The Four Lads were a Canadian singing group. They grew up together in Toron… Read Full Bio ↴The Four Lads were a Canadian singing group. They grew up together in Toronto, Ontario, and were members of St. Michael's Choir School, where they learned to sing. The founding members were Corrado "Connie" Codarini, bass; John Bernard "Bernie" Toorish (born 2 March 1931), lead; James F. "Jimmy" Arnold, (4 January 1932-15 June 2004) first tenor; and Frank Busseri, baritone and group manager. Codarini and Toorish had formed a group with two other St. Michael's students, Rudi Maugeri and John Perkins, who were later to become founding members of another group, The Crew-Cuts.

Skokiaan
The Four Lads Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Skokiaan
Skokiaan
Skokiaan
Skokiaan
Skokiaan
Skokiaan
Skokiaan
Skokiaan

Ohh, far away in Africa
Happy happy Africa
They sing-a bingo bango bingo
They have a ball and really go
Skokiaan
Skokiaan
Skokiaan

Ohh, take a trip to Africa
Any ship to Africa
Come on along and learn the lingo
Beside a jungle bungalow
Skokiaan
Skokiaan
Skokiaan

Hot drums are drumming
the hot strings are strumming
and warm lips are blissful
They're kissful of Skokiaan

Ohh, when you go to Africa
Happy happy Africa
You linga longa like a King-o
Right in a jungle bungalow

Skoki skoki skoki skokiaan
Okie dokie, anybody can
Skoki skoki man oh man oh man
You sing-a bingo bango bingo
In hokey pokey skokiaan
Skokiaan

Ohh, far away in Africa
Happy happy Africa
They sing-a bingo bango bingo
They have a ball and really go

Ohh, take a trip to Africa
any ship to Africa
Come on along and learn the lingo
beside a jungle bungalow

Hot drums are drumming
the hot strings are strumming
and warm lips are blissful
They're kissful of Skokiaan

Ohh, when you go to Africa
Happy happy Africa
You linga longa like a King-o
Right in a jungle bungalow

Skokiaan
Skokiaan
Skokiaan
Skokiaan

Ohh, right in a jungle bungalow
Skokiaan

Overall Meaning

The Four Lads's song Skokiaan is a lighthearted tune about the joy and energy of African music and culture. The repetitive refrain of "Skokiaan" is reminiscent of the rhythms of African drumming, and the lyrics describe the excitement and happiness that can be found in Africa. The song encourages the listener to "take a trip to Africa" and "learn the lingo" in order to fully embrace the vibrant and celebratory spirit of the continent.

The verses of the song describe the scene of "jungle bungalows" and "hot drums" and "hot strings" that contribute to the joyful atmosphere. The suggestion of "linga longa like a King-o" adds to the playful tone of the song and invites the listener to join in the fun. Overall, Skokiaan is a cheerful and upbeat song that celebrates the beauty and vibrancy of African culture.

Line by Line Meaning

Skokiaan
Repeating the name of the song.

Ohh, far away in Africa
The song takes you on a trip to Africa.

Happy happy Africa
Africa is depicted as a happy place.

They sing-a bingo bango bingo
The people in Africa sing and have fun.

They have a ball and really go
The people in Africa have a great time.

Skokiaan
Repeating the name of the song.

Ohh, take a trip to Africa
The song suggests going to Africa.

Any ship to Africa
Any mode of transportation can take you to Africa.

Come on along and learn the lingo
The song encourages learning the local language.

Beside a jungle bungalow
The song describes a potential location to stay in Africa.

Skokiaan
Repeating the name of the song.

Hot drums are drumming
The music in Africa is described as hot and lively.

the hot strings are strumming
The music in Africa is described as hot and lively.

and warm lips are blissful
This line is likely a reference to kissing.

They're kissful of Skokiaan
The people in Africa are enjoying the music with enthusiasm.

Ohh, when you go to Africa
The song continues to suggest going to Africa.

Happy happy Africa
Reiterating that Africa is a happy place.

You linga longa like a King-o
The song encourages feeling like a king in Africa.

Right in a jungle bungalow
Again, a potential location to stay in Africa.

Skoki skoki skoki skokiaan
Repeating the name of the song with shortened syllables.

Okie dokie, anybody can
All are welcome to enjoy the song.

Skoki skoki man oh man oh man
More of the song's name with shortened syllables.

You sing-a bingo bango bingo
Singing, dancing and having fun.

In hokey pokey skokiaan
Possible reference to the dance or singing style associated with the song.

Skokiaan
Repeating the name of the song.

Ohh, right in a jungle bungalow
Ending the song by describing the location of the happy people.

Skokiaan
Repeating the name of the song.

Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing, Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: August Msururgwa, Tom Glazer

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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