The Tokens – Monkey Vendor

Monkey Vendor” by The Tokens - トラック・歌詞情報 | AWA

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…