In addition to recording his albums, Yankovic has written and starred in his own film, UHF, and his own television show, The Weird Al Show, and directed music videos for himself and other artists including Ben Folds, Hanson, the Black Crowes and The Presidents of the United States of America. He has also made guest appearances on many television shows, in addition to starring in his own Al TV specials.
Though parodies earned him his fame, Yankovic has recorded a greater number of humorous songs with original tunes. Some of these pieces are pastiches (or style parodies), where he chooses a band's entire body of work to emulate rather than any single hit, although Yankovic has many completely original pieces. Most of his albums include a medley which juxtaposes the choruses of various songs in a polka style to accordion music.
Due to his popularity, he has been credited with several songs that are not actually his. A full list of every song he has ever actually done, including the live-only songs, can be found at the Al Songs website. Similarly, a comprehensive list of songs incorrectly credited to him can be found at The Not Al Page.
In 2006, Al recorded the song "You're Pitiful". However, while James Blunt gave his blessing for the parody of his song, "You're Beautiful", Blunt's label Atlantic Records was opposed to it. Though parodies are protected legally, the issue had become "more of a political matter than a legal matter", according to Al, so he decided to not put the song on his next album. Instead, he offered it as a free download from his site.
His latest album, "Straight Outta Lynwood", was released September 26th, 2006. Its first released single, "Don't Download This Song", was made available as a free download on August 21, 2006. The animated video for the track and a link to downloadable MP3 is available at dontdownloadthissong.com. Among other tracks, the album includes parodies of Green Day, Usher, R. Kelly, and Chamillionaire. Chamillionaire's "Ridin' Dirty" is parodied as "White and Nerdy", the second released single from the new album. This single has thus far climbed as far as #9 on the Billboard Singles chart, eclipsing "Eat It" as Al's highest charting single (which went as high as #12).
Official Website: http://www.weirdal.com
FactBox Info
Members
Al Yankovic
Jon ''Bermuda'' Schwartz
Steve Jay
Jim West
Rubén Valtierra
Former Members
Rick Derringer
Ross Noble
Joe Earley
Genius In France
"Weird Al" Yankovic Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everyone says I'm dumber than a bag of rocks
I barely even know how to put on my own pants
But I'm a genius in France (yeah), genius in France, genius in France
Hoom chaka laka
Hoom chaka laka
Hoom chaka
I may not be the sharpest hunk of cheese
I got a negative number on my SATs
I'm not good looking and I don't know how to dance
But nevertheless and in spite of the evidence I am still widely considered to be
A genius in France, a genius in France, a genius in France
People say I'm a geek, a moronic little freak
An annoying pipsqueak with an unfortunate physique
If I was any dumber, they'd have to water me twice a week
But when the Mademoiselles see me, they all swoon and shriek
They dig my mystique, they say I'm see'est magnifique
When I'm in Par-ee, I'm the chic-est of the chic
They love my body odor and my bad toupee
They love my stripey shirt and my stupid beret
And when I'm sipping on a Perrier
In some cafe town in St. Tropez
It's hard to keep the fans at bay
They say, "Sign my poodle, s'il vous plait"
"Sign my poodle, s'il vous plait"
Hemenene humenene
himenene homenene
Poodle... poodle
Folks in my hometown think I'm a fool
Got too much chlorine in my gene pool
A few peas short of a casserole
A few buttons missing on my remote control
A few fries short of a happy meal
I couldn't pour water out of a boot with instructions on the heel
Instructions on the heel
Instructions on the heel
But when I'm in Provence, I get free croissants
Yeah, I'm the guy every French lady wants
And if you ask 'em why, you're bound to get this response
(He's a genius in France! Genius in France!)
That's right
(He's a genius in France, genius in France)
You know it
(He's a genius in France, genius in France, genius in France)
I'm not the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree
But the folks in France, they don't seem to agree
They say, "Bonjour, Monsieur would you take ze picture with me?"
I say, "Oui, oui"
That's right, I say, "Oui, oui"
"Oui, oui"
He says, "Oui, oui"
I'm dumber than a box of hair
But those Frenchies don't seem to care
Don't know why, mon frere
But they love me there
I'm a genius in France
Yeah, I'm a genius in France
Gonna make a big splash when I show up in Cannes
Gonna make those Frenchies scream
"You ze man! You ze man! You ze man!"
Like a fine Renoir (waa), I've got that je ne see'est quoi (quoi!)
Like a fine Renoir (ooh la la), I've got that je ne see'est ...
Quoi quoi quoi quoi quoi, oo-we-oo
Quoi quoi quoi quoi quoi, oo-we-oo
Bow diddy bow di bow di bow bow diddy
Bow diddy bow di bow di bow bow diddy
Bow
I'm a taco short of a combo plate
But by some twist of fate, all the Frogs think I'm great
Oh, the men all faint and the women scream
They like me more than heavy cream
When I'm in Versailles, I'm a popular guy
My oh my, I'm as French as apple pie (apple pie)
They think I'm awfully witty, a riot and a half
When I tell a stupid joke, they laugh (haw haw haw haw haw)
And laugh (haw haw haw haw haw haw)
People in France have lots of attitude
They're snotty and rude, they like disgusting food
But when they see me, they just come unglued
They think that I am one happening dude
Bowm ba ba bowm ba bowm ba bowm
I'm about as sharp as a bowling ball
But they like me better than Charles de Gaulle
Entre nous, it's very true
The room temperature's higher than my IQ
But they love me more than Gerard Depardieu
How did this happen; I don't have a clue
Well, I'm not the quickest tractor on the farm
I don't have any skills or grace or charm
And most people look at me like I'm all covered with ants
But I'm a genius in France (yeah), genius in France, genius in France
And I'm never goin' back, I'm never goin' back
I'm never never never never goin' back home again
I'm tearin' up my return flight ticket
Gonna tell the folks back here where they can stick it
'Cause I'm never goin' back
I'm never goin' back
I'm never goin' back
The girls back home never gave me a chance
But I sho' 'nuff got them Frogs in some kinda trance
And I'm aware that it's a most improbable circumstance
But "Great Googily Moogily!", I'm a genius in France
Every Frenchie that I meet
Just can't wait to kiss my feet
Get in line, pucker up! Tout Suite!
Bowm diddy bowm diddy bowm diddy
I'm gettin' even more famous by the hour
I'm stuffed with pastries and drunk with power
Now they're puttin' up my statue by the Eiffel Tower
A little more to the left, boys, a little more to the left
A little more to the left, boys, a little more to the left
I'm the biggest dork there is alive
My mom picked out my clothes for me 'till I was 35
And I forgot to mention
I'm not even welcome at the Star Trek convention
But the Frenchies think
That my poop don't stink
I'm a genius in France
Say, would you pass the Grey Poupon?
Merci beaucoup
The lyrics to "Weird Al" Yankovic's song "Genius In France" describe a person who thinks of themself as not very smart or good looking but has found acceptance and adoration in France. Despite getting negative scores on standardized tests and not being able to dance or put on pants properly, the singer believes they are considered a genius in France due to the way they are treated by the French. The lyrics mention the singer being considered witty and fashionable by French ladies and even having a statue erected in their honor in Paris. The song uses humor to play with the idea that people can find unexpected success or happiness in a place where they feel out of place.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm not the brightest crayon in the box
I lack intelligence or wit
Everyone says I'm dumber than a bag of rocks
People often comment on my lack of intelligence
I barely even know how to put on my own pants
I struggle with basic tasks or skills
But I'm a genius in France (yeah), genius in France, genius in France
Contrary to popular belief, I am recognized as exceptionally talented or intelligent in France
I may not be the sharpest hunk of cheese
I am not particularly intelligent
I got a negative number on my SATs
I scored poorly on an important test
I'm not good looking and I don't know how to dance
I lack physical attractiveness and the ability to dance
But nevertheless and in spite of the evidence I am still widely considered to be
However, despite these shortcomings, many people still regard me as
A genius in France, a genius in France, a genius in France
An exceptionally talented or intelligent individual in France
People say I'm a geek, a moronic little freak
Others perceive me as a socially awkward and unintelligent individual
An annoying pipsqueak with an unfortunate physique
I am viewed as an irritating and physically unattractive person
If I was any dumber, they'd have to water me twice a week
My lack of intelligence is so extreme that it would require extra care to sustain me
But when the Mademoiselles see me, they all swoon and shriek
However, when the French women catch sight of me, they are captivated and show great enthusiasm
They dig my mystique, they say I'm see'est magnifique
They are intrigued by my aura and describe me as incredibly magnificent
When I'm in Par-ee, I'm the chic-est of the chic
While in Paris, I am considered the epitome of style
They love my body odor and my bad toupee
They find my body scent and poorly-fitted wig endearing
They love my stripey shirt and my stupid beret
They have an affinity for my striped shirt and foolish-looking beret
And when I'm sipping on a Perrier
While enjoying a Perrier drink
In some cafe town in St. Tropez
Within a small town cafe in St. Tropez
It's hard to keep the fans at bay
It is challenging to keep the enthusiastic supporters at a distance
They say, "Sign my poodle, s'il vous plait"
They request a signature on their poodle, if you please
Hemenene humenene
himenene homenene
Poodle... poodle
Uttering nonsense syllables or sounds, possibly mimicking the excitement of the fans
Folks in my hometown think I'm a fool
The people in my hometown view me as a foolish individual
Got too much chlorine in my gene pool
My family genetics are perceived to be lacking in intelligence or common sense
A few peas short of a casserole
I am mentally deficient or unintelligent
A few buttons missing on my remote control
I exhibit a lack of mental functions or control
A few fries short of a happy meal
I lack intelligence or mental capacity
I couldn't pour water out of a boot with instructions on the heel
Even if given explicit directions, I am incapable of performing simple tasks
But when I'm in Provence, I get free croissants
However, when I am in Provence, I receive complimentary croissants
Yeah, I'm the guy every French lady wants
I am the man that every French woman desires
And if you ask 'em why, you're bound to get this response
If you inquire about the reason, you will likely receive the following answer
(He's a genius in France! Genius in France!)
(He is an exceptionally talented or intelligent individual in France!)
That's right
Indeed
(He's a genius in France, genius in France)
(He is an exceptionally talented or intelligent individual in France)
You know it
You are aware of it
(He's a genius in France, genius in France, genius in France)
(He is an exceptionally talented or intelligent individual in France)
I'm not the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree
I am not very intelligent or perceptive
But the folks in France, they don't seem to agree
However, the people in France have a different opinion
They say, "Bonjour, Monsieur would you take ze picture with me?"
They enthusiastically request to take a photograph with me saying, "Hello, would you take a picture with me, sir?"
I say, "Oui, oui"
I reply, "Yes, yes"
That's right, I say, "Oui, oui"
Indeed, I say, "Yes, yes"
"Oui, oui"
"Yes, yes"
I'm dumber than a box of hair
I lack intelligence or common sense
But those Frenchies don't seem to care
However, the French people do not mind or take notice of it
Don't know why, mon frere
I do not understand the reason, my brother
But they love me there
Nevertheless, they have great affection for me in France
Gonna make a big splash when I show up in Cannes
I will create a significant impact or impression upon arriving in Cannes
Gonna make those Frenchies scream
I will elicit enthusiastic responses from the French people
"You ze man! You ze man! You ze man!"
"You are the man! You are the man! You are the man!"
Like a fine Renoir (waa), I've got that je ne see'est quoi (quoi!)
Similar to a masterpiece by Renoir, I possess an indescribable quality or charm
Like a fine Renoir (ooh la la), I've got that je ne see'est ...
Comparable to a beautiful artwork by Renoir, I possess that indescribable...
Quoi quoi quoi quoi quoi, oo-we-oo
Uttering nonsensical syllables or sounds, possibly indicating excitement or pleasure
Quoi quoi quoi quoi quoi, oo-we-oo
Uttering nonsensical syllables or sounds, possibly indicating excitement or pleasure
Bow diddy bow di bow di bow bow diddy
Uttering nonsense syllables or sounds
Bow diddy bow di bow di bow bow diddy
Uttering nonsense syllables or sounds
Bow
Uttering a nonsensical sound
I'm a taco short of a combo plate
I lack intelligence or mental abilities
But by some twist of fate, all the Frogs think I'm great
However, due to a fortunate turn of events, all the French people think highly of me
Oh, the men all faint and the women scream
The men become overwhelmed and the women express their enthusiasm loudly
They like me more than heavy cream
They have a greater fondness for me than for a rich cream
When I'm in Versailles, I'm a popular guy
When I am in Versailles, I am highly regarded and well-liked
My oh my, I'm as French as apple pie (apple pie)
I am as quintessentially French as the popular American dessert
They think I'm awfully witty, a riot and a half
They believe I am incredibly clever and amusing
When I tell a stupid joke, they laugh (haw haw haw haw haw)
Even when I share a foolish joke, they find it hilarious
And laugh (haw haw haw haw haw haw)
They continue to laugh heartily
People in France have lots of attitude
The people in France possess a strong sense of self-importance or a certain demeanor
They're snotty and rude, they like disgusting food
They are arrogant and impolite, and they have a taste for unpleasant or unappealing cuisine
But when they see me, they just come unglued
However, when they catch sight of me, they become extremely excited or enthusiastic
They think that I am one happening dude
They perceive me as a very trendy or exciting person
Bowm ba ba bowm ba bowm ba bowm
Uttering nonsensical syllables or sounds
I'm about as sharp as a bowling ball
I lack intelligence or wit
But they like me better than Charles de Gaulle
But they prefer me over Charles de Gaulle, a famous French statesman
Entre nous, it's very true
Between us, it is indeed true
The room temperature's higher than my IQ
The temperature in the room is higher than my level of intelligence
But they love me more than Gerard Depardieu
However, they have an even greater affection for me than for Gerard Depardieu, a well-known French actor
How did this happen; I don't have a clue
I am baffled as to how this situation came about
Well, I'm not the quickest tractor on the farm
I am not particularly fast or intelligent
I don't have any skills or grace or charm
I lack any noteworthy abilities, elegance, or charisma
And most people look at me like I'm all covered with ants
Most people regard me with disdain or contempt
But I'm a genius in France (yeah), genius in France, genius in France
Yet, despite these negative perceptions, I am highly regarded as a genius in France
And I'm never goin' back, I'm never goin' back
Furthermore, I have no intention of returning to my previous situation
I'm never never never never goin' back home again
I am determined to never return to my hometown again
I'm tearin' up my return flight ticket
I am ripping apart my ticket for my return flight
Gonna tell the folks back here where they can stick it
I will express my strong disapproval or rejection to the people back home
'Cause I'm never goin' back
Because I have committed to never returning
The girls back home never gave me a chance
The girls in my hometown never granted me an opportunity
But I sho' 'nuff got them Frogs in some kinda trance
However, I have absolutely captivated the French people
And I'm aware that it's a most improbable circumstance
I acknowledge that this is an incredibly unlikely situation
But "Great Googily Moogily!", I'm a genius in France
But with great surprise and excitement, I am considered an intellectual or creative mastermind in France
Every Frenchie that I meet
Each French person that I encounter
Just can't wait to kiss my feet
Is eager to show their admiration and respect for me
Get in line, pucker up! Tout Suite!
They form a queue and prepare to kiss my feet quickly and enthusiastically
Bowm diddy bowm diddy bowm diddy
Uttering nonsense syllables or sounds
I'm gettin' even more famous by the hour
My fame and popularity are increasing rapidly
I'm stuffed with pastries and drunk with power
I am indulging in pastries and feeling intoxicated by my own success and influence
Now they're puttin' up my statue by the Eiffel Tower
Now they are erecting a statue of me near the Eiffel Tower
A little more to the left, boys, a little more to the left
Adjust the positioning slightly to the left, gentlemen
A little more to the left, boys, a little more to the left
Adjust the positioning slightly to the left, gentlemen
I'm the biggest dork there is alive
I am the ultimate nerd or socially awkward individual
My mom picked out my clothes for me 'till I was 35
My mother continued to choose my outfits until I reached the age of 35
And I forgot to mention
And I neglected to mention earlier
I'm not even welcome at the Star Trek convention
I am not invited or accepted at the Star Trek gathering or event
But the Frenchies think
However, the French people believe
That my poop don't stink
That I am flawless or incapable of making mistakes
I'm a genius in France
I am regarded as an exceptionally intelligent individual in France
Say, would you pass the Grey Poupon?
By the way, could you please hand me the Grey Poupon mustard?
Merci beaucoup
Thank you very much
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind