By their own assertion, they achieved their unique sound in part by striving to get unnatural synthesizer-like sounds using only what instruments they had available (acoustic ones). To that end they routinely used muffled and de-tuned instruments, and often to striking effect, tape loops / manipulation. The two released four full length albums, one collection, various songs on compilation albums, and several self-produced demos. They were "discovered" by The Residents when Brian dropped off a tape at Ralph Records headquarters in San Francisco, during a visit to the U.S. After being signed to Ralph, they collaborated with The Residents on Title in Limbo.
By 1989, the collaboration had lost its steam, and the duo disbanded after recording a sea shanty, "Haul on the Bowline," which appeared only on a Ralph various artists release. Brian/Renaldo contributed to sporadic recordings in the 1990s. In 2006 upon the launch of the new Renaldo & the Loaf web site, the duo were reunited for the first time in the better part of two decades.
Websites:
http://www.turkeyworld.org/renaldoloaf/index.html
http://www.myspace.com/ollehollehrotcod
http://www.myspace.com/thedarkeningscale (The Loaf)
http://www.myspace.com/renaldomalpractice (Renaldo)
Hambu Hodo
Renaldo and the Loaf Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He on sho way fro omela
Ze an he at o moto
- hambu n hambu hodo
In te ho ue o dul mids
Ark an he rav mi end said
Ze an he ar o moto
Don ad ot n pris a loon
Srage ews fro an o he sar
Ze an he ar o moto
- hambu n hambu hodo
"Hambo Hodo" by Renaldo & the Loaf is a song that showcases a beautiful example of gibberish lyrics. The song is comprised of three verses that make no sense when interpreted in any known language. The song is characterized by its repetitive, percussive, and discordant melody, giving it a unique sound that makes it stand out. The song's lyrics appear to be inspired by Polynesian or African languages, but they are entirely made up; they are not translatable into any known language.
The song begins with "He fat o san di o su," which is repeated with changes three times throughout the first verse. The second verse starts with "In te ho ue o dul mids," which is also repeated with variations three times. Finally, the third verse starts with "Don ad ot n pris a loon," which is repeated three times with changes. Throughout the song, the phrase "Hambu n hambu hodo" is repeated several times and appears to be the song's chorus.
The meaning behind this song is obscure and unclear, but some people have suggested that it is a song about the rhythm and the sound of the syllables rather than their semantic content. The song has become a cult classic and has influenced many modern musicians, including the Talking Heads, Devo, and Primus.
Line by Line Meaning
He fat o san di o su
He walks with heavy steps, making a loud sound
He on sho way fro omela
He is traveling far away from home
Ze an he at o moto
He is riding on a motorcycle
- hambu n hambu hodo
The sound of the motorcycle engine is heard repeatedly
In te ho ue o dul mids
In the darkness of the night, he is walking alone
Ark an he rav mi end said
He remembers the words of a loved one left behind
Ze an he ar o moto
Again, he is riding on a motorcycle
- hambu n hambu hodo
The repeated sound of the engine fills the air
Don ad ot n pris a loon
He does not care about being different or standing out
Srage ews fro an o he sar
Strange news comes from far away lands
Ze an he ar o moto
He continues to ride his motorcycle
- hambu n hambu hodo
The sound of the engine persists
Contributed by Adam J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@3dgyt33n3
I am OBSESSED with this song!
@orbaddict
Shazam led me here. Think it was a mistake, but the result is SO WORTH IT.
@EliasVideoProduction
If you hear "Hambu Hodo" and "Songs For Swinging Larvae" at the same time, it sound like a brand new song from Renaldo And The Loaf. Is just fantastic!
@transmutation11
macklemore owes these guys a lot of money
@InfiniteRhombus
i laughed so hard i was crying
@scottibugatti7122
Lmao
@HalaBasinah
In this song, you can hear the titles of the books "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance," "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas," and "Strange News from Another Star," minus a couple letters (ze an he at o moto, he on sho way fro omela, and srage ews fro an o he sar). Smart guys, Renaldo and the Loaf.
@gaugebessert7617
you solved the mystery finally
@KrisnaMadhu
I used to play with my cat to this. She would get so involved she'd lose herself in it and then stop and freak out and run away. And come back again for more the next day. Sometimes it's easy being simple.
@JaceMogill
As I played this masterpiece my cat appeared in the doorway and proceeded to nap. Every cat responds positively, but differently, to Renaldo and the Loaf.