Iko Iko
Curt Boettcher Lyrics


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My grand-ma and your grand-ma were sit-tin' by the fire.
My grand-ma told your grand-ma: "I'm gon-na set your flag on fire."

Talk-in' 'bout, Hey now ! Hey now ! I-ko, I-ko, un-day
Jock-a-mo fee-no ai na-né, jock-a-mo fee na-né

Look at my king all dressed in red I-ko, I-ko, un-day.
I bet-cha five dol-lars he'll kill you dead, jock-a-mo fee na-né

Talk-in' 'bout, Hey now ! Hey now ! I-ko, I-ko, un-day
Jock-a-mo fee-no ai na-né, jock-a-mo fee na-né

My flag boy and your flag boy were
Sit-tin' by the fire. - My flag boy told
Your flag boy: "I'm gon-na set your flag on fire."

Talk-in' 'bout, Hey now ! Hey now ! I-KO, I-KO, un-day
Jock-a-mo fee-no ai na-né, jock-a-mo fee na-né

See that guy all dressed in green? I-KO, I-KO, un-day.
He's not a man, he's a lov-in' ma-chine
Jock-a mo fee na-né





Talk-in' 'bout, hey now! Hey now! I-ko, I-ko, un-day
Jock-a-mo fee-no ai na-né, jock-a-mo fee na-né

Overall Meaning

"Iko Iko" is a vibrant and infectious song that has been covered and adapted by different artists over time. The song begins with the two grandmothers sitting by the fire, and one of them boasts to the other about their power to set each other's flag on fire, which is interpreted as a sign of war. Then the chorus "Hey now! Hey now! I-ko, I-ko, un-day, Jock-a-mo fee-no ai na-né, jock-a-mo fee na-né" comes in, which is a call and response between different groups of people. The meaning of the phrase "I-ko, I-ko, un-day" is not entirely clear, but it is speculated to have African or Haitian roots and could be a greeting or a chant.


The song continues with references to a king dressed in red, which suggests danger and violence. The second chorus brings back the call and response, followed by a verse about two flag boys sitting by the fire. One flag boy challenges the other by saying he will set his flag on fire. Finally, the last verse refers to a man dressed in green, who is described as a loving machine, playful and sensual. The song ends with the last chorus sung twice.


One interesting fact about "Iko Iko" is that it originated as a traditional New Orleans Mardi Gras song, often sung by the Mardi Gras Indians, a group of African-American street performers who dress up in elaborate costumes during the festival. Its exact origins and meaning are uncertain, but it was widely popularized in the 1960s by the Dixie Cups, an all-female vocal group who had a hit with their version of the song.


Another interesting fact is that "Iko Iko" has been covered by many artists from different genres, including Cyndi Lauper, Dr. John, the Grateful Dead, and the Neville Brothers, among others. The song has also been used in various movies and TV shows, such as Rain Man, The Sims, and The Wire.


Line by Line Meaning

My grand-ma and your grand-ma were sit-tin' by the fire.
Two grandmothers were sitting by the fire.


My grand-ma told your grand-ma: "I'm gon-na set your flag on fire."
One grandmother threatened to set the other's flag on fire.


Talk-in' 'bout, Hey now ! Hey now ! I-ko, I-ko, un-day
Expressing excitement or enthusiasm.


Jock-a-mo fee-no ai na-né, jock-a-mo fee na-né
Non-sensical chant or refrain.


Look at my king all dressed in red I-ko, I-ko, un-day.
Someone points out a person dressed in red.


I bet-cha five dol-lars he'll kill you dead, jock-a-mo fee na-né
Someone makes a bet that the person in red will win a violent confrontation.


My flag boy and your flag boy were sit-tin' by the fire. - My flag boy told Your flag boy: "I'm gon-na set your flag on fire."
Two flag bearers were also sitting by the fire and one threatened to set the other's flag on fire.


See that guy all dressed in green? I-KO, I-KO, un-day.
Someone points out a person dressed in green.


He's not a man, he's a lov-in' ma-chine Jock-a mo fee na-né
The person in green is described as a love machine.


Talk-in' 'bout, hey now! Hey now! I-ko, I-ko, un-day
Expressing excitement or enthusiasm.


Jock-a-mo fee-no ai na-né, jock-a-mo fee na-né
Non-sensical chant or refrain.




Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT
Written by: Barbara Anne Hawkins, Joan Marie Johnson, Rosa Lee Hawkins

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@dehmianusher1697

I remember dad and curt play this at the house...love this album

@lauriemartin2858

Cool I'll listen to it thanks.

@Stefanio64

Yet another beautiful post by my favourite youtuber, Dylan :-)

@bricebricegb

Love this. What year were these songs recorded?

@doyoulikeveggies

1977, i think.

@Stefanio64

@Dylan This is a true gift, thanks Dylan!!!

@andytucker6783

1975

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