Kip Tyler (real name: Elwood Westertson Smith; born May 31, 1929 Chicago, I… Read Full Bio ↴Kip Tyler (real name: Elwood Westertson Smith; born May 31, 1929 Chicago, Illinois; died September 23, 1996, Los Angeles, California) was American rock and roll singer and bongo player. His backing band was called The Flips, their line up was Jim Horn, Larry Knechtel, Mike Bermani, Mike Deasy , Sandy Nelson and Steve Kreisman.

Kip Tyler was lead singer of Sleepwalkers during his time at Union High School and later teamed up with rival musicians from Fairfax High School to form the early version of Kip Tyler and the Flips. In early, 1957, Kip caught the attention of arranger Joesph Gershenson who hired him to work on a project connected to the movie "Rock, Pretty Baby". Stemming from the success of movie, Tyler took on the name of Jimmy Daley (the main character of the movie who he provided a voice over for) and formed the band Jimmy Daley And The Ding-A-Lings. He recorded his first album at Decca records.. Songs such as "Red Lips and Green Eyes", "Hole in the Wall" and " Bongo Rock" were produced at Decca Records. Unfortunately for Tyler, the sequeal to "Rock, Pretty Baby", "Summer Love" was a flop and so was the career of his surname, Jimmy Daley.

In late 1957, he formed a new group, Kip Tyler And The Flips, responsible for the hits Jungle Hop (which was covered by The Cramps) and She's My Witch. He wore leather and he even had a motorcycle on stage. When the band split in 1959, Tyler attempted a solo career, but with limited success. In 1964 he recorded for the label Gyro Disk, and his success briefly peaked after recording a number of songs. Tyler's last single was made in 1965. He did not like talking about his days in rock 'n' roll, he refused to talk about it. He died September 23, 1996 in Los Angeles, California.

Several members of The Flips had success as session musicians , while drummer Sandy Nelson also had a successful solo career.

Jungle
Kip Tyler and the Flips Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Tell me what you´ve
Done done done done
Your heart beats like a
Jungle Jungle Drum

I smell it in your hair
I feel it everywhere
Tell me what you´ve

Done done done done
All night long
All night long
All night long
Long Long Long Long

Tell me what you´ve
Done done done done
Your heart beats like a
Jungle Jungle Drum

Tell me what you´ve
Done done done done
Your heart beats like a
Jungle Jungle Drum

Tell me what you´ve
Done
Done

Your heart beats like a
Jungle Jungle Drum

Tell me what you´ve
Done
Done

Your heart beats like a
Jungle Jungle Drum

Did you dance like a monkey
With your hands on your feet
Did get you a little funky
And bounce to the beat

Did you get a bit to tipsy
Did it get a little to wild
Did you dance like a monkey
Tell me what you
Tell me what you hide

Dont you dare and
Lie lie lie to me
One look in your eyes
And I can see
The screaming neon lights
Your higher than a kite
Tell me what you´ve
Done done done done
All night long

All night long
All night long
Long Long Long Long

Tell me what you´ve
Done done done done
Your heart beats like a
Jungle Jungle Drum

Tell me what you´ve
Done done done done
Your heart beats like a
Jungle Jungle Drum

Tell me what you´ve
Done
Done

Your heart beats like a
Jungle Jungle Drum

Tell me what you´ve
Done
Done

Your heart beats like a
Jungle Jungle Drum

Dance like a monkey

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Jungle" by Kip Tyler and the Flips convey a sense of mystery and intrigue, as the singer repeatedly asks the listener to reveal what they have done, emphasizing the pulsating rhythm of their heart like a jungle drum. The repetition of "done done done done" and "all night long" creates a hypnotic effect, drawing the listener into the enigmatic atmosphere of the song. The imagery of the jungle is used metaphorically to suggest wildness, untamed energy, and hidden desires, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.

The references to smelling it in the hair and feeling it everywhere hint at a sensory experience that is all-encompassing and visceral. The questioning tone of the lyrics, coupled with the insistent rhythm, creates a sense of urgency and curiosity, as if the singer is trying to unravel a puzzle or uncover a secret. The repeated line "your heart beats like a jungle jungle drum" serves as a thematic anchor, reinforcing the idea of primal rhythms and passions running deep within the listener.

The second half of the song shifts focus to a more playful and provocative tone, with vivid imagery of dancing like a monkey, getting funky, and letting loose in a wild and uninhibited manner. The lyrics delve into themes of uninhibited self-expression, indulgence, and possibly recklessness, as the singer asks pointed questions about dancing, feeling tipsy, and surrendering to the rhythm. The juxtaposition of the carefree antics of dancing like a monkey with the dark undertones of hidden truths and potential deception adds layers of complexity to the song's narrative.

The final verses of the song heighten the tension and anticipation, as the singer implores the listener not to lie and hints at a revelation waiting to be uncovered. The imagery of neon lights, being higher than a kite, and the relentless beat of the jungle drum create a sense of being caught in a whirlwind of emotions and experiences. The song culminates with a sense of unresolved suspense, leaving the listener to ponder the complexities of human desires, impulses, and the enigmatic dance that is life.

Line by Line Meaning

Tell me what you´ve
Share with me your actions or experiences

Done done done done
Repeatedly accomplished certain things

Your heart beats like a
Your inner emotions are as intense as

Jungle Jungle Drum
The rhythm of a wild and untamed place

I smell it in your hair
I sense it in your presence

I feel it everywhere
I perceive it all around

All night long
Throughout the entire night

Long Long Long Long
A prolonged period of time

Did you dance like a monkey
Did you move wildly and freely

With your hands on your feet
Expressing yourself in a unique manner

Did get you a little funky
Did you feel a bit eccentric