Billy Hyena
Wide Boy Awake Lyrics
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Billy Hyena's out on his feet
Hooting of laughter, ducking the heat
Out on the badland you never meet
Billy Celeste and Billy O'Beef
One, two, three, four, Billy's not a dinosaur
Dance hall convener, B.B. Hyena
Know who I mean? Yeah, Billy Hyena
He looks like a rolling stone in a car
Thinks that a city shine like a star
Your lucky car, your lucky car
Thinks that a city shine like a star
Put on a blue slap, put on a face
Camouflage drag don't go out of place
Breaking a boot and snapping a lace
Billy the soldier in a space race
Whoa, whoa, watch it, Billy's got a rocket
Whoa, whoa, watch it, keeps it in his pocket
One, two, three, four, Billy's not a dinosaur
One, two, three, four, trooper and a troubadour
Dance hall convener, B.B. Hyena
Know who I mean? Yeah, Billy Hyena
Billy Hyena, the dancer at large
You know his true color is camouflage
Olé, Billy Hyena out on his feet
Runs in the bush, yeah, not in the street
You may well seek but you'll never meet
Billy Apollo rocking the heat
He was once here but he disappear
We were once here but we disappear
I am now here but I disappear
You are all here but you'll disappear
You'll disappear, you'll disappear
You'll disappear, you'll disappear
People
People
One, two, three, four, Billy's not a dinosaur
One, two, three, four, trooper and a troubadour
Dance hall convener, B.B. Hyena
Know who I mean? Yeah, Billy Hyena
Billy Hyena and Billy Contest
Billy O'Beef and Billy Celeste
One, two, three, four, Billy's not a dinosaur
One, two, three, four, trooper and a troubadour
Dance hall convener, B.B. Hyena
Know who I mean? Yeah, Billy Hyena
One, two, three, four, Billy's not a dinosaur
One, two, three, four, trooper and a troubadour
Dance hall convener, B.B. Hyena
Know who I mean? Yeah, Billy Hyena
One, two, three, four, Billy's not a dinosaur
One, two, three, four, trooper and a troubadour
Dance hall convener, B.B. Hyena
Know who I mean? Yeah, Billy Hyena
The lyrics of "Billy Hyena" by Wide Boy Awake seem to describe a charismatic and elusive character named Billy Hyena. The song is structured around a number of different verses, each one highlighting a different aspect of Billy's persona. The song opens with the repetition of the phrase "Morning, midday, and midnight I go", which seems to emphasize the idea that Billy is always on the move, always active, and always a presence.
The following lines describe Billy Hyena as being "out on his feet" and "hooting of laughter, ducking the heat". This paints a picture of Billy as someone who is always in motion, perhaps running from something or someone. The song then goes on to introduce two other characters named Billy Celeste and Billy O'Beef, which suggests that there may be a group of people or a subculture that Billy is a part of.
Throughout the song, the repeated chorus of "One, two, three, four, Billy's not a dinosaur; trooper and a troubadour; dance hall convener, B.B. Hyena; know who I mean? Yeah, Billy Hyena" emphasizes the idea that there is something unique and significant about Billy's character. The song paints him as a performer, a fighter, and a leader all at once. Ultimately, the song portrays Billy Hyena as a dynamic and unforgettable character who is always on the move.
Contributed by Tristan G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
OldishMusic
Definitely my fave Wide Boy Awake song. And Kevin Mooney was so gorgeous! His voice sounds so different to what I imagine it would be. And he looks like such a cute little joker. XD
CardsSFGiantsFan
This is such a great song! I can't believe I never heard it until recently. I used to like "Slang Teacher".
Miracle Tire
This is my favorite WBA song. Would someone please post the full version? This is the shortened, video version. I have the full version in MP3 format, but it's low-fi. I downloaded it about 20 years ago from I think a WBA web site.
juveale29
Great song and video, which i think was directed by Derek Jarman. Good to see Jordan in it too
SKOTP69
WOW! I heard the band name back in the 80's, but never actually HEARD them! Funny...also just linked Nick Kershaw's 'Wide Boy', and I'm Awake late at night right now!
OldishMusic
I want this on my iPod. I've become so addicted to it! But I can't get it on CD, and I don't know if I can download it. D=
Michael
i have been trying to remember the name of this song for about 15 years...thanks!
antliberationfront
I agree, and I think Adam was influenced by Kevin's 'reggae' style for the Wonderful LP. Particularly Beautiful Dream, which of course Kevin Mooney was a key contributor.
nicknasty14
Actually Adam Ant first started in a band back in the 70s called Bazooka Joe with i believe Sid Vicious on drums, lol. Those guys all new each other back then because they would all go to see each other perform in little hole in the wall bars. Can you imagine being in a bar and seeing Siouxsie and the banshees watching Billy Idol playing a gig along with tons of other bands that all supported each other throughout the era. Just a great time to be in a band and classic music that was created!
noelephantitis
@OldishMusic I have every Wide Boy Awake song on vinyl, but I've only been able to find two songs digitally, "Chicken Outlaw" and "Slang Teacher"--it's a shame WBA hasn't been released on disc