Apache
The Sugarhill Gang Lyrics

Ho, ho, ho
Exclamation of excitement and energy

Tonto, jump on it, jump on it, jump on it
Encouragement to Tonto to join in the fun and dancing

Kemosabe, jump on it, jump on it, jump on it
Invitation to Kemosabe to participate in the celebration and dancing

Custer, jump on it, jump on it, jump on it
Admonition to Custer to let loose and dance along as well

Apache, jump on it, jump on it, woo
Invitation to Apache to join in the festivities and revelry

A-hunga-hunga-a-hunga-hunga
Nonsensical, energetic phrase used to add to the excitement and rhythm of the song

I'm Big Bank, I am the chief
Introduction of Big Bank as the leader of his tribe

I got a lot of raps but I'll be brief
Big Bank is a skilled rapper, but he will keep his rhymes short and to the point

I never need a horse, I like to chill
Big Bank enjoys a relaxed lifestyle and does not require a horse for transportation

So I drive up in my new Seville
Big Bank uses a luxury car, the Cadillac Seville, for transportation

My tribe went down in the hall of fame
Big Bank's tribe is well-known and respected

'Cause I'm the one who shot Jesse James
Big Bank boasts about having shot the infamous outlaw Jesse James

Pound for pound, I will never break down
Big Bank is strong and resilient, able to overcome any obstacle

(Big Bank) no sir, I don't mess around
Big Bank is serious and dedicated to his craft

Like Kemosabe, of course it's me
Master G, one of the band members, is referencing Kemosabe, another character from popular culture, to introduce himself

I'm better known as the Master G
Master G is a skilled rapper and performer, with a reputation for being one of the best

A firing squad, sensed the danger
Master G and his rapping are seen as a threat

When they're stung by the rapping ranger
Master G's rapping causes discomfort and unease

Had a little talk with my medicine man
Master G consulted with a trusted advisor, his medicine man, about a plan of action

He said, "Get them squaws, fast as you can"
Master G's medicine man advised him to recruit women to his tribe quickly

To all you girls, that want to join my tribe
Master G is inviting women to join his tribe, which may be perceived as a metaphor for his fanbase or simply a reference to his charisma

Just move to my rhythm and feel my vibe
"If you like my music, follow my lead and dance to it"

Put up a fuss, in the end you'll agree
Master G is confident that, even if someone is hesitant at first, they will eventually enjoy the music

When you come inside my teepee
Master G is using the image of his teepee, a traditional dwelling for some Native American tribes, as a metaphor for his music

As I said before, you could sense the danger
Master G's rhymes are forceful and impactful, and may be seen as intimidating by some

When you're stung by the rapping ranger
Again, Master G's rapping is compared to a stinging sensation, emphasizing its power and energy

When Silver and I take a route
Silver is a reference to The Lone Ranger's horse, and Master G is playing off that image to convey his confidence and style

All you suckers better step aside
Master G is implying that anyone who does not appreciate his music is low-class or uncool

I sting squaws, then I run away
Master G is using misandric language to describe his interactions with women, emphasizing his masculinity and virility

Hi-Yo Silver, is what I say
Master G is playing off The Lone Ranger catchphrase to add to the song's energy and rhythm

A pow-wow, just rock it out
A pow-wow refers to a Native American social gathering, and Master G is using that image to describe the energetic music and dancing

Finger-poppin' to the break of dawn
Finger-poppin' is a dance move, and Master G envisions everyone dancing until sunrise

Keep it rockin' like the stuff that we call maize
Maize is another term for corn, which holds cultural significance for some Native American tribes, and Master G is using it to represent the high-energy music and dancing

(What's that?) Hot buttered popcorn
"Hot buttered popcorn" is another dance move or musical reference, and Master G is encouraging everyone to keep dancing

You just hippa-hoppa-dippa-boppa bang the boogie
Playing with nonsense words, Master G is encouraging the enjoyment of the music and dancing

Woogie, betcha want to boogie again
A repetition of the encouragement to keep dancing and have fun

And you can put me to the test at your request
Master G is confident in his skills, and is willing to prove himself to anyone who doubts him

I rock you out of your moccasin
Master G's music is so energetic and powerful that it will make anyone dance or move unexpectedly

Kemosabe got down, took off his mask
Lyrics shifting back to the narrative of the song, describing the characters' actions and emotions

He kicked off his shoes and did the Monster Mash
Kemosabe joins in the fun, dancing and letting loose

Tonto came along, saw what was happenin'
Tonto observes and eventually joins in the dancing and celebration

His head began to bop and his foot start to clappin'
Emphasizing the contagious nature of the music and dancing

Go slam, dunk, do the jerk
More instructions for dancing, referencing various popular dance moves

And with the mic is how my smoke signals work
Master G uses the microphone as a tool to spread his music and message, comparing it to the smoke signals used by some Native American tribes

They were jammin' off a record that said it best
The characters are all enjoying the music, and Master G is suggesting that it speaks for itself

"Now what you hear is not a test"
A repetition of the phrase from earlier in the song, emphasizing the power and energy of the music