Chicken Rhythm
Slim Gaillard Lyrics


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Buk off, buk buk
Jay it low, Chicken Rhythm
Buk off, buk buk
Jay it low, Chicken Rhythm
Buk off, buk buk
Jay it low, Chicken Rhythm
Buk off, buk buk
Jay it low. Chicken Rhythm

When that rooster start to crow
Grab your partner on your way
Then you move out on the low
Cause it won't be long for the break of day

Buk off, buk buk
Jay it low, Chicken Rhythm
Buk off, buk buk
Jay it low. Chicken Rhythm

Buk buk buk buk, buk off
Buk buk buk buk, buk off
Buk buk buk buk, buk off

Buk off, buk off

Buk buk buk buk, buk off
Buk buk buk buk, buk off
Buk buk buk buk, buk off

Buk off, buk off

Buk buk buk buk, buk off
Buk buk buk buk, buk off
Buk buk buk buk, buk off





Buk off, buk off

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Slim Gaillard's "Chicken Rhythm" are a playful and catchy ode to the activity of chickens themselves. The repeated phrase "buk off" mimics the sound of a chicken's clucking and sets the tone for the entire song. The phrase "Jay it low, Chicken Rhythm" is likely a direction to the band or dancers accompanying the music to keep in rhythm with the low, steady movements of a chicken. The line "When that rooster start to crow" sets the scene for a barnyard dance, with participants grabbing their partners and moving to the music.


The lyrics themselves are quite simple, and it is likely that the real impact of "Chicken Rhythm" comes from the infectious melody and rhythm of the song. Gaillard was known for his unique, scat-like vocal style and use of nonsense syllables in his music, which can be heard in the "buk buk" refrain. "Chicken Rhythm" also features a call-and-response element, with Gaillard leading the "buk off" chant and the musical accompaniment responding with a melody. Overall, the lyrics to "Chicken Rhythm" express an upbeat and lighthearted celebration of the joy and energy of chickens, as well as the sense of community and togetherness that comes from dancing and moving to music.


Line by Line Meaning

Buk off, buk buk
Shoo away, little chickens


Jay it low, Chicken Rhythm
Get down low and do the Chicken Rhythm dance


When that rooster start to crow
When the rooster begins to sing in the morning


Grab your partner on your way
Take your dance partner with you


Then you move out on the low
Start dancing in a lower position


Cause it won't be long for the break of day
The sun will rise soon, so don't dance for too long


Buk buk buk buk, buk off
Shoo shoo, chickens


Buk off, buk off
Get out of here, chickens




Contributed by Adalyn S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@WaleliMoonrise

MY NEW FAVORITE SONG
Just a few minutes ago my favorite song was Sukiyaki Cha Cha!
All the Slim Gaillard songs are my favorite!!

@ivancurtean807

Understandable 😊

@timothymatthews1433

best song when you are feeling down

@oreoanimationstudio

Man this video is so underrated needs more likes!!!!

@mannykhan7752

I am so in love with this song....

@davidrichardsonusher

Tied for first place with Lawrence Welk's Chicken Polka!

@saeedhamour3470

very useful when we learn swing

@DonDeering

Do you hear someone cracking up 3 or 4 times?

@ericw7794

la canciΓ³n preferida de Vicky de Medellin!

@HurdyG

Slim was a real Motha Baka.

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