The band was originally formed in 1989 by leader Scott Morris. He and Kurt Sodergren are the two "original" members, with the rest of the band joining later on. The band concentrated on the swing of the 1940s and '50s, playing clubs and lounges in their early years.
The band launched two CDs, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Watchu' Want for Christmas? under their own label (Big Bad Records) before getting their big break when their songs "You & Me & The Bottle Makes Three Tonight (Baby)" and "Go Daddy-O" were featured in the 1996 comedy Swingers.
From there they were signed by Capitol Records. With Capitol the band released Americana Deluxe (also known as a second Big Bad Voodoo Daddy) and This Beautiful Life. The band has continued their tours, performances and album releases Save My Soul, Live, and Everything You Want For Christmas, with one high point being their appearance at the 1999 Super Bowl half-time show.
Over the last few years, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy has experienced great success playing on the Pops programs of American Symphony Orchestras and regular US tours.
Most recently, BBVD released a tribute album titled How Big Can You Get?: The Music of Cab Calloway. As part of the live concerts promoting this recent album, the band continues to perform new material, including the track "5-10-15 Times I Love You" which frontman Scotty Morris says will be recorded as part of a new album in early 2011.
Band Members:
* Scott Morris "Scotty" (vocals and guitar) - core member
* Kurt Sodergren (drums and percussion) - core member
* Dirk Shumaker (string bass) - core member
* Andrew Rowley "Andy" (baritone saxophone) - core member
* Glen Marehevka "The Kid" (trumpet) - core member
* Karl Hunter (saxophone and clarinet) - core member
* Joshua Levy "Josh" (piano) - core member
* Tony Bonsera (lead trumpet)
* Alex Henderson (trombone) (also part of The Brian Setzer Orchestra)
** Ron Blake (former lead trumpet) left Big Bad Voodoo Daddy to go on tour with Green Day.
Mambo Swing
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I have sailed the 7 sea's
King of the monkeys and nothing bothers me
I wanna fly right through the sky. I wanna touch the moon
But I hear it call me and I have to go back soon
Fires in the city. There was dancin in the streets
More than a scene and mambo was the king
And I hear it calling me and I wanna take you there
So please Baby, show me that you are mine
The lyrics of Mambo Swing by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy take the listener on a journey through the jungle, the sea, the city, and time. The singer describes himself as the king of the monkeys, with nothing bothering him, but still yearning to touch the moon. However, he feels pulled back by something calling to him, and he knows that he must return soon.
The song then shifts to the scene of fires in the city, with people dancing in the streets to the sound of mambo music. The singer feels a sense of longing to go back in time and be a part of that scene, to dance like there’s no tomorrow. He also hears something calling him, and he wants to take his beloved with him. The final line of the song is a plea for his lover to show him that she is his.
Overall, the lyrics of Mambo Swing are about the pull of music and dance, the desire to break free, and the longing for a deeper connection with someone special. The jungle, the sea, the city, and time are all metaphors for different aspects of life, and the song encourages the listener to let go and enjoy the ride.
Line by Line Meaning
Swingin through the jungle
Feeling carefree, like swinging through life without worry or stress
I have sailed the 7 sea's
Having traveled far and wide, experiencing all the world has to offer
King of the monkeys and nothing bothers me
Feeling confident and fearless like a leader, not letting anything bring one down
I wanna fly right through the sky. I wanna touch the moon
Having high aspirations and dreams, reaching for the stars and beyond
But I hear it call me and I have to go back soon
Feeling the pull of responsibilities and duties that require attention and action
Fires in the city. There was dancin in the streets
Painting a picture of a vibrant and lively city, where music and celebration thrive
More than a scene and mambo was the king
Highlighting the importance and influence of music, particularly the Mambo genre, as a cultural icon
I wanna fly right back through time. Like a fever without care
Longing for a simpler time, free from responsibilities and worries, like a nostalgic feverish dream
And I hear it calling me and I wanna take you there
Feeling the pull of an enticing and exciting opportunity, wanting to share it with a loved one
So please Baby, show me that you are mine
Expressing affection and desire for the company of a loved one
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: SCOTT MORRIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind