The band members attended University of Michigan's music school. They first came together as a rhythm section for a performance at the Duderstadt Center, a university facility that houses an arts library and other resources. After reading an interview with German producer Reinhold Mack, band founder Jack Stratton conceived of Vulfpeck as an imagined German version of the U.S. session musicians of the 1960s such as the Funk Brothers, the Wrecking Crew, and Muscle Shoals. The idea was to channel that era of the live rhythm section.
The band's founding members are Jack Stratton on keyboards, drums and guitar, Theo Katzman on guitar, drums and vocals, Woody Goss on keyboards, and Joe Dart on bass. Touring partners and frequent collaborators include Antwaun Stanley, Joey Dosik and Cory Wong. Other contributing musicians include Charles Jones, Christine Hucal, David T. Walker, Bernard Purdie, James Gadson and Blake Mills.
Funky Duck
Vulfpeck Lyrics
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(He's a funky duck)
He's the first to leave
(He's a funky duck)
Drinkin' Ovaltine
(He's a funky duck)
Since he was fourteen
(He's a funky duck)
(He's a funky duck)
He gave the first TED talk
(He's a funky duck)
Can't remember the names
(He's a funky duck)
Treat you all the same
(He's a funky duck)
He's a (funky duck)
He's a (funky duck)
He's a (funky duck)
He's a (funky duck)
He is not a duck-a
(He's a funky duck)
I said he's not a duck
(He's a funky duck)
He ain't no duck!
(He's a funky duck)
He's a funky duck
(He's a funky duck)
He's a funky duck
(He's a funky duck)
I said that he's a funky duck
(He's a funky duck)
ah-ah-ah-ah a funky duck
(He's a funky duck)
funky-funky-funky funky duck
(He's a funky duck)
He's a (funky duck)
(I said a)
(A funky duck)
(A funky duck)
(A funky duck)
A funky duck
(He's a funky duck)
funk-funk-funk-funk
He's a funk-eh duck
(He's a funky duck)
Funk
Funk
Funk
(He's a funky duck)
He's a funky duck
(He's a funky duck)
I thought I saw a funky duck around here somewhere
(He's a funky duck)
He owns a truck
(He's a funky duck)
But he - but he drives a Saab
(He's a funky duck)
Vulfpeck's "Funky Duck" sheds light on a unique character who is quite different from the others in society. The track begins by highlighting the guy's charismatic presence. He is the life of the party, and always finds a way to keep people entertained, which is why he's described as a "funky duck." He's someone who's not afraid to stand out or be different from the rest. The bridge then reveals several things that make the funky duck stand out. Starting with the fact that he's been drinking Ovaltine since the age of fourteen; this means that he's not bound by society's rules or norms, and he's comfortable with who he is. He also gave the "first TED talk," emphasizing his uniqueness and groundbreaking ideas. He states that he "can't remember the names," but "treats them all the same," which indicates that he's not judgmental and does not discriminate. The repetition of "He's a funky duck" throughout the song emphasizes the repeated affirmation of his uniqueness and courageous nature, standing firm in his expressions, which is something that anyone can appreciate.
The continuous repetition of "He's not a duck" suggests that the funky duck is not an actual duck, but merely someone with a unique personality. Through the outro, he is described as someone who "owns a truck," but "drives a Saab," which accentuates that he doesn't engage in the usual stuff and not predictable. Ultimately, the funky duck is celebrated in this song, and the message emphasizes the importance of embracing who you truly are, regardless of what others may think.
Line by Line Meaning
He's on the scene
He is present in the current location or situation
(He's a funky duck)
He is a cool, unique person
He's the first to leave
He tends to exit social situations before others
Drinkin' Ovaltine
He drinks a particular brand of chocolate milk
Since he was fourteen
He has been doing something, likely related to being a funky duck, since he was a teenager
He's self-aware
He has knowledge and understanding of his own personality and traits
He gave the first TED talk
He was one of the first people to give a presentation at TED conferences
Can't remember the names
He has trouble recalling the names of people he meets
Treat you all the same
He interacts with people in a consistent and equal manner
He is not a duck-a
He is emphatically not a duck
I said he's not a duck
He is not, in fact, a member of the avian family Anatidae
He ain't no duck!
He is definitely not a duck
funk-funk-funk-funk
Repeating the word 'funk' for emphasis
He's a funky duck
He is a unique and cool person (again)
He thought he saw a funky duck around here somewhere
He believes he saw another person like himself nearby
He owns a truck
He possesses a motor vehicle designed for transporting goods or materials
But he - but he drives a Saab
However, he chooses to operate a different type of vehicle
Contributed by Cooper C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
danehb89
I swear Antwaun is some kind of funky robot from the future because no human is capable of doing that
Crazy Eyes
Antwaun is 3 funky ducks stacked on top of each other in a human suit
frankbenoit
He is the Funky Duck.
G Tyson
@Elgar T.W. At first I was like what is this guys problem? But then I thought about Bobby McFerrin and he could definitely do this and more with his vocal skills!
lazydog
He's not a funky robot. He's a funky duck.
Dasheroo
@jjwp 1988 Yeah but i think hes saying that regardless of his opinion hes still NOT that great of a singer. opinions and solid facts are different.
DankPods
"He owns a truck, but he drives a Saab" - the line that keeps me coming back
LowOutput
id=if
LowOutput
Since that line keeps you coming back, be sure to watch the Vulfmon Cover of Boogie Man id you haven’t already seen it. Not sure if it’s an Easter egg or if Mason just likes Saab.
A _user
So much you put it in your drum streams.