Wake Up Call
They Might Be Giant Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bo bo do bo bo bo
Bo bo do bo bo bo bo bo bo
Bo bo do bo bo bo
Bo bo do bo bo bo bo bo bo (bo bo)
Bo bo do bo bo bo (bo bo)
Ba ba ba baw
Ba ba ba baw
Baw baw
Bo bo do bo bo bo bo bo bo
Bo bo do bo bo bo
Bo bo do bo bo bo bo bo bo (bobobobobobobobo)
Bo bo do bo bo bo (bobobobobobo)
Bo bo do bo bo bo bo bo bo
Bo bo do bo bo bo
Bo bo do bo bo bo bo bo bo (bobobobobobobobo)
Bo bo do bo bo bo (bobobobobobo)
Bo bo do bo bo bo bo bo bo (bobobobobobobobo)
Bo bo do bo bo bo (bobobobobobo)
The lyrics to They Might Be Giant's song Wake Up Call may seem nonsensical at first, but upon closer inspection they appear to be an ode to the early morning. The repeated refrain, "Bo bo do bo bo bo bo bo/ Bo bo do bo bo bo," seems to mimic the sound of an alarm clock or waking up groggily. The lyrics "Ba ba ba baw" may represent the natural sounds that accompany waking up, such as yawning or stretches. The repetition of "baw" may also be a nod to the rooster's crow, which traditionally signals the start of a new day.
Overall, the lyrics to Wake Up Call suggest a sense of urgency and importance about getting up and starting the day. The repetition of certain phrases and sounds may represent the monotony of routine, while also reinforcing the idea that waking up is an essential part of daily life. The song's upbeat tempo and manic energy further underscore the idea that mornings can be chaotic and stressful, but also potentially exhilarating.
Line by Line Meaning
Bo bo do bo bo bo bo bo
This line is repeated throughout the song and has no specific meaning on its own. It serves as a catchy, rhythmic hook to the tune
Bo bo do bo bo bo
Again, this line is a repetition of the hook and does not have a specific meaning on its own
Ba ba ba baw
This line is another repeated phrase that serves as a variation of the hook. It also has no specific meaning on its own
Baw baw
Another short, catchy phrase that adds to the rhythm of the song but does not necessarily have a deeper meaning
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN FLANSBURGH, JOHN LINNELL, JOHN C. FLANSBURGH, JOHN S. LINNELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind