Tic Tic Tic
Doris Day Lyrics


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Oh, give me your attention, there′s been a new invention
It isn't any larger than an adding machine
It′s only fair to mention, though it's a new invention
It's one that you have heard about, but few have ever seen

It doesn′t do division and it doesn′t multiply
It doesn't want to be a bird, it doesn′t try to fly
It came about because they made a big atomic bomb
The new invention's clicking and because of all its ticking
I know where the idea came from

I tic, tic, tic, why do I tic, tic?
What amazing trick makes me tic, tic, tic
I tic, tic, tic an electric tic
When I feel a realistic tic

You′re such an attractive pick
You give me a radioactive kick
It's distracted the way you stick
But love, love makes me tic

I tic, tic, tic and my heart beats quick
How can anything go wrong?
When I′m listening to that Geiger counter song
I tic, tic all day long

I tic, tic, tic, why do I tic, tic?
What amazing trick makes me tic, tic, tic, tic, tic
I tic, tic, tic an electric tic
When I feel a realistic tic

The butcher and the baker tic
So does the maker of the candlesticks
Lawyers have their politics
But love, love makes them tic

So tic, tic, tic, let your heart tic, tic
How can anything go wrong
If you're listening to that Geiger counter song
You'll tic, tic all day long

Like the butcher and baker tics
Like the candlestick maker tics
Like the doctor and the lawyer tics
Even though he′s mixed up in his politics
Like the merchant and the Indian chief tic tics
Like the poor, like the rich man tic tic tics
Digging a ditch man, the butter and egg man
The poor wooden leg man, the beggar and thief

All found out what its all about
When its love, you can′t be wrong
You better listen to that Geiger counter song




And tic tic all day long
Tic, tic, tic, tic, tic, tic, tic, tic, tic, tic, tic, tic, tic, tic, tic, tic. TIC!

Overall Meaning

The song Tic Tic Tic by Doris Day is a tune about a new invention that was created after the atomic bomb was developed. The song talks about how this new invention is no larger than an adding machine but has never been seen by many people. Even though it does not divide or multiply, it is unique because of the sound it makes. The chorus speaks about how love and attraction can be like a ticking time bomb, causing people to tic and tick in excitement.


The lyrics use the ticking of the new invention as a metaphor for the excitement that love and attraction can bring. The song mentions that people from all walks of life, such as butchers, bakers, lawyers, and politicians, can experience the same feeling. The ticking noise of the invention and the singer's "electric tic" represent the beating of a heart and the excitement that comes with love. The singer urges listeners to let their hearts "tic" and listen to the "Geiger counter song."


Overall, the song is a playful ode to romance and the thrill of falling in love. The ticking of the Geiger counter serves as a metaphor for the excitement that love can bring, and the chorus encourages listeners to embrace this feeling and enjoy it to the fullest.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh, give me your attention, there's been a new invention
Listen to what I have to say as I introduce something new


It isn't any larger than an adding machine
This invention is small


It's only fair to mention, though it's a new invention
I need to disclose that this invention isn't entirely new


It's one that you have heard about, but few have ever seen
While you might have heard of it before, not many have seen it for themselves


It doesn't do division and it doesn't multiply
This invention is not a calculator


It doesn't want to be a bird, it doesn't try to fly
This invention is not meant for flying


It came about because they made a big atomic bomb
The invention was inspired by the atomic bomb


The new invention's clicking and because of all its ticking
The invention makes a clicking noise, hence its name


I know where the idea came from
The inspiration for this invention is clear to me


I tic, tic, tic, why do I tic, tic?
The ticking of this invention mesmerizes me


What amazing trick makes me tic, tic, tic
I wonder what makes this invention tick


I tic, tic, tic an electric tic
The ticking sound is electric


When I feel a realistic tic
The ticking sound is so real that it feels alive


You're such an attractive pick
You are a desirable option


You give me a radioactive kick
You excite me like radioactive energy


It's distracted the way you stick
Your attention-grabbing presence distracts me


But love, love makes me tic
But ultimately, love is what moves me


I tic, tic, tic and my heart beats quick
The ticking sound fuels my excitement


How can anything go wrong?
I feel unstoppable with this excitement


When I'm listening to that Geiger counter song
When I listen to the ticking sound, it's like a song to me


I tic, tic all day long
I can't get enough of this ticking


The butcher and the baker tic
People from all walks of life experience this excitement


So does the maker of the candlesticks
Even people in the business of making candlesticks can be moved by love


Lawyers have their politics
Even those in the legal profession have their political views


But love, love makes them tic
But love can still move them, despite their political views


So tic, tic, tic, let your heart tic, tic
Follow your heart and let it guide you to excitement


If you're listening to that Geiger counter song
If you're tuning in to that magical ticking sound


You'll tic, tic all day long
You'll be moved and excited all day


Like the butcher and baker tics, like the candlestick maker tics
Just like we all tic, people from all walks of life can also experience this excitement


Like the doctor and the lawyer tics
Even those in respected professions can experience this excitement


Even though he's mixed up in his politics
Even if he has conflicting views or ideas


Like the merchant and the Indian chief tic tics
Even people with very different backgrounds and social statuses can experience this excitement


Like the poor, like the rich man tic tic tics
We might have different socioeconomic backgrounds, but we all experience excitement in the same way


Digging a ditch man, the butter and egg man, the poor wooden leg man, the beggar and thief
People from all types of jobs or lifestyles can experience this excitement


All found out what its all about
Everyone can experience this excitement, regardless of who they are


When it's love, you can't be wrong
When you're fueled by love, there's no mistake you can make


You better listen to that Geiger counter song
Keep tuning in to that magical ticking sound


And tic tic all day long
Keep feeling that excitement and keep it going


Tic, tic, tic, tic, tic, tic, tic, tic, tic, tic, tic, tic, tic, tic, tic, tic. TIC!
The ticking sound is like music to my ears, and I can't get enough of it




Writer(s): Harry Warren, Ralph Blane

Contributed by Claire K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@BackPocketChange

These songs are so damn unnerving how they are all sounding so positive about something so dangerous.

@DarkElfDiva

BackPocketChange That's the cheery, optimistic, can-do attitude of the 1950's combined with the constant looming threat of nuclear annihilation.

@DarkElfDiva

BackPocketChange That's the cheery, optimistic, can-do attitude of the 1950's combined with the constant looming threat of nuclear annihilation.

@DarkElfDiva

Munitia Blastpaw Ok I don't know why that was posted twice.

@jtroopa

BackPocketChange It's brilliant, isn't it?

@jtroopa

***** Thank you for your input. Now go troll elsewhere.

23 More Replies...

@FIRSTNAMELASTNAME-zt4kf

"Smaller than an adding machine" jeez that moment when you remember how big computers were in the 50's and 60's

@keegany4r176

Adding machine in this is referring to a cash register-sized mechanical calculator.

@wifi68plus1

@@keegany4r176 not even that, probably
might be a hand cranked one given how small dosimiters are

@noamckee1037

Ok queen shes serving on this track

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