moby Polka.”

Lyrics

Yeah, well, I’ll tell ya what I want, what I really really want
(So tell us what ya want, what ya really really want)
I’ll tell ya what I want, what I really really want
(So tell us what ya want, what ya really really want)
I want to ha, I want to ha, I want to ha, I want to ha
I want to really, really, really, want to zigga zigga, ah!
If you want to be my lover, you gotta get with my friends
Make it last forever, friendship never ends
If you want to be my lover, you have got to give
Taking is too easy, but that’s the way it is.
Hey!

I’m not sick, but I’m not well.
And I’m so hot, ’cause I’m in hell.
I’m not sick, but I’m not well.
And it’s a sin to live so well.

Ghetto superstar, that is what you are,
Coming from afar, reaching for the stars.
Run away with me, to another place
We can rely on each other, uh huh
From one corner to another, uh huh

Everybody (yeah)
Rock your body (yeah)
Everybody
Rock your body right.
Backstreet’s back, all right!
All right!

So don’t delay, act now, supplies are running out
But now, if you’re still alive, six to eight years to arrive
And if you follow, there may be a tomorrow
But if the offer’s shun, you might as well be walking on the sun
Might as well be walking on the sun!

Intergalactic planetary, planetary intergalactic
Intergalactic planetary, planetary intergalactic
Intergalactic planetary, planetary intergalactic

I get knocked down, but I get up again,
You’re never gonna keep me down
I get knocked down, but I get up again
You’re never gonna keep me down
I get knocked down, but I get up again
You’re never gonna keep me down
I get knocked down, but I get up again
You’re never gonna keep me down

Quicker than a ray of light
Quicker than a ray of light
Quicker than a ray of light

I want to push you around, well I will, well I will
I want to push you down, well I will, well I will
I want to take you for granted
I want to take you for granted
Yeah, yeah, well I will

I want something else
To get me through this semi-charmed kinda life, baby baby
I want something else
I’m not listening when you say good-bye.

There’s lots of pretty, pretty ones
That want to get you high
But all the pretty, pretty ones
Will leave you low and blow your mind
We’re all stars now in the dope show
We’re all stars now in the dope show

Mmmbop, do floppa do wop
Do be dop ah
Do wap, do zap ah, do
Yeah-ee yeah
Mmmbop, do be ‘zap ah, do wop
Do be dop ah
Do wop, doom zap ah, do

I smell sex and candy here
Who’s that lounging in my chair?
Who’s that casting devious stares in my direction?
Mama, this surely is a dream
Yeah, yeah mama, this surely is a dream
Dig it, yeah mama, this surely is

Closing time
One last call for alcohol
So finish your whiskey or beer
Closing time
You don’t have to go home
But you can’t stay here
I know who I want to take me home
I know who I want to take me home
I know who I want to take me home
Take us home.

‘Cause it’s closing time!
(Yeah it’s closing time)
(We’re talkin’ ’bout closin’ time)
(It’s really closin’ time)
(Hey!)

Source: LyricFind

Daily Countdown: Weird Al Songs #57

#57

The Weird Al Show

Title: “The Weird Al Show”

Written: Al Yankovic

Released: As a theme song for his 1997 Saturday morning children’s TV show.

Album: Running With Scissors

Genre: pop/rock

This fell into the top 20 of the previous list, Top 100 TV Show Themes. When I first was creating that list, I almost didn’t think about it as a theme because it was more of a song than theme. Al has used this as an intro to his concerts since.

Lyrics

Oh, this is a story ’bout a guy named Al
And he lived in a sewer with his hamster pal
But the sanitation workers really didn’t approve
So he packed up his accordion and had to move

To a city in Ohio where he lived in a tree
And he worked in a nasal decongestant factory
And he played on the company bowling team
And every single night he had a strange, recurring dream

Where he was wearing leiderhosen in a vat of sour cream
But that’s really not important to the story

Well, the very next year he met a dental hygenist
With a spatula tattoed on her arm (on her arm)
But he didn’t keep in touch, then he lost her number
Then he got himself a job on a tater tot farm

And he spent his life savings on a split-level cave
20 miles below the surface of the Earth (of the Earth)
And he really makes a mighty fine jelly bean and pickle sandwich
For what it’s worth

Then one day Al was in the forest, trying to get a tan
When he heard the tortured screaming of a funny little man
He was caught in a bear trap and Al set him free
And the guy that he rescued was as grateful as can be

And it turns out he’s a big-shot producer on TV
So he gave Al a contract and what do you know?
Now he’s got his own very Weird Al Show!

Source: LyricFind

Daily Countdown: Weird Al Songs #58

#58

Ricky

Title: “Ricky”

Written: Nicky Chinn/Mike Chapman/Al Yankovic

Album: “Weird Al” Yankovic

Released: May 3, 1983

Parody: “Mickey” by Toni Basil

Parody topic: “I Love Lucy” TV Show

Performed: “Weird Al” Yankovic and Tress MacNeille

One of my earliest introductions to Weird Al. I remember this song from not only the Dr. Demento Show, but also the morning radio station I would listen to, KIIK 104 with Spike at the Mike.

Lyrics

Hey Lucy, I’m home

Oh Ricky, you’re so fine
You’re so fine, you blow my mind
Hey Ricky, hey Ricky

Oh Lucy, you’re so fine
You’re so fine, you blow my mind
Hey Lucy, hey Lucy

Oh Ricky, you’re so fine
You play your bongos all the time
Hey Ricky, hey Ricky

Oh Lucy, you’re so fine
How I love to hear you whine
Hey Lucy

Hey Ricky
You always play your conga drums, you think you got the right
You wake up little Ricky in the middle of the night
Stop shakin’ your maraccas now and just turn out the light, Ricky

I’m sick of Fred and Ethel always coming over here
‘Cause Fred eats all our pretzel sticks, and then he spills his beer
Why don’t you serve your casserole and make them disappear, Lucy?

Oh, Ricky, what’s a girl like me supposed to do?
You really drive me wild when you sing your babalu

Oh Lucy, you’re so dizzy, don’t you have a clue
Well, here’s to you, Lucy
I love you too, Lucy, too Lucy, let’s babalu, Lucy

Hey, Ricky
You’re always playing at the Club, you never let me go
I’m begging, and I’m pleading, but you always tell me no
Oh, please, honey, please let me be in your show, Ricky

You always burn the roast and you drop the dishes too
You iron my new shirt, and you burn a hole right through
You’re such a crazy redhead, I just don’t know what to do, Lucy

Oh, Ricky
What a pity, don’t you understand
That every day’s a rerun and the laughter’s always canned

Oh, Lucy
I’m the Latin leader of the band
So here’s to you, Lucy
Let’s babalu, Lucy, too Lucy
Everybody rumba!

Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha

Source: Musixmatch

Daily Countdown: Weird Al Songs #59

#59

Virus Alert

Title: “Virus Alert”

Written: Al Yankovic

Album: Straight Outta Lynwood

Released: 2006

Style pastiche: the band Sparks

Beware: “Stinky Cheese”

Contains one of my favorite lines in any Al song- “Before it emails your grandma all your porn.” We can all relate, right….. no? Just me, huh?

Lyrics

Hey everyone, listen up, your attention if you please
Really wanna give you a warning ’cause I found out this morning
‘Bout a dangerous, insidious computer virus
If you should get an e-mail with the subject “Stinky Cheese”
Better not go taking your chances
Under no circumstances should you open it or else it will
Translate your documents into Swahili
Make your TV record Gigli
Neuter your pets and give your laundry static cling

Look out, it’s gonna make your computer screen freeze
Look out, erase the Easter eggs off your DVDs
Look out, erase your hard drive and your backups too
And the hard drive of anyone related to you

Virus alert, delete immediately before someone gets hurt
Forward this message on to everybody

Soon, very soon, it will make all the paint peel off your walls
It’ll make your keyboard all sticky, give your poodle a hickey
And invest your cash in stock in Euro Disney
Then, it will tie up your phone, making prank long-distance calls
It’ll set your clocks back an hour and start clogging the shower
So just trash it now, or else it will
Decide to give you a permanent wedgie
Legally change your name to Reggie
Even mess up the pH balance in your pool

Look out, it’s gonna melt your face right off your skull
Look out, and make your iPod only play Jethro Tull
Look out, and tell you knock-knock jokes while you’re trying to sleep
Look out, and make you physically attracted to sheep
Look out, steal your identity and your credit card
Look out, buy you a warehouse full of pink leotards
Look out, then cause a major rift in time and space
And leave a bunch of Twinkie wrappers all over the place
That’s right, it’s a

Virus alert, delete immediately before someone gets hurt
Forward this message on to everybody
Virus alert, delete immediately before someone gets hurt
Forward this message on to everybody
Warn all your friends, send this to everybody
Tell everyone you know, tell everybody now

If you get infected, you’ll wish you had never been born
So before it emails your grandmother all of your porn
Turn off your computer and make sure it powers down
Drop it in a 43-foot hole in the ground
Bury it completely, rocks and boulders should be fine
Then burn all the clothes you may have worn any time you were online

Virus alert, delete immediately before someone gets hurt
Forward this message on to everybody
Virus alert, delete immediately before someone gets hurt
Forward this message on to everybody
Virus alert, delete immediately before someone gets hurt
Forward this message on to everybody
Warn all your friends, send this to everybody
Tell everyone you know, tell everybody now

What are you waiting for?
Just hurry up and forward this to every single person that you know
Hit “Send” right now

Source: LyricFind

Daily Countdown: Weird Al Songs #60

#60

NOW That’s What I Call Polka

Title: “NOW That’s What I Call Polka”

Writers:  Al Yankovic / Lee Oskar / Wayne Anthony Hector / Armando Christian Perez / Nile Rodgers / Lukasz Gottwald / Guy Manuel Homem Christo / Thomas Bangalter / Pharrell L. Williams / Jean Baptiste Kouame / Sacha Skarbek / Luiz Floriano Bonfa / William Adams / Julian C. Bunetta / Greg Errico / Jai Sang Park / Breyan Stanley Isaac / Stephan Moccio / Priscilla Renea Hamilton / Mark Foster / Kenny Oliver / Jef Martens / Edward James Drewett / Stefan Kendal Gordy / David Jamahl Listenbee / John Henry Ryan / Skyler Husten Gordy / Carly Rae Jepsen / Arthur Richardson / Ross Mac Lean / Ben Haggerty / Ryan S. Lewis / Jamie Michael Robert Sanderson / Joshua Keeler Ramsay / Maureen Anne Mcdonald / Henry Russell Walter / Erin Beck / Tavish Joseph Crowe / Walter Andre E. De Backer / Keon Yoo / George Matthew Robertson / Kesha Serbert / Keri Oscar

Album: Mandatory Fun

Released: 2014

Genre: Polka/Comedy

Medley Songs: “Wrecking Ball,” “Pumped Up Kicks,” “Best Song Ever,” “Gangham Style,” “Call Me Maybe,” “Scream & Shout,” “Somebody That I Used to Know,” “Timber,” “Sexy and I Know It,” “Thrift Shop,” “Get Lucky,” and “W.A.Y. Moby Polka.”

This polka’s title is a parody of the album series NOW That’s What I Call Music, a compilation of popular music of the past year.

Lyrics

We clawed, we chained our hearts in vain
We jumped never asking why
We kissed, I fell under your spell
A love no one could deny

Don’t you ever say I just walked away
I will always want you
I can’t live a life, running for my life
I will always want you

I came in like a wrecking ball
I never hit so hard in love
All I wanted was to break your walls
All you ever did was wreck me
Yeah, you wreck me

All the other kids with the pumped up picture
You better run, better run, outrun my gun
All the other kids with the pumped up picture
You better run, better run faster than my bullet

And we danced all night to the best song ever
We knew every line, now I can’t remember
I think it went ooh eh ooh
I think it went oohla eh ooh
I think it goes eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh

Eh, sexy lady
Po, po, po, po
Polka Gangnam Style
Eh, sexy lady
Po, po, po, po
Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh

Hey, I just met you
And this is crazy
But here’s my number
So call me, maybe
And all the other boys
Try to chase me
But here’s my number
So call me, maybe

I wanna scream and shout (hey!)
And let it all out
And scream and shout (hey!)
And let it out
We sayin’, “Ohh, wee ohh, wee oh wee oh”
We sayin’, “Ohh, wee ohh, wee oh wee oh wee ohh, wee oh wee oh”

Now you’re just somebody that I used to know
Now you’re just somebody that I used to know

It’s going down (hey!), I’m yelling timber
You better move, you better dance
Let’s make a night you won’t remember
I’ll be the one you won’t forget
(Timber! Timber!)

I’m sexy and I know it
Girl look at that body
(He’s sexy and he knows it)

I wear your grandad’s clothes
I look incredible
I’m in this big old coat
From that thrift shop down the road (Hey!)

That’s right!
(He looks incredible) I do!
(He’s in that big old coat) It’s large!
(From that thrift shop down the road) Hey, let’s go!

I’m gonna pop some tags
Only got twenty dollars in my pocket
I’m hunting, looking for a come-up
This is super awesome

She’s up all night ’til the sun
I’m up all night to get some
She’s up all night for good fun
I’m up all night to get lucky

We’re up all night ’til the sun
We’re up all night to get some
We’re up all night for good fun
We’re up all night to get lucky

We’re up all night to get lucky
We’re up all night to get lucky
We’re up all night to get lucky
We’re up all night to get lucky
We’re up all night to get lucky
We’re up all night to get lucky
We’re up all night to get lucky
Up all night to get lucky

Yes, we’re up all night to get
Lucky (we’re gonna get lucky)
Lucky (we’re gonna get lucky)
Lucky (Let’s all get lucky)
We’re up all night to get lucky! (Hey!)

Source: Musixmatch

Daily Countdown: Weird Al Songs #61

#61

The Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota

Title: “The Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota”

Written: Al Yankovic

Album: UHF

Released: 1989

Genre: Folk Rock

Style Parody: Harry Chapin, Gordon Lightfoot

The epic song shows that Al can be a storyteller like Chapin’s 30,000 Pounds of Bananas or Gordon Lightfoot’s Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald.

I was unaware when the song came out that the Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota was a legitimate location. Places listed in the song such as Elvis-A-Rama, the Tupperware Museum, the Boll Weevil Monument, Cranberry World, the Shuffleboard Hall of Fame, and Poodle Dog Rock are all actual attractions.

My friend and co-EYG brother Darin used the phrase “albino squirrels” from this song as his fantasy baseball team name for years.

Lyrics

Well, I had two weeks of vacation time coming
After workin’ all year down at Big Roy’s Heating and Plumbing
So one night, when my family and I were gathered ’round the dinner table
I said, “Kids, if you could go anywhere in this great big world now
Wwhere’d you like to go to?”
They said, “Dad, we wanna see the biggest ball of twine in Minnesota”
They picked the biggest ball of twine in Minnesota

So the very next day we loaded up the car
With potato skins and pickled weiners
Crossword puzzles, Spiderman comics
And mama’s homemade rhubarb pie
Pulled out of the driveway
And the neighbors, they all waved goodbye
And so began our three-day journey
We picked up a guy holdin’ a sign
That said “Twine Ball or Bust”
He smelled real bad, and he said his name was Bernie

I put in a Slim Whitman tape
My wife put on a brand new hair net
The kids were in the back seat jumpin’ up and down
Yellin’, “Are we there yet?”
And all of us were joined together in one common thought
As we rolled down the long and winding Interstate in our ’53 DeSota
We’re gonna see the biggest ball of twine in Minnesota
We’re headin’ for the biggest ball of twine in Minnesota

Oh, we couldn’t wait to get there
So we drove straight through for three whole days and nights
Of course, we stopped for more pickled weiners now and then
The scenery was just so pretty
Boy, I wish the kids could’ve seen it
But you can’t see out of the side of the car
Because the windows are completely covered
With the decals from all the places where we’ve already been

Like Elvis-a-Rama, the Tupperware Museum
The Boll Weevil Monument, and Cranberry World
The Shuffleboard Hall of Fame, Poodle Dog Rock
And the Mecca of Albino Squirrels
We’ve been to ghost towns, steam parks, wax museums
And a place where you can drive through the middle of a tree
Seen alligator farms and tarantula ranches
But there’s still one thing we’ve gotta see

Well, we crossed the state line about 6:39
And we saw the sign that said “Twine Ball exit, 50 miles”
Oh, the kids were so happy, they started singing
“99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall” for the 27th time that day

So we pulled off the road at the last chance gas station
Got a few more pickled weiners and a diet chocolate soda
On our way to see the biggest ball of twine in Minnesota
We’re gonna see the biggest ball of twine in Minnesota

Finally at 7:37 early Wednesday evening
As the sun was setting in the Minnesota sky
Out in the distance, on the horizon
It appeared to me like a vision before my unbelieving eyes
We parked the car and walked with awe-filled reverence
Toward that glorious, huge, majestic sphere
I was just so overwhelmed by its sheer immensity
I had to pop myself a beer

Yes, on these hallowed grounds
Open ten to eight on weekdays
In a little shrine under a makeshift pagoda
There sits the biggest ball of twine in Minnesota
I tell you, it’s the biggest ball of twine in Minnesota

Oh, what on Earth would make a man
Decide to do that kind of thing?
Oh, windin’ up 21, 140 pounds of string
What was he tryin’ to prove?
Who was he tryin’ to impress?
Why did he build it? How did he do it?
It’s anybody’s guess
Where did he get the twine?
What was goin’ through his mind?
Did it just seem like a good idea at the time?

Well, we walked up beside it and I warned the kids
“Now you better not touch it, those ropes are there for a reason”
I said, “Maybe if you’re good, I’ll tie it to the back of our car
And we can take it home, ” but I was only teasin’

Then we went to the gift shop and stood in line
Bought a souvenir miniature ball of twine
Some window decals, and anything else they’d sell us
And I bought a couple postcards
“Greetings from the Twine Ball, wish you were here”
Won’t the folks back home be jealous?

I gave our camera to Bernie and we stood by the ball
And we all gathered around and said, “Cheese!”
Then Bernie ran away with my brand new Instamatic
But at least we’ve got our memories

So we all just stared at the ball for a while
And my eyes got moist, but I said with a smile
“Kids, this here’s what America’s all about”
Then I started feelin’ kinda gooey inside
And I fell on my knees and I cried and cried
And that’s when those security guards threw us out

You know, I bet if we unraveled that sucker
It’d roll all the way down to Fargo, North Dakota
‘Cause it’s the biggest ball of twine in Minnesota
I’m talkin’ ’bout the biggest ball of twine in Minnesota

Well, we stayed that night at the Twine Ball Inn
In the morning we were on our way home again
But we didn’t really wanna leave, that was perfectly clear
I said, “Folks, I can tell you’re all sad to go”
Then I winked my eye and I said, “You know
I got a funny kinda feeling we’ll be coming back again next year”

‘Cause I’ve been all around this great big world
And I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather go to
Than the biggest ball of twine in Minnesota
I said the biggest ball of twine in Minnesota

Minnesota
Minnesota
Minnesota

Source: Musixmatch

Daily Countdown: Weird Al Songs #62

#62

Pancreas

Title: “Pancreas”

Written: Al Yankovic

Album: Straight Outta Lynwood”

Release: 2006

Style pastiche: Beach Boys (Specifically Pet Sounds and Smile albums)

I got a question right while watching Jeopardy once because of this song. I had never heard of the Islets of Langerhans until this song came along. Weird Al educating us one style pastiche at a time!

Lyrics

Oooh oooh oooh ee-oooh oooh oooh
Ahh ahh ahh ahh ahh ahh-oooh oooh
Oooooh

I’m always thinkin’ ’bout it
I don’t know what I’d do without it
I love, I really love
My pancreas

My spleen just doesn’t matter
Don’t really care about my bladder
But I don’t leave home without
My pancreas

My pancreas is always
There for me
Ahh-oooh

Secreting those enzymes (bap bap bap)
Secreting those hormones too
Metabolizing carbohydrates
Just for me

Ba-ba ba ba-ba ba ba ba-ba ba ba
My pancreas
Ba-ba ba ba-ba ba ba ba-ba ba
My pancreas
Ba-ba ba ba-ba ba ba ba-ba ba ba
My pancreas
Ba-ba ba ba-ba ba ba ba-ba ba
My pancreas

Ba-ba ba ba-ba ba ba ba-ba ba ba
My pancreas
Ba-ba ba ba-ba ba ba ba-ba ba
My pancreas
Ooooooh

My pancreas attracts every other
Pancreas in the universe
With a force proportional
To the product of their masses
And inversely proportional
To the distance between them

Woo woo woo woo

Don’tcha you know you gotta
Flow, flow, flow, pancreatic juice
Flow, flow, into the deuodenum

Won’tcha
Flow, flow, flow, pancreatic juice
Flow, flow, into the deuodenum

Insulin, glucagon
(Won’tcha flow, flow, flow, pancreatic juice)
Comin’ from the islets of Langerhans…
(Flow flow, into the deuodenum)

Insulin, glucagon
(Won’tcha flow flow flow, pancreatic juice)
Comin’ from the islets of Langerhans…
(Flow flow, into the deuodenum)

Lipase, amylase, and tripsin

They gonna help with our digestion

Lipase, amylase, and tripsin

They gonna help with our digestion

Can’t you see I love my pancreas
(Lipase, amylase, and tripsin)

Golly-gee I love my pancreas
(They gonna help with our digestion)

Can’t you see I love my pancreas
(Lipase, amylase, and tripsin)

Golly-gee I love my pancreas
{They gonna help with our digestion}

Can’t you see I love my pancreas
(Lipase, amylase, and tripsin)

Golly-gee I love my pancreas
(They gonna help with our digestion})

Can’t you see I love my pancreas

Source: Musixmatch

Daily Countdown: Weird Al Songs #63

#63

Weasel Stomping Day

Title: “Weasel Stomping Day”

Written: Al Yankovic

Album: Straight Outta Lynwood

Released: 2006

Style: Bright, frestie sound

Weasel Stomping Day parodied the bizarre, oftentimes cruel, traditions associated with some holiday/special occassions. The animated video was done by the Robot Chicken crew.

Lyrics

Faces filled with joy and cheer
What a magical time of year
Howdy Ho! It’s Weasel Stomping Day

Put your Viking helmet on
Spread that mayonnaise on the lawn
Don’t you know it’s Weasel Stomping Day?

All the little girls and boys
Love that wonderful crunching noise
You’ll know what this day’s about
When you stomp a weasel’s guts right out

So, come along and have a laugh
Snap their weasely spines in half
Grab your boots and stomp your cares away
Hip hip hooray, it’s Weasel Stomping Day

People up and down the street
Crushing weasels beneath their feet
Why we do it, who can say?
But it’s such a festive holiday

So let the stomping fun begin
Bash their weasely skulls right in
It’s tradition, that makes it okay

Hey everyone, it’s Weasel Stomping
We’ll have some fun on Weasel Stomping
Put down your gun, it’s Weasel Stomping Day
Hip Hip Hooray, it’s Weasel Stomping Day
Weasel Stomping Day

Source: Musixmatch

Daily Countdown: Weird Al Songs #64

#64

TMZ

Title: “TMZ”

Written: Taylor Swift/Liz Rose/Al Yankovic

Album: Alpocalypse

Released: 2011

Parody: “You Belong with Me” by Taylor Swift

The song is fun as a satirical look at the paparazzi and entertainment news outlets like TMZ, but also take the other side of the fence with celebrities aren’t always great either.

Lyrics

You’re sort of famous
A minor celebrity
And so it only makes sense
The world would be obsessed
with every single thing you do

They’re running ’round
With their camcorders in the night
They lurk impatiently
In hope in that they just might
See something real embarrassing you do

The bad hair day and sweat-stained t-shirt
That’s the story that
They’re gonna feature
With exclusive pics
Of your flabby behind
You think you’re all alone
But that’s right when you’ll find

A bunch of paparazzi
Popping out of nowhere
Cameras in your face
And then suddenly
You’re on TMZ
You’re on TMZ

Following you
When you’re walking down the street
And asking stupid questions
While you’re trying to eat
So you cover your face
Thinking to yourself
“Hey, isn’t this creepy?”

And they’re out there praying
You’ll have a big meltdown
And take ’em on a little car chase
Through this whole town
They’ll be there with you
When you’re going to jail
First on the scene
For every wardrobe fail

You just picked up some transvestite
Seconds later
It’s up on the website
Get a vegas wedding
A quickie divorce
And they’ll be sneaking in
Snapping pictures, of course

And if they ever catch you
Picking your nose
Or stumbling down the street
On a drunken spree
You’re on TMZ
Stalking you, just waiting by your front door
Trailing you through airport security
They’re with TMZ
They’re with TMZ

Oh, let me tell you
It’s getting to the point
Where a famous person can’t
Even get a D.U.I
Or go on a racist rant
Those guys are all around
So you really shouldn’t dare
Go to every club in town
If you’ve lost your underwear

Seems that every single time
A star decides to shave her head
Or ram their car into a tree
They’re on TMZ
If they catch you peeing in the bushes
Later on, that night
Well, I guarantee
You’re on TMZ
You’re on TMZ
You’re on TMZ
Every single celebrity
Knows they’re gonna be
There on TMZ

Source: Musixmatch

Daily Countdown: Weird Al Songs #65

#65

Midnight Star

Title: “Midnight Star”

Written: Al Yankovic

Album: In 3D

Release: 1983

Genre: Pop rock

This upbeat original song is about the type of tabloid newspapers that were such a huge thing during the 1980s.

Lyrics

I was waiting in the express lane
With my twelve items or less
At the checkout counter at the local grocery store
I was only passin’ by

But a paper caught my eye
And I learned a few things
I never knew before
It said

Your pet may be an extra-terrestrial
It said The ghost of Elvis is living in my den
You can learn to cope with stress
And you can beat the IRS

And the Incredible Frog Boy is on the loose again
Ohhh Midnight Star
It’s in the weekly Midnight Star
Aliens from outer space are sleeping in my car
Midnight Star, I wanna know, I wanna know!

Eat jelly doughnuts and lose twenty pounds a day
Hear the story of the man born without a head
And top psychics all agree

That the telephone company

Will have a brand new service that lets you talk to the dead

Ohhh Midnight Star

You can believe it if you read it in the weekly Midnight Star

They’re keeping Hitler’s brain alive inside a jar
Midnight Star, I wanna know, I wanna know!

Midnight Star I wanna know
Ohhh Midnight Star
Well don’t ya know that I read it, I read it in the weekly Midnight Star?

The UFOs have landed, and we’ll tell you where they are
Midnight Star I wanna know I wanna know
Ohhh Midnight Star
Well, you can read all about it in the weekly Midnight Star

You can use your ESP to learn to play guitar
I wanna know I wanna know
(Ahhh Midnight Star)
I wanna know I wanna know

I wanna know I wanna know
(Ahhh Midnight Star)
I wanna know I wanna know

Enquiring minds like mine wanna know
(You can read it you can read it you can read it in the Midnight Star)
I wanna know I wanna know

I wanna know I wanna know
(You can read it you can read it you can read it in the Midnight Star)
I wanna know I wanna know

I wanna know I wanna know
(You can read it you can read it you can read it in the Midnight Star)
I wanna know I wanna know

I wanna know I wanna know
(You can read it you can read it you can read it in the Midnight Star)

Source: Musixmatch

Daily Countdown: Weird Al Songs #66

#66

Perform This Way

Title: “Perform This Way”

Written: Lady Gaga /Jeppe Laursen/ Fernando Garibay/Paul “DJ White Shadow” Blair/Al Yankovic

Album: Alpocalypse

Released: 2011

Parody: “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga

A parody that almost did not happen. Al had sent the parody to Lady Gaga’s people, but they rejected it without Lady Gaga hearing it. When Lady Gaga did hear the parody, she gave her blessing. While Weird Al does not have to get artists permission to do a parody, he always apporached the aritst/company as a sign of respect.

Lyrics

My mama told me when I was hatched
Act like a superstar
Save your allowance, buy a bubble dress
And someday you will go far
Now on red carpets, well, I’m hard to miss
The press follows everywhere I go
I’ll poke your eye out with a dress like this
Back off and enjoy the show!

I’m sure my critics will say it’s a grotesque display
Well they can bite me, baby, I perform this way
I might be wearin’ Swiss cheese or maybe covered with bees
It doesn’t mean I’m crazy, I perform this way (‘from this way)

Ooh, my little monsters pay lots ’cause I perform this way
Baby, I perform this way (perform this way)
Ooh, don’t worry, I’m okay, hey, I just perform this way
I’m not crazy, I perform this way

I’ll be a troll or evil queen
I’ll be a human jelly bean
‘Cause every day is Halloween for me

I’m so completely original
My new look is all the rage
I’ll wrap my small intestines ’round my neck
And set fire to myself on stage
I’ll wear a porcupine on my head
On a W-H-I-M
And for no reason now I’ll sing in French
Excusez-moi, qui a PT (express yourself)

Got my straight jacket today, its made of gold lame
No, not because I’m crazy, I perform this way
I strap prime rib to my feet, cover myself with raw meat
I’ll bet you’ve never seen a skirt steak worn this way

Don’t be offended when you see
My latest pop monstrosity
I’m strange, weird, shocking, odd, bizarre
I’m Frankenstein, I’m Avatar
There’s nothing too embarrassing
I’ll honestly do anything
But wear white after Labor Day
‘Cause baby, I perform this way

Hope you won’t think it’s cliche if I go nude today
Don’t call the cops, now, baby, I perform this way
No reason I should regret all the attention I get
I’m not completely crazy, I perform this way, yeah

I perform this way-hey, I perform this way-hey
I’m always deviating from the norm this way-hey
I perform this way-hey, I perform this way-hey
I’m really not insane, I just perform this way-hey

Source: LyricFind