Inka Dinka Doo
John Lithgow feat. Wayne Knight Lyrics
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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
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
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.
@gberndt4music
During WWII, Mr Durante was touring for the USO. He only had time to perform about 15 minutes of his material. When he got on stage, he sang, played, danced and joked his heart out for the troops for 40 minutes. After his final bow, he rushed off stage. His manager asked him why he performed for so long. Durante said "I saw two soldiers, one who lost his left arm, and one who lost his right arm, sitting together, so they could both clap their hands. I Figured, those brave guys did their best. So giving them my best was the least I could do." What a classy guy.
@geraldsobel3470
Jimmy Durante brings tears to my eyes. I remember watching his show on TV, and of course, growing up being teased myself, for having a big nose, I can relate to him!
@Laurencetw
I only just discovered your comment because I showed 'Frosty the Snowman' to my students today, and was doing a search on Jimmy. Merry Christmas and God bless you.
@josephcostello695
Grew up on this, man. Mom and Dad loved him. Loved how my parents shared their 2:30 music with us. 6 kids to this day. I like to listen to this music.
@ronaldszudy8184
There will never be another Durante--a beloved true original!
@ChuckWroste
I saw Jimmy Durante in concert back in 1966 and he brought a joy to the room that was almost visible. The night before, I was at a reception for him and met him briefly.; As soon as he walked into the room, he gathered a bunch of us around the piano and we sang all kinds of good old songs, including "Inka-Dinka-Doo" while he played. It remains one of my very favorite memories!
@robinharris8837
Sounds like a great experience. Wish I had been there, too.
@moon0halo
Wow! Thank you for sharing!
@lordbyronblack
Jimmy Durante tried to measure his charisma, once. The machine burst into flames.
@Briguy75
A charisma unmatched since.....