Alfred Matthew "Weird Al" Yankovic (born October 23, 1959 in Downey, Califo… Read Full Bio ↴Alfred Matthew "Weird Al" Yankovic (born October 23, 1959 in Downey, California) is an American singer-songwriter, music producer, actor, comedian, satirist, accordion player and kazooist. Yankovic is known in particular for his humorous songs that make light of popular culture and that often parody specific songs by contemporary musical acts. Since his first-aired song parody in 1976, he has sold more than 12 million albums—more than any other comedy act in history—recorded more than 150 parody and original songs, and has performed more than 1,000 live shows.His works have earned him three Grammy Awards among nine nominations, four gold records, and six platinum records in the United States. Yankovic's first top ten Billboard album (Straight Outta Lynwood) and single ("White & Nerdy") were both released in 2006, nearly three decades into his career.

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

Harvey The Wonder Hamster
"Weird Al" Yankovic Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Oh, Harvey, Harvey
Harvey the Wonder Hamster
He doesn't bite and he doesn't squeal
He just runs around on his hamster wheel
Harvey, Harvey
Harvey the Wonder Hamster
Hey, Harvey!

Overall Meaning

The song "Harvey the Wonder Hamster" by "Weird Al" Yankovic is a tribute to a pet hamster named Harvey that Yankovic owned. The lyrics describe Harvey as a hamster who is very unique and special because he doesn't bite and doesn't make the typical noises that hamsters are known for. Instead, he just runs around on his hamster wheel, enjoying his exercise. The song is upbeat and catchy, with Yankovic's signature humor shining through in his lyrics.

Line by Line Meaning

Oh, Harvey, Harvey
Introducing the subject of the song, Harvey the hamster

Harvey the Wonder Hamster
Emphasizing that Harvey is no ordinary hamster, he is a wonder hamster

He doesn't bite and he doesn't squeal
Explaining that Harvey is a well-behaved hamster and doesn't cause any trouble by biting or squealing

He just runs around on his hamster wheel
Describing Harvey's favorite activity, which is running around on his hamster wheel

Harvey, Harvey
Repeating Harvey's name for emphasis

Harvey the Wonder Hamster
Reminding the listener of Harvey's remarkable qualities as a hamster

Hey, Harvey!
Addressing Harvey directly and showing affection for him

Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS

No Related Genres

More Genres

No Artists Found

More Artists Load All

No Albums Found

More Albums Load All

No Tracks Found

01Jurassic Park3:56

02Young, Dumb & Ugly4:24

03Bedrock Anthem3:41

04Frank's 2000" TV4:05

05Achy Breaky Song3:23

06Traffic Jam4:02

07Talk Soup4:20

08Livin' In The Fridge3:30

09She Never Told Me She Was A Mime4:53

10Harvey The Wonder Hamster0:21

PT21S

"Weird Al" Yankovic

11Waffle King4:25

12Bohemian Polka3:37

Genre not found

Artist not found

Album not found

Search results not found

Song not found

Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@SomeYouTubeTraveler

4y↑1

Weird Al [waking up one morning]: "Huh... y'know what, today I think I'll make a full music video to that Alapalooza song everyone likes that I wrote 26 years ago."

Fans: "Woo! Bohemian Polka, after all these years!!!"

Weird Al:

[not to imply I'm ungrateful, which I'll never be for anything Weird Al does ever]

All comments from YouTube:

@kah0922

5y↑1.6K

The production value for what is essentially a 26 second joke song is impressive.

@GoodGamer3000

5y↑21

*27 second

@KeyError

5y↑76

What do you mean "joke song"? The passion, the storytelling, the emotion. It moved me!

@swedneck

5y↑15

@Robert Flitney I clapped, i clapped when i saw it!

@SparkleP8nter

5y↑9

Robert Flitney he recreated my childhood!

@xanderleesweet

5y↑6

Weird Al never fails to please!

20 More Replies...

@bloodykills7509

5y↑340

This is the quality content I expect from Weird Al

@Muldernscully1013

5y↑576

For the 9 people (so far) that have thumbs downed this video, what exactly were you looking for in a "Harvey the Wonder Hamster" music video?

@IncreasinglyPathetic

5y↑21

I agree so frickin much. And amen

@michaeltalley51

5y↑13

The Haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate.

@mrtesticlease4638

5y↑15

@Michael Talley "haters" is a stupid term made by sour people who cant take criticism or at the very least, filter out the good and bad criticism.

@goodolmeplant5809

5y↑13

@Mr.Testiclease please please please heart breakers gonna break, break, break, break, break😃

@mrtesticlease4638

5y↑3

@good o'l me plant i like the lyrics you just said better :3

13 More Replies...

@Crocogator

5y↑83

Real talk: Alapalooza was the first music cd I bought. I was ten years old. The entire album is etched into my brain, and I still have fond memories of playing it for my friends.

No idea where it is now. Thanks for the nostalgia trip, Al.

@samurijder9550

3y↑2

Not my first album, but my.first Weird Al Album. I bought it ages ago and it's in my car.

@edthacow

2y↑1

I think a lot of kids at that age attached ourselves to a few cd's we had.

@TheHolyMongolEmpire

2y↑2

Me too and I was probably around 9 or 10 as well. Used to play it constantly.

@Saskidan

When I was 10 I had this on cd and blasted it on my stereo as loud as I could. God I miss those days.

@csours

5y↑127

You haven't lived until you hear a 98 piece symphony orchestra play Harvey the Wonder Hamster

@thegreatsawyer

3y↑3

highlight of my life

@karrtar-kraft

3y↑1

I heard it to it was amazing

@lightningdev897

I would like but I can't ruin the 69

@Xeacons

5y↑78

After a quarter of a century, Harvey finally gets his moment in the spotlight!

@micahphilson

5y↑7

It's been so long, I almost forgot this entirely, now I need to randomly sing this to my family and watch them laugh as they suddenly remember it!

@donwebber9071

4y↑1

Same. I forgot about it until I was at the no Strings attached show in cleveland. It was priceless

@chouseification

22w

@@micahphilson when asked to sing karaoke, I'd always ask for that song... they never had it, but one could hope :D

@JessWLStuart

5y↑5

I almost thought "that's it?", but then I realized "THAT'S IT!!!!!" Mr. Yankovic, you always bring a smile to my face! Thanks! :)

@gsanchez90

5y↑9

And once again Weird Al justifies the existence of YouTube.

@dee634

1y↑8

Wow, I listened to this a million times as a 12 year old back in the day

@jacobb.1402

5y↑161

Talented, beautiful, never the same, totally not ever been done before

@cheebuu3360

5y↑3

Congrats, your comment has 69 likes! You win a cake 🍰

@AverageFoxyPlushieEnjoyer

25w

Now its 160

@AverageFoxyPlushieEnjoyer

25w

You win the cake and 2 chezburgurs 🍔🍔

@ceegronlee

26w↑1

I was on a school bus, going to a youth group retreat somewhere. During the trip they decided to force everyone to play a game where, seat by seat, whichever 2 kids were next to each other had to sing a song. I was a shy kid, so I was terrified of this prospect. The kid beside me was older by a couple years, not exactly my friend. But I liked Weird Al, and so did he. So when it came to us, he quickly asked in a hushed tone "do you know Harvey the Wonder Hamster?" and I'm like, "Yes.: So boom, our turn arrives and we just busted this song out in unison, perfectly in sync and with zero practice. And me, the shy kid pretty much shouting out these lyrics. Everyone died laughing.

@acomplexmetaphor

5y↑13

LOVED seeing this live on the No strings attached tour this summer! Love from NY!!!

@ReneRosa

5y↑1

I was there. It was so damn hot on those bleachers, but worth it!

@acomplexmetaphor

5y↑1

@Rene Rosa we almost didn't go from that heat! But if Al can do his dance moves than we can sit and sing along lol worth it for sure

@donwebber9071

4y↑1

@Rene Rosa I was.in cleveland. And like.many singing at the tops of our lungs

@jonasthemovie

5y↑217

I did not know I needed this on a Tuesday. But I did.

@GeoMatRay

It fills my heart to see this gem return! 😊 Clicked as soon as I saw the notification!

@Borthax

5y↑2

REJOYCE BRETHEREN, A NEW VIDEO HATH RAINED FORTH FROM THE FOUNTAIN OF HEAVEN.

@aplasticsoldier9130

5y↑192

That just made my day! Love the Weird Al Show!

@GeorgeNewman795

5y↑4

In case you didn’t know, this song originates from the ALTV specials he did in the mid-80s. It was also used on The Weird Al Show, but that was a few years after it had been released on the Alapalooza album.

@aplasticsoldier9130

5y↑4

@George Newman Fiddlesticks, I haven't watched ALTV yet...

@deanaltemose236

5y↑3

I remember watching his show or one of his specials (it's been so long I can't remember) but I recall when he did this song and at the end he pretended to eat the hamster. That's the kind of silliness I expect from Weird Al.

@havocdogg

5y↑3

Wow, this brings back great memories of watching "Al TV" Man I miss those days. Al always did great edited interviews :)

@JeremyKingTech

5y↑2

LONG LIVE HARVEY THE WONDER HAMSTER!

@ireallyreallyhategoogle

5y↑1

Finally Harvey gets the recognition he deserves.

@XenoflareBahamut

5y↑62

Now I need to buy a hamster and name it Harvey.

And play this music non-stop.

@SparkleP8nter

5y↑2

Exaflare Bahamut he sang my childhood! I had a Harvey the Hamste

@SharpDesign

5y↑6

As long as he doesn't bite and he doesn't squeal.

@monopoman

5y↑1

It will be a pale imitation of the actual wonder hamster. I mean it's like naming your kid Superman that is really tough on the kid trying to live up to that.

@theKLT

Please adopt don’t shop tho

@Macandbloo11

5y↑1

I hope there will be a album release for Strings Attached. An orchestral version of White & Nerdy would be awesome to listen to on album.

@highfidelity23

5y↑2

Boy, does his always take me right back to the mid 80s, when I would watch Al sing this on AL TV then at the end, say “well, that was fun,” and throw the hamster over his shoulder.

@sairhug

Oh, wow - YES! I'd forgotten that! He was on the top of a tall building, wasn't he? Thanks for the memory :)

@numberonetylerfan

5y↑1

When you begin to want a hamster for Christmas instead of the thing you have been wanting for years on end

@katemaloney4296

5y↑5

A dose of Weird Al is better than any pick-me-up on the market today.

@warrenw5040

5y↑97

HEY HARVEY!
HAIL HARVERY
HARVEY IS LOVE
Harvey...
Is life...

@franklinzoozproduction3691

5y↑4

I now shall sacrifice my life to our deer savior Harvey.

@TheHolyMongolEmpire

2y↑1

I always randomly get this song stuck in my head and for no apparent reason.

@Feralist-Front

2y↑1

This brings back my favorite memories as a kid, when I’d watch the weird Al show.

@Beneficial_Gamer

One of the best parts of the Strings Attached concert, which my wife and parents and I went to the one on Las Vegas last month! Amazing show!

@MattyFez

5y↑5

They even spent time doing the reflection off the floor from the big lights. Now that's dedication

@TheOriginalRizk

5y↑1

Fantastic! I demand a sequel.

@micahphilson

5y↑3

You have no idea how many times my family would burst out singing this song when I was a kid, this is my childhood right here!

@spacecowboyfpv5511

It was amazing hearing a 77 piece orchestra play this at Red Rocks. Sooooooo awesome.

@xboxcrusher

5y↑42

You really CAN'T tell what you can expect next from Wierd Al...

@micahphilson

5y↑3

Well, this is an old song of his, my family would always burst out singing this when I was a kid. But actually, I totally wasn't expecting it either, this is the most pleasant surprise I've had in a long time!

@brycevo

5y↑8

Harvey is the best Hamster...

Besides Hamtaro

@d1rty5anchaz57

39w

Thanks to AL and Harvrey I won a MuchMusic Motorola cell phone with Ed the sock ring tone in 1996, If he wasn't there I wouldn't have been watching to answer the question of the hour,

@Sodor18

5y↑3

It's nice to see the little guy get the recognition he deserves.

@TheOriginalMaxGForce

5y↑5

This is infinitely better than The Last Jedi.

@steveross2868

You know, it's bad enough that horse has been beat horse into the ground. But do you really have to fuck its corpse too?

@PelemusMcSoy

5y↑9

Truly marvelous. Brings a tear to my eye each time.

Harvey is my hero!

@Filthnails

5y↑10

I named my first hamster Harvey after yours, Al. That was some 27 years ago. They're great pets!

@jasonmarin8187

1y↑1

We need a Harvey The Wonder Hamster movie. And Harvey could be voiced by Weird Al.

@TomsterMusic

5y↑102

This song really represents what life, as a society here on planet Earth is all about. 🎶☺🎶

@zacktheexception1198

5y↑5

TomsterMusic and that’s why I’m scared for this planet... 😂😂😂

@vectorevilman2214

Thank you, Weird Al, for blessing us with this masterpiece of a video. I think about this video and tear up on a daily basis.

@zoeycasa6497

12w

Harvey you are ....loved.

@johnwaugh4085

5y↑1

Al, please never change

@mahazzakmahazzak1966

5y↑4

I have hamsters at home.
They all appreciate this song.

@bobmcbobinsmithson1964

5y↑1

We need a full song of this

@SeLLy261

Best 26 seconds of the day so far!
would love to see an 'Albuquerque' with this animation.

@powerpuffboy901

And speaking of, You SHOULD see the Rwappin music video.

@KellyAesop

5y↑1

The Weird Al Show sure was something.

@Pikminiman

5y↑2

I was absolutely joyous when I saw Al, his band, and the orchestra play Harvey's theme live in Colorado.

@jonathanwalker4937

5y↑1

Yes Thank you

@LynnLeFey1

The long-awaited video for this ageless masterpiece. I'm getting all choked up. :D

@jimmyedgerton5120

I've always loved harvey. It's just something so simple yet profound about running around in your hamster wheel.

@Biologicalerror

3y↑1

I actually saw this live and it was wonderful.

@Handington

5y↑1

I love this, thank you for making it exist

@xAlbinopiratex

YES!! One of my favourites!! 😍

@animepsyclone

I saw this live in Charlotte. It was amazing.

@nee-vdaisy8737

3y↑2

What if there is a TV show about harvey the wonder hamster? Might be Hamtaro-esque and he would be voiced by Weird Al Yankovic!

@booberminfranklin3652

I litterly said to my mum, I hope he'd play this and bedrock anthem. I knew he wouldn't do this one
..... BUT HE DID AND I SAW THIS wonderful VIDEO. He even said this was his first time performing this. It was in New Orleans on 6/14.

@scott8269

Loved seeing this in Cleveland at his show!

@beckmann411

I saw him on his current tour, and he performed this song. It was awesome!

@SydneySutterKolinkBattler

5y↑28

This was awesome to see live. Weird Al, your shows are freaking great!

@thedopestdog9033

5y↑1

I saw this in concert on a 42 piece orchestra

@hunterannett967

13w

This man actually remembers the weird al show, i can't believe he made a show so long after his death RIP

@Kirkyeehee

Saw a new Weird Al video. Clicked straight away! It's been a long time since I've heard this one.

@culwin

5y↑1

Finally a video on this channel that makes sense.

@PajamaPantsStudios

I was there for the wolf trap venue on the tour. I’ve seen Def Leppard and journey together In concert, I’ve seen Joan Jett and Boston, I’ve seen poison and cheap trick, but weird al has been the best concert of all time.

@hellzenvy

This was amazing live in Bismarck ND

@squid11160

This is from the Alapalooza album. The reason I know is because my uncle brought back a CD from his trip to Canada. At the time, anything brought over from abroad was treasured as my home country of Serbia (Yugoslavia) was under embargo. I was like 6th grade and couldn't fully appreciate all the comedy but me and my cousin loved the music. I know the lyrics to Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" because of Al's "Bohemian Polka". Super glad I got to see Al live here in Ireland where I live now.

@Dkibble101

Immediately recognized Jarrett Heather's wonderful work

@WKSABINE

I just started singing this song to myself today for some reason. Couldn’t remember who made it. The depth of the human mind is quite extraordinary.

@louther1213

5y↑1

It was really nice seeing this performed live in concert.

@bobblum5973

Especially Harvey's solo halfway through the song.
I hear that next season he'll be a new celebrity judge on "Hamster's Got Talent". He's such a class act!

@Supercatandrewman

5y↑2

I remember seeing Al perform this long live with an entire orchestra!

@billyrigby4839

Saw the show in Pittsburgh this year and it was one of the greatest concerts of my life. It was funny, interactive and just all-around weird! Thank you to Weird Al and his whole band and crew for the amazing experience!!!

@silverthompson8313

5y↑1

It was
So great to
See this on tour with a live orchestra!

@Illumiinarian

3y↑1

This is my new favorite video

@SomeYouTubeTraveler

4y↑1

@Xenostars

5y↑1

I'll never forget my oldest child, when he was 8-years old, learning the lyrics to this song and singing along with me. His little "Hey Harvey!" was a spiritual experience (albiet totally off key)

@gildedpeahen876

I REMEMBER HIS SHOW! HARVEY WAS ON IT🖤

@B0bm0n5t3r

These are the types of songs I want to hear on the radio!

@CascadiaDread

2y↑1

Hey Harvey!

@soundpreacher

Good. Harvey has always deserved his own video. Yay, Harvey!

@novau115

Master Al has graced us with his humor again!. See you in three years

@LuiskRojas

We need more Harvey in our lives

@Pinball1

5y↑1

Amazing new video!
Love Harvey!

@weirdalyankoviccountdownsa528

This is the best song ever released that's under thirty seconds!
Try to change my mind! 😂

@benaaronmusic

Classic, by now!

@cssruth

5y↑7

Adorable! Nintendo needs to pick up Harvey for animals crossing 😂

@themonkey9603

This man is a real American hero. GOD BLESS YOU .

@entity9576

Saw this live in Clearwater!

@sirekumasutra7022

5y↑1

Harvey is a good boy.

@MaiMuffins

5y↑1

I love him

@anonymousidea9119

Im so glad I got to see this live 😍

@TWX1138

Interesting timing, I was just entertaining my two year old with the Al TV version of this tune this morning, maybe two hours before this was uploaded.

@CookieCruncha95

5y↑74

Until I gave this video a like, it had 666 likes.

I was not about to let the Devil claim our beloved Harvey.

@tobybartels8426

5y↑6

I bumped 3.4K up to … still just 3.4K. What's the deal, YouTube? Does my vote not count!?

@niveknija1329

5y↑2

The devil is people too.

@DigiRokkuKang

26 seconds well spent. Thank you Al ✌️😎

@ectofriend

Aw man, I got to see this video live at a strings attached show, it was great.

@bigmikehikes897

Life changing!!!

@curseyoujordanshow

One of my favourite comedic moments of all time was on the Weird Al Show when Harvey the Wonder Hamster has a wrestling match with Macho Man Randy Savage, and Harvey kicks his ass.

@iambathman4406

Love this show

@MerchManDan

5y↑1

At last, after all these years, there's an official video for Harvey the Wonder Hamster. I wasn't sure that I'd see this day, but here it is. Here we are. I've never been more proud - and yet, more humbled - to call myself a fan of Weird Al Yankovic.