Inka Dinka Doo
John Lithgow Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

What is that haunting refrain that I hear in the air?
Here and then there, every where
It's such a beautiful strain that keeps taunting my brain constantly
It's my melody, it's my symphony

Inka dinka doo, a dinka dee, a dinka doo
Oh, what a tune for crooning
Inka dinka doo, a dinka dee, a dinka doo
It's got the whole world spooning

Eskimo bells up in Iceland, keep ringing
They've made their own Paradise Land, singin'
Inka dinka doo, a dinka dee, a dinka doo
Give me the link inka dinka doo, a dinka dee, a dinka doo

Inka dinka doo, a dinka dee, a dinka doo
Inka dinka doo, a dinka dee, a dinka doo

I hear the song in the forest, so thrillin'
Love birds all singin' in chorus twirling
Inka dinka doo, a dinka dee, a dinka doo
Sing me that inka dinka doo, a dinka dee, a dinka doo

Inka dinka doo, a dinka dee, a dinka doo
Oh, what a tune for crooning
Inka dinka doo, a dinka dee, a dinka doo
It's got the whole world spooning

Give me a crown with a bandstand above it
I'll sing my song to the grandstand, I love it




Inka dinka doo, a dinka dee, a dinka doo
Simply means inka dinka doo, a dinka dee, a dinka doo

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of John Lithgow's "Inka Dinka Doo" are a celebration of music and its ability to connect people across cultures and bring joy to the world. The singer is captured by a "haunting refrain" that he hears "here and then there, everywhere." The melody is so beautiful that it keeps "taunting my brain constantly" and becomes the singer's "melody, symphony." The titular phrase "Inka Dinka Doo" is the embodiment of this joyful, infectious melody, which has the power to make the whole world sing and spoon (i.e. dance or cuddle).


The song reflects a global perspective, mentioning "Eskimo bells up in Iceland" and "lovebirds all singing in chorus" in the forest. Lithgow's lyrics suggest that music is a universal language that transcends boundaries, bringing people together in "Paradise Land" to join in its enchanting rhythms. The singer yearns to perform for a grandstand crowd, eager to share his love for this "tune for crooning." Ultimately, the song is a tribute to the power of music to inspire and uplift, no matter who you are or where you come from.


Line by Line Meaning

What is that haunting refrain that I hear in the air?
Lithgow is wondering about the beautiful tune that he hears around him


Here and then there, every where
He is hearing the tune in different places


It's such a beautiful strain that keeps taunting my brain constantly
The tune is not leaving Lithgow's head


It's my melody, it's my symphony
He is claiming ownership of the tune and how it resonates with him


Oh, what a tune for crooning
The tune is ideal for singing in a crooning style


It's got the whole world spooning
The tune has captured the hearts of listeners worldwide


Eskimo bells up in Iceland, keep ringing
Even people as far as Iceland have embraced the tune and are celebrating it


They've made their own Paradise Land, singin'
The tune has created a paradise-like experience in Iceland that is being enjoyed through singing


Give me the link inka dinka doo, a dinka dee, a dinka doo
Lithgow wants to be a part of the global phenomenon of singing the tune


I hear the song in the forest, so thrillin'
Lithgow is still unable to escape the tune, even when he is in the forest


Love birds all singin' in chorus twirling
Even the bird chirping sounds blend perfectly with the tune, creating a chorus effect


Sing me that inka dinka doo, a dinka dee, a dinka doo
Lithgow is requesting the tune to be sung again


Give me a crown with a bandstand above it
Lithgow wants to be in a performance setting - like a bandstand or stage - to perform the tune


I'll sing my song to the grandstand, I love it
He is eager to perform the tune to a large audience


Simply means inka dinka doo, a dinka dee, a dinka doo
The phrase inka dinka doo, a dinka dee, a dinka doo is a simple expression for the beautiful tune that he loves




Contributed by Alexis J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found