Grim Grinning Ghosts
Buddy Baker Lyrics
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And strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls
Whenever candlelights flicker where the air is deathly still
That is the time when ghosts are present
Practicing their terror with ghoulish delight
(Sung)
When the crypt doors creak, and the tombstones quake
Happy haunts materialize
And begin to vocalize
Grim Grinning Ghosts come out to socialize
Now don't close your eyes and don't try to hide
Or a silly spook may sit by your side
Shrouded in a daft disguise
They pretend to terrorize
Grim Grinning Ghosts come out to socialize
As the moon climbs high o'er the dead oak tree
Spooks arrive for the midnight spree
Creepy creeps with eerie eyes
Start to shriek and harmonize
Grim Grinning Ghosts come out to socialize
When you hear the knell of a requiem bell
Weird glows gleam where spirits dwell
Restless bones etherialize
Rise as spooks of every size
Mwahahahahahahahaha!
If you would like to join our jamboree
There's a simple rule that's compulsory
Mortals pay a token fee
Rest in peace, the haunting's free
So hurry back we would like your company
Hurry back... hurry back...
Be sure to bring your death certificate
If you decide to join us
Make final arrangements now
We've been... dying... to have you
The opening verse of Buddy Baker's famous Grim Grinning Ghosts transports us into a spooky, haunted world where doorless chambers creak and strange sounds echo through the halls. The mood is eerie and deathly, as candlelights cast a flickering light on the restless spirits who are busy practicing their terror tactics with "ghoulish delight." The verses create an environment where the supernatural is natural and the undead roam free.
The chorus rings with the song's hallmark- "When the crypt doors creak and the tombstones quake, spooks come out for a swinging wake." It's at this point that the Grim Grinning Ghosts materialize, ready to socialize with humans. Buddy Baker creates a lighthearted, humorous atmosphere by toying with the idea that Ghosts have a social life too. These ghosts are playful- having the ability to sit beside you if you close your eyes or pretend to scare you by being shrouded in a daft disguise.
The final verse speaks of the day's end when the moon climbs high over a dead oak tree, spooks arrive to wander and haunts. Baker uses playful, onomatopoeic words like "creepy creeps with eerie eyes" and "start to shriek and harmonize" to amplify the song's ghostly vibe. The song tells a story with a jolly, upbeat melody that is considered classic at Halloween parties and events.
Line by Line Meaning
When hinges creak in doorless chambers
When there are no doors, yet the sound of creaking hinges is heard
And strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls
Unfamiliar, eerie and fearful echoes resonate through the halls
Whenever candlelights flicker where the air is deathly still
When flickering lights can be seen where no breeze exists and the air is lifeless
That is the time when ghosts are present
These occurrences are signs that haunters are near
Practicing their terror with ghoulish delight
The ghosts are enjoying their frightening play
When the crypt doors creak, and the tombstones quake
The noise from the opening tombs, and shaky grave markers fill the air
Spooks come out for a swinging wake
Spirits of the dead summoned up from their rest for a lively party
Happy haunts materialize
Jolly spirits emerge in full form
And begin to vocalize
They express themselves in songs
Grim Grinning Ghosts come out to socialize
Haunted souls assemble with the intention of having a good time
Now don't close your eyes and don't try to hide
Do not shut your eyes or conceal yourself
Or a silly spook may sit by your side
Or a playful ghost may come to your company
Shrouded in a daft disguise
Camouflaged in amusing costumes
They pretend to terrorize
They simulate scaring someone
As the moon climbs high o'er the dead oak tree
As the moon rises tall beyond the lifeless oak tree
Spooks arrive for the midnight spree
Spirits come together to revel in the middle of the night
Creepy creeps with eerie eyes
Weird, scary beings with disturbing eyes
Start to shriek and harmonize
Begin to wail and sing together
Grim Grinning Ghosts come out to socialize
Eerie spirits gather, hoping for an enjoyable time
When you hear the knell of a requiem bell
When the slow toll of death is announced
Weird glows gleam where spirits dwell
Strange, luminescent glows can be spotted where the ghosts reside
Restless bones etherialize
Agitated bones materialize out of thin air
Rise as spooks of every size
Become ghosts of every dimension
Mwahahahahahahahaha!
A maniacal laugh to emphasize the spooky atmosphere
If you would like to join our jamboree
If you want to join the lively celebration
There's a simple rule that's compulsory
There's a fundamental, compulsory rule
Mortals pay a token fee
The living must hand over a small fee
Rest in peace, the haunting's free
Dead attendees go free, as it is their domain
So hurry back we would like your company
So, please come back soon, we enjoy your presence
Hurry back... hurry back...
Come back quickly... come back soon...
Be sure to bring your death certificate
Bring proof that you are no longer among the living
If you decide to join us
If you think of joining the party
Make final arrangements now
Prepare to die, if you haven't already
We've been... dying... to have you
We've been waiting for you to come join us in death
Writer(s): Xavier Atencio, Buddy Baker
Contributed by Samantha N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Emily Lidiak
This makes me miss Disney World :(
Lindsay Sharp
Oh