Monster Mash

Bobby "Boris" Pickett

About Monster Mash

"Monster Mash" is a 1962 novelty song by Bobby "Boris" Pickett. The song was released as a single on Gary S. Paxton's Garpax Records label in August 1962 along with a full-length LP called The Original Monster Mash, which contained several other monster-themed tunes. The "Monster Mash" single was #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on October 20–27 of that year, just before Halloween. It has been a perennial holiday favorite ever since.


Year:
1990
3:12
80 

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I was working in the lab late one night
When my eyes beheld an eerie sight
For my monster from his slab began to rise
And suddenly to my surprise

He did the mash
He did the monster mash
The monster mash
It was a graveyard smash
He did the mash
It caught on in a flash
He did the mash
He did the monster mash

From my laboratory in the castle east
To the master bedroom where the vampires feast
The ghouls all came from their humble abodes
To get a jolt from my electrodes

They did the mash
They did the monster mash
The monster mash
It was a graveyard smash
They did the mash
It caught on in a flash
They did the mash
They did the monster mash

The zombies were having fun
The party had just begun
The guests included Wolf Man
Dracula and his son

The scene was rockin', all were digging the sounds
Igor on chains, backed by his baying hounds
The coffin-bangers were about to arrive
With their vocal group, "The Crypt-Kicker Five"

They played the mash
They played the monster mash
The monster mash
It was a graveyard smash
They played the mash
It caught on in a flash
They played the mash
They played the monster mash

Out from his coffin, Drac's voice did ring
Seems he was troubled by just one thing
He opened the lid and shook his fist
And said, "Whatever happened to my Transylvania twist"

It's now the mash
It's now the monster mash
The monster mash
And it's a graveyard smash
It's now the mash
It's caught on in a flash
It's now the mash
It's now the monster mash

Now everything's cool, Drac's a part of the band
And my monster mash is the hit of the land
For you, the living, this mash was meant too
When you get to my door, tell them Boris sent you

Then you can mash
Then you can monster mash
The monster mash
And do my graveyard smash
Then you can mash
You'll catch on in a flash
Then you can mash
Then you can monster mash

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Bobby "Boris" Pickett

Robert George Pickett (February 11, 1938 – April 25, 2007) was an American singer who found fame under the name Bobby "Boris" Pickett. He was known for co-writing and performing the 1962 hit novelty song, "Monster Mash". more »

1 fan

Written by: Leonard Capizzi, Bob Pickett

Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Creation of the Song
"Monster Mash" was co-written and performed by Bobby "Boris" Pickett. It was created along with Leonard Capizzi in 1962, with Bobby doing a Boris Karloff impersonation while performing with his band, The Cordials.
Success After Release
Upon release, "Monster Mash" quickly became a huge success. It hit the number one spot on Billboard's Hot 100 chart just two months after it was released and has re-entered the charts several times since.
Sales Certifications
"Monster Mash" became a certified gold record, receiving the certification from the RIAA on August 20, 1962, after it sold over one million copies.
Movie Theme
The song has been featured in several movies such as "Halloween II", "Hotel Transylvania", and the 1995 TV movie version of "The Munsters".
TV Appearances
Beyond movies, "Monster Mash" has made its way onto multiple television shows, even inspiring a movie itself in 2000, starring Bobby Pickett as Dr. Frankenstein.
Inspiration for the Song
The song was inspired by a movie mash, a dance trend in the early 1960s. The trend involved dance moves inspired by various movie characters and scenarios, which led to the creation of "Monster Mash".
Controversy
Despite its infinite popularity, especially around Halloween, the BBC initially banned the song because they thought it was too morbid.
Clipboard for Defining Genre
"Monster Mash" is often considered an example of a novelty song, a genre characterized chiefly by its comedic or humorous nature and its aim at entertaining audiences rather than producing any profound emotions.
Top Halloween Song
To this day, the song remains a classic tune played around Halloween and has remained popular for over 50 years, earning an iconic status in popular Halloween music.
A Variety of Covers
A variety of artists have covered "Monster Mash" since its release. These include the Beach Boys, Bruce Springsteen, and the Misfits, showcasing the song's wide-reaching influence.
A Sorrowful Sequel
A follow-up to "Monster Mash" called "Monster's Holiday" was released by Pickett later in 1962, which depicts the monsters experiencing a sad Christmas.

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    Monster Mash

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1962

    Billboard #1


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