Boa constrictor
Peter Paul & Mary (Children's) Lyrics
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I'm being swallowed by a boa constrictor
I'm being swallowed by a boa constrictor
And I don't like it very much!
Oh no, oh no, he swallowed my toe,
He swallowed my toe
Oh gee, oh gee, he's up to my knee,
Oh fiddle, oh fiddle, he's reached my middle,
He's reached my middle
Oh heck, oh heck, he's up to my neck,
He's up to my neck
Oh dread, oh dread, he swallowed my.... schlirppp!
The song "Boa Constrictor" by Peter Paul & Mary is a whimsical song about being swallowed by a snake. The song is sung in a lighthearted but exaggerated tone, with the singer describing how a boa constrictor has swallowed them whole, bit by bit, until they are completely inside the snake. The singer expresses their fear and discomfort with humor and playfulness, which adds to the overall silly tone of the song.
Although the lyrics may seem childish and nonsensical, they can also be interpreted as a metaphor for feeling overwhelmed or consumed by something in one's life. The boa constrictor represents the stress or worry that someone may feel, and being swallowed by it represents the feeling of being unable to escape from it. By using a lighthearted approach to this serious topic, the song allows listeners to see their problems in a different light and find humor in their struggles.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm being swallowed by a boa constrictor
I am currently experiencing the process of being devoured by a large snake of the species Boa constrictor.
And I don't like it very much!
This situation is not to my liking and is causing me distress.
Oh no, oh no, he swallowed my toe,
I am expressing dismay and alarm that the snake has consumed one of my toes.
He swallowed my toe
The snake has consumed one of my toes.
Oh gee, oh gee, he's up to my knee,
I am expressing surprise and concern that the snake has now devoured my leg up to my knee.
He's up to my knee
The snake has consumed my leg up to my knee.
Oh fiddle, oh fiddle, he's reached my middle,
I am expressing frustration and anxiety that the snake has progressed to consuming my midsection.
He's reached my middle
The snake has consumed my midsection.
Oh heck, oh heck, he's up to my neck,
I am expressing alarm and desperation that the snake has now devoured my body up to my neck.
He's up to my neck
The snake has consumed my body up to my neck.
Oh dread, oh dread, he swallowed my.... schlirppp!
I am expressing horror and disgust as the snake consumes the rest of my body in a gruesome manner before making a sound effect.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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