Although the band received much commercial attention during the ska wave, they decided to continue down the independent road with STOMP Records, which had become and remains a major player in the international independent music scene. Their fourth release, “No Self Control” (2001) was produced by Steven Drake (Tragically Hip, Barenaked Ladies, The Odds etc.) and was also well received by national college radio and spawned hit videos such as the animated “Blind” and the tongue in cheek “Wish I Were American”.
“Mighty”, the Planet Smashers’ fifth full length, was produced/engineered by Rod Shearer (Bran Van 3000, Bionic, Corey Hart) and co-produced by The Planet Smashers (not to mention mixed on the same board as Madonna’s “Like a Virgin”!). Having moved past the dark and critical themes of “No Self Control”, “Mighty” became the band’s most success record internationally after being licensed by labels in Japan, Europe, Russia, Brazil and Australia.
The Planet Smashers released their first and only DVD “10” in 2004, commemorating the last 10 years of the band. Countless tours all over the world, 12 videos, 5 full length releases and a ton of good times. The Planet Smashers celebrated their 10th by joining the Vans Warped 2004 which also entered it’s 10th year. In 2005, the Smashers released “Unstoppable” their sixth and most recent commercial offering. The album was licensed in Japan by Sky/Sony, in the UK by Household Name Records/Plastic Head, in Europe by Leechredda/Cargo and in Russia by AudioFind. In 2006 the band played over 60 shows in Europe including Moscow, London, Vienna, Berlin, Zurich, Amsterdam, Dublin and many more.
In terms of touring, not many indie Canadian bands come close. They have headlined countless tours in North America, 8 European tours, been included on 5 Vans Warped Tour as well as a Japanese tour in 2002. They have toured with such acts as AFI, the Toasters, Sick of it All, Billy Talent, Rancid, Mustard Plug, Simple Plan, Samiam, The Aquabats, Mighty Mighty Bosstones and countless others.
Missionary's Downfall
The Planet Smashers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
“It's God” say the “Polynesse” [Sic]
They worship me mistakenly
I say “Tiki, who was he?”
Trader Vic at Hinky Dink's
He liked sex and he liked to drink
Built a temple to have fun
Huri Popo everyone
Aku-Ako, Mai-tai
Tonight's the night it'll be just fine
Gombay Smash or Kapu-Kai
Can't be bothered by the 9 to 5
Gotta get down at the coconut lounge tonight
Island people are a generous bunch
Offering drinks and buffet lunch
No missionary could ever see
Their downfall in Tahiti
Could this be paradise?
Hula skirts are really nice
Sweet and fruity drinks with ice
If I die this would suffice
Aku-Ako, Mai-tai
Tonight's the night it'll be just fine
Gombay Smash or Kapu-Kai
Can't be bothered by the 9 to 5
Come on I wuna lei ya at the coconut lounge tonight
Aku-Ako, Mai-tai
Tonight's the night it'll be just fine
Gotta get down at the coconut lounge tonight
Aku-Ako, Mai-tai
Tonight's the night it'll be just fine
Gombay Smash or Kapu-Kai
Can't be bothered by the 9 to 5
Gotta get down at the coconut lounge tonight
The Planet Smashers's song "Missionary's Downfall" is a satirical take on the Western idea of traveling to exotic "paradises" with the intent of converting indigenous people to Christianity. The song depicts a tourist landing in Tahiti and being mistaken for a god by the locals, who have misunderstood the Christian concept of God. The tourist is amused by their mistake and asks them about Tiki, the Polynesian god who was replaced by the Christian God.
The lyrics highlight the hypocrisy of Western colonialism and the damage it has caused to indigenous cultures around the world. The portrayal of the tourist as a drunken party-goer, enjoying sweet and fruity tropical drinks and hula skirts, adds to the satirical tone of the song. The chorus, with its catchy repetition of "Aku-Ako, Mai-tai / Gombay Smash or Kapu-Kai / Can't be bothered by the 9 to 5 / Gotta get down at the coconut lounge tonight," emphasizes the idea of escaping the pressures of Western society and indulging in the pleasures of island life.
The song is a commentary on the damaging effects of colonialism, and the importance of preserving indigenous cultures and beliefs. It also serves as a reminder to approach other cultures with respect and understanding, rather than trying to impose our own beliefs onto them.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody on your knees
The people are being commanded to kneel down.
“It's God” say the “Polynesse” [Sic]
The Polynesian people are mistakingly worshipping the singer as a God.
They worship me mistakenly
The singer is being worshipped by mistake.
I say “Tiki, who was he?”
The singer questions who Tiki is, the original god the Polynesian people worshipped.
Trader Vic at Hinky Dink's
Trader Vic, a famous bartender who invented tiki drinks, is being mentioned in the song.
He liked sex and he liked to drink
Trader Vic was known for enjoying sex and alcohol.
Built a temple to have fun
Trader Vic's tiki bars were built to be places of fun and enjoyment.
Huri Popo everyone
A chant or call to everyone to enjoy themselves at the tiki bar.
Island people are a generous bunch
The people of the island are known for being generous.
Offering drinks and buffet lunch
Their generosity extends to offering drinks and food to visitors.
No missionary could ever see
Missionaries to the island would not understand or appreciate the island's culture and way of life.
Their downfall in Tahiti
The potential downfall of the missionaries would be not being able to understand or accept the island's culture.
Could this be paradise?
The singer is questioning if this tropical paradise could be a true paradise.
Hula skirts are really nice
The singer is appreciating the beauty of the traditional hula skirt.
Sweet and fruity drinks with ice
The tropical drinks are refreshing and enjoyable.
If I die this would suffice
The singer would be content if this was their last experience in life.
Come on I wuna lei ya at the coconut lounge tonight
The singer is inviting someone to join them at the tiki bar.
Gotta get down at the coconut lounge tonight
The singer is emphasizing the need to go to the tiki bar and have a good time.
Aku-Ako, Mai-tai
The names of two popular tiki drinks.
Tonight's the night it'll be just fine
The singer is anticipating a great night at the tiki bar.
Gombay Smash or Kapu-Kai
Two other popular tiki drinks.
Can't be bothered by the 9 to 5
The singer is focused on enjoying themselves and not worried about work or obligations.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
TheShameofaNation
I remember hearing this on some unfinished One Piece flash on newgrounds when I was in like 5th grade. I'm a high school senior now, so this is pretty damn nostalgic.
Ardhamon5000
DUDE SAME!!! I fell in love with this song because of that flash!!
Dolph-Face Baby!
Yo me too, exactly the same way I fount it lmao holy shit
Faizal Ali
came here just because i remembered that hahaha
Shitaki Mushrooms
Lol I was in high school when I saw that flash animation. I'm not in my 30's. Fuck I'm old
Beanyot
YO FUCKIN SAME DUDE
jinxpanda69
This song is so awesome. First song I ever herd from them after that i fell in love. Beastly song. Ska is simply just the best.
I Ate A Bug
This is the first Planet Smashers song I ever listened to. I regret nothing.
RdSoxFan618
These guys should come back and tour in the US sometime. I was big into them when I first got into ska...still listen to them occasionally (like now) but I'd definitely go to a show if they came to my area.
Charles Forsyth
I'd still go to a show in my area if they toured