Eldridge was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His nickname was Little Jazz. Eldridge played in the bands of Fletcher Henderson, Gene Krupa and Artie Shaw before making records under his own name. He also played in Benny Goodman's and Count Basie's Orchestras, and co-led a band with Coleman Hawkins.
King of the Bongo Bong
Roy Eldridge Lyrics
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That all this swing belongs to me
Cause I'm the king
Of bongo bong
I may not dress just like a king
Or knock your cock out when I sing
But I′m the king
I'm bad enough without a gun
And drinking is my only fun
I make the laws and break them too
Makes no difference what I do!
Many a men would like to be
In my place instead of me
Because I'm the king
Of bongo bong
The lyrics of Roy Eldridge's song, "King of the Bongo Bong," are an interesting exploration of power dynamics and the perception of what makes someone powerful or influential. The singer asserts that despite not having the trappings typically associated with being a king, such as a fancy wardrobe or a powerful voice, they are still the king of their domain because of their ability to create compelling swing music.
Furthermore, the lyrics touch on the idea that power can come from different sources, including alcohol or a disregard for authority. The singer claims to make the laws and break them too, showcasing their power through reckless behavior. This, in turn, creates a desire in others to be in the singer's position, as they too want to experience the same level of freedom and control.
Overall, the lyrics of "King of the Bongo Bong" are both playful and thought-provoking, offering a unique glimpse into the mindset of someone who sees themselves as powerful even if others don't recognize it.
Line by Line Meaning
Here I am it’s plain to see
It is evident that I hold the power and mastery
That all this swing belongs to me
I am the one who leads and dominates the music scene
Cause I’m the king of bongo bong
As the most skilled and talented musician, I am the ruler of this genre
I may not dress just like a king
I do not conform to traditional royal attire
Or knock your cock out when I sing
I may not have a powerful or imposing voice, but my musical abilities still reign supreme
But I’m the king of bongo bong
Once again, I remind you that I hold the crown as the leader of this music style
I’m bad enough without a gun
I am capable of causing harm or destruction even without a weapon
And drinking is my only fun
My enjoyment in life comes from indulging in alcoholic beverages
I make the laws and break them too
I have the power to both create and ignore laws or rules
Makes no difference what I do!
My actions will always have consequences, regardless of my social status or power
Many a men would like to be
There are many who envy or desire my position
In my place instead of me
They wish to take over as the newly crowned king of bongo bong
Because I’m the king of bongo bong
Once again, I emphasize my dominance and superiority in this music genre
Contributed by Caden E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.