Iko Iko
Hans Zimmer, Belle Stars
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My grand-ma and your grand-ma were sit-tin' by the fire. My grand-ma told your grand-ma: "I'm gon-na set your flag on fire." Talk-in' 'bout, Hey now ! Hey now ! I-ko, I-ko, un-day Jock-a-mo fee-no ai na-né, jock-a-mo fee na-né Look at my king all dressed in red I-ko, I-ko, un-day. I bet-cha five dol-lars he'll kill you dead, jock-a-mo fee na-né Talk-in' 'bout, Hey now ! Hey now ! I-ko, I-ko, un-day Jock-a-mo fee-no ai na-né, jock-a-mo fee na-né My flag boy and your flag boy were Sit-tin' by the fire. - My flag boy told Your flag boy: "I'm gon-na set your flag on fire." Talk-in' 'bout, Hey now ! Hey now ! I-KO, I-KO, un-day Jock-a-mo fee-no ai na-né, jock-a-mo fee na-né See that guy all dressed in green? I-KO, I-KO, un-day. He's not a man, he's a lov-in' ma-chine Jock-a mo fee na-né Talk-in' 'bout, hey now! Hey now! I-ko, I-ko, un-day Jock-a-mo fee-no ai na-né, jock-a-mo fee na-né
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Written by: Barbara Anne Hawkins, Joan Marie Johnson, Rosa Lee Hawkins
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Original Composition"Iko Iko" is an iconic song originally composed and recorded by an American R&B singer named James Crawford Jr., popularly known as Sugar Boy and his band, the Cane Cutters, in 1953.
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Meaning of the LyricsThe song features in the Creole patois dialect from New Orleans area. The phrases "Iko Iko" and "Jock-a-mo" don't have any specific meaning, but are staples of Mardi Gras Indian chants.
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Cultural Significance"Iko Iko" portrays the centuries-old culture of "Mardi Gras Indians," African-American Carnival revelers in New Orleans who dress up in the elaborate feathered and beaded costumes reminiscent of Native American ceremonial apparel.
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Belle Stars VersionBritish girl band, the Belle Stars, covered the song in 1982. Their version was originally a modest hit but gained more prominence when it was featured in the 1988 movie "Rain Man."
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Dr. John's RenditionFamed musician Dr. John recorded “Iko Iko” in 1972 for his album "Dr. John's Gumbo." This album was largely dedicated to New Orleans jazzy R&B music. His cover of "Iko Iko" is one of the best-known renditions of the song.
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Captain Jack's AdaptationThe German eurodance group, Captain Jack, released a cover of "Iko Iko" in the year 2001 which also gained considerable chart success.
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Legal DisputeIn the 1960s, "Iko Iko" became a hit for the Dixie Cups. However, they were not aware that it was actually a cover of an existing song. This led to a protracted legal dispute that lasted into the 2000s over the rights to the composition.
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Widespread Coverage"Iko Iko" has been covered numerous times by a range of artists across the globe. It is an enduring piece of pop culture, appearing in movies and commercials, which attest to its universal and timeless appeal.
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Recognition & RankingBelle Star's rendition of "Iko Iko" peaked at number Seven on the UK Singles Chart and number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1989.
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Inclusion in FilmsThe song's popularity has led to it being featured in numerous films, including "The Hangover," "Mission: Impossible II," and of course, the afore-mentioned "Rain Man."
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Citation
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