Civilization
Kaye danny Lyrics
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He tells the native population that civilization is fine
And three educated savages holler from a bamboo tree
That civilization is a thing for me to see
So bongo, bongo, bongo, I don't want to leave the congo, oh no no no no no
Bingo, bangle, bungle, I'm so happy in the jungle, I refuse to go
Don't want no bright lights, false teeth, doorbells, landlords, I make it clear
I looked through a magazine the missionary's wife concealed
(Magazine, what happens)
I see how people who are civilized bung you with automobile
(You know you can get hurt that way Daniel)
At the movies they have got to pay many coconuts to see
(What do they see, darling)
Uncivilized pictures that the newsreel takes of me
So bongo, bongo, bongo, he don't want to leave the congo, oh no no no no no
Bingo, bangle, bungle, he's so happy in the jungle, he refuse to go
Don't want no penthouse, bathtub, streetcars, taxis, noise in my ear
(So, no matter how they coax him) I'll stay right here
They hurry like savages to get aboard an iron train
And though it's smokey and it's crowded, they're too civilized to complain
When they've got two weeks vacation, they hurry to vacation ground
(What do they do, darling)
They swim and they fish, but that's what I do all year round
So bongo, bongo, bongo, I don't want to leave the congo, oh no no no no no
Bingo, bangle, bungle, I'm so happy in the jungle, I refuse to go
Don't want no jailhouse, (shotgun) fish hooks (golf clubs) I got my spears
(So, no matter how they coax him) I'll stay right here
They have things like the atom bomb (so I think I'll stay where I am)
Civilization, I'll stay right here
In "Civilization" by Kaye Danny, the lyrics criticize the idea of Western civilization and the colonialist mindset that went along with it. The song tells the story of a colonial missionary in Africa who believes that he is helping the "uncivilized" natives by bringing them Western culture. The missionary's wife hides a magazine from the natives that shows the dark side of Western society, such as automobile accidents. This highlights the idea that Western society is not any better than other societies, and even has its own problems.
The lyrics also emphasize the fact that the natives are content with their own way of life and do not need or want Western civilization forced upon them. The chorus of "So bongo, bongo, bongo, I don't want to leave the Congo, oh no no no no no" shows that the natives are happy and fulfilled living in their own culture, and do not feel the need to assimilate to Western culture. The song ridicules the notion that Western civilization is the only valid way of living and suggests that each culture has its own merits, and that indigenous societies should be respected for the unique perspectives they offer.
Line by Line Meaning
Each morning, a missionary advertises neon sign
Everyday the religious worker promotes a modern-looking advertisement.
He tells the native population that civilization is fine
He assures the indeginous people that advanced society is commendable.
And three educated savages holler from a bamboo tree
A few knowledgeable members of the tribe protest from a vegetative barricade.
That civilization is a thing for me to see
The concept of a sophisticated lifestyle is a new experience for them.
So bongo, bongo, bongo, I don't want to leave the congo, oh no no no no no
I wholeheartedly refuse to abandon my African habitat.
Bingo, bangle, bungle, I'm so happy in the jungle, I refuse to go
The wild, uncivilized forest provides me endless joy and contentment.
Don't want no bright lights, false teeth, doorbells, landlords, I make it clear
Eliminate any form of technological sophistication- lighting, tooth adornments, modern welcoming or dwelling management- my stance is evident.
(That no matter how they coax him) I'll stay right here
Regardless of any attempt to persuade me, my decision is final.
I looked through a magazine the missionary's wife concealed
The promoter's spouse concealed and I looked through a periodical.
I see how people who are civilized bung you with automobile
I noticed through the publication the dangers a person faces from a motorcar in a sophisticated environment.
(You know you can get hurt that way Daniel)
There's an awareness of the potential harm that can occur from the situation.
At the movies they have got to pay many coconuts to see
To watch cinematic productions, they must offer numerous coconuts as payment.
Uncivilized pictures that the newsreel takes of me
Unsavory shots of myself, taken by a news camera.
They hurry like savages to get aboard an iron train
Individuals rush to enter a metallic transportation tool like wild beasts.
And though it's smokey and it's crowded, they're too civilized to complain
Although the atmosphere is smoggy and packed, their sophistication prevents them from voicing their dissatisfaction.
When they've got two weeks vacation, they hurry to vacation ground
When granted a duo of leisure weeks, they waste no time flocking to destination spots.
They swim and they fish, but that's what I do all year round
Their frequent activities during their reprieve are already my daily routines.
Don't want no jailhouse, (shotgun) fish hooks (golf clubs) I got my spears
I avoid incarceration and jeopardous instruments, but these poles/framed ferocious weapons supply my needs.
(So, no matter how they coax him) I'll stay right here
Any argument or persuasion will not maneuver me out of my present location.
They have things like the atom bomb (so I think I'll stay where I am)
Nuclear weaponry exists (which is a reason) why I am resolved to stay here.
Civilization, I'll stay right here
Established society will not change my resolve to remain in the jungle.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BOB HILLIARD, CARL SIGMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind