About the song
Background
While “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” is arguably The Tokens’ most famous song, “Monkey Vendor” was a B-side to their 1961 single “Ain’t That a Shame.” It’s a lesser-known song but holds a certain novelty charm.
There’s not a lot of specific information available about the origin or inspiration for “Monkey Vendor.” The songwriting credits are simply listed as “Unknown” on some sources.
Themes
The song itself is a lighthearted calypso tune with some island vibes. The lyrics tell the story of a “monkey vendor” who sells exotic wares – specifically singing parrots and dancing fleas. It’s a whimsical and playful concept, possibly inspired by imagery of tropical marketplaces.
Here are some of the themes explored in “Monkey Vendor”:
- Calpyso sound: The music evokes a Caribbean atmosphere with its upbeat tempo and prominent use of percussion instruments.
- Novelty: The song’s subject matter is quirky and unusual, focusing on a fictional street vendor with fantastical wares.
- Humor: The lyrics have a playful and humorous tone, adding to the lighthearted feel of the song.
Overall, “Monkey Vendor” is a fun and catchy song that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s a departure from some of The Tokens’ more serious work, offering a glimpse into their ability to explore different styles.
Video
Lyrics
As I was walking down the beach
On the island of Panguay
I saw a little man with a monkey in his hand
And then I heard him say
How much do you got
For this monkey that I got
Do you got a lot to pay
If you don’t got a lot
For this monkey I got
Then I take what you got
For this monkey I got
Hey dumbalaila
Hey dumbalaila
Hey dumbalaila
Dumba dumbalaila
Hey dumbalaila
Hey dumbalaila
Hey dumba dumba dumba lai
Next day I went down to the shore
In a misty tropical rain
To see that little man once more
And hear him say again
Hup hup
How much do you got
For this monkey that I got
Do you got a lot to pay
If you don’t got a lot
For this monkey I got
Then I take what you got
For this monkey I got
Hey dumbalaila
Hey dumbalaila
Hey dumbalaila
Dumba dumbalaila
Hey dumbalaila
Hey dumbalaila
Hey dumba dumba dumba lai
That little man he had no cares
And made that all [?]
By selling his monkeys to everyone
And saying just one thing
Hup hup
How much do you got
For this monkey that I got
Do you got a lot to pay
If you don’t got a lot
For this monkey I got
Then I take what you got
For this monkey I got
Hey dumbalaila
Hey dumbalaila
Hey dumbalaila
Dumba dumbalaila
Hey dumbalaila
Hey dumbalaila
Hey dumba dumba dumba lai
Hey dumbalaila
Hey dumbalaila
Hey dumbalaila…