The Chipettes are a fictional group of anthropomorphic chipmunk singers fir… Read Full Bio ↴The Chipettes are a fictional group of anthropomorphic chipmunk singers first appearing on the cartoon series Alvin and the Chipmunks in 1983. In this cartoon and related materials, the Chipettes served as female featured characters in their own right, starring in several episodes in which their male counterparts did not appear. The title of the show was changed from Alvin and the Chipmunks to simply The Chipmunks in 1988 to reflect this reality. In the cartoon series and the accompanying feature films, all of the Chipettes were voiced by their creator, Janice Karman, wife of Ross Bagdasarian, Jr., son of Ross Bagdasarian, Sr., originator of The Chipmunks. Karman also wrote and voiced the Chipettes' dialogue on all of their studio albums, while studio singers such as Susan Boyd, Shelby Daniel, and Katherine Coon provided their singing voices. In the Japanese language version of the feature film The Chipmunk Adventure, the voices for the Chipettes are provided by Mayumi Suzuki, Mika Doi and Ikue Ōtani.

We No Speak Americano/Conga
The Chipettes Lyrics

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Pa pa l' americano
Pa pa l' americano
Pa pa l' americano

Come on, shake your body baby,
Do the conga
I know you can't control yourself any longer

Pa pa l' americano
Pa pa l' americano
Pa pa l' americano

Come on, shake your body baby,
Do the conga
I know you can't control yourself any longer

Everybody gather 'round now
Let your body feel the hit.
Don't you worry if you can't dance
Let the music move your feet.

Come on, shake your body baby,
Do the conga
I know you can't control yourself any longer
Come on, shake your body baby,
Do the conga
I know you can't control yourself any longer
Come on, shake your body baby,
Do the conga
I know you can't control yourself any longer
Come on, shake your body baby,
Do the conga
I know you can't control yourself any longer

Pa pa l' americano
Pa pa l' americano
Pa pa l' americano

It's the rhythm of the island
And like sugarcane, so sweet.
If you want to do the conga
You've got to listen to the beat.

Come on, shake your body baby,
Do the conga
I know you can't control yourself any longer
Come on, shake your body baby,
Do the conga
I know you can't control yourself any longer

Comme te po'
Comme te po'
Comme te po' capi' chi te vo' bene
Si tu le parle 'mmiezzo americano?
Quando se fa l'ammore sotto 'a luna
Come te vene 'capa e di, "I love you!?"

I love you

Pa pa l' americano
Pa pa l' americano
Pa pa l' americano

Fa l' americano!

Pa pa l' americano
Fa fa l' americano

Come on, shake your body baby,
Do the conga
I know you can't control yourself any longer
Come on, shake your body baby,
Do the conga
I know you can't control yourself any longer
Come on, shake your body baby,
Do the conga
I know you can't control yourself any longer
Come on, shake your body baby,

Do the conga
I know you can't control yourself any longer

Overall Meaning

The Chipettes's song "We No Speak Americano/Conga" is a dance-pop crossover song that's filled with lively beats, peppy vocals, and immense enthusiasm. The song features continuous repetition of the phrase "Pa pa l' americano," which is an Italian phrase meaning "Daddy, the American." The phrase's repetition throughout the song is reminiscent of many party anthems that feature endlessly repeated hooks that are catchy and easy to remember.

The song's lyrics encourage listeners to let go of their inhibitions and dance along to the beat. The lines "Come on, shake your body baby, do the conga, I know you can't control yourself any longer" speak to the song's desire to get people to let loose and enjoy the moment. The line "If you want to do the conga, you've got to listen to the beat" emphasizes that the song is all about dancing, and the conga dance in particular, which is a form of Latin dance that requires a lot of motion and energy.

In summary, the Chipettes's song "We No Speak Americano/Conga" is a fun and high-energy song that encourages listeners to let go of their inhibitions and dance along to the beat. The song's lyrics are simple and repetitive, but the upbeat melody and rhythm make it impossible not to get caught up in the fun.

Line by Line Meaning

Pa pa l' americano
Repeatedly singing about the American lifestyle and culture.

Come on, shake your body baby, Do the conga I know you can't control yourself any longer
Encouraging listeners to let loose and dance without inhibition.

Everybody gather 'round now Let your body feel the hit. Don't you worry if you can't dance Let the music move your feet.
Inviting everyone to join in and enjoy the music, regardless of dancing ability.

It's the rhythm of the island And like sugarcane, so sweet. If you want to do the conga You've got to listen to the beat.
Describing the catchy, melodic rhythm of the conga dance and encouraging listeners to follow the beat.

Comme te po' Comme te po' Comme te po' capi' chi te vo' bene Si tu le parle 'mmiezzo americano? Quando se fa l'ammore sotto 'a luna Come te vene 'capa e di, "I love you!?"
Asking if the listener can understand Italian dialect and whether they can say "I love you" in their own language.

Pa pa l' americano Fa l' americano!
Urging listeners to embrace the American culture and lifestyle.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Nicola Salerno, Renato Carosone

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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