Baby Elephant Walk

Henry Mancini

About Baby Elephant Walk

"Baby Elephant Walk" is a song written in 1961 by Henry Mancini for the 1962 film Hatari! In 1962, the song earned Mancini a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement. The tune was written for an impromptu scene in Hatari! in which 'Dallas' (Elsa Martinelli) led three baby elephants to a waterhole to bathe. The catchy simplicity has made it one of Mancini's most popular works, appearing on many compilation albums. Although not used for the film, Hal David composed lyrics to Mancini's tune, which appear in the printed sheet music and were later recorded by Pat Boone, released by Dot Records in 1965. Mancini's version was not released as a single. Brass instruments (including repeated blasts from the tuba) and woodwind elements are combined to convey a large and plodding elephant toddler that is filled with the exuberance of youth. Mancini uses a calliope introduction to suggest the sound of a circus. A cheeky melody is then played over this on a clarinet, and the song concludes with the calliope playing the old four-note phrase known as "Good Evening, Friends".  


Year:
1975
2:40
43 

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Make believe you're in a jungle movie.
Watch the baby elephants go by.
The beat is groovy.
It's a brand new dance you ought to try,
Come to the jungle and see the animal attraction,
Baby elephants in action walk.

See the big baboon beat on the bongo
As the baby elephants advance.
Down in the Congo,
All the swinging monkeys do this dance,
Come to the jungle and see the animal attraction.
Baby elephants in action walk.

If you plan on joining a safari,
Don't get dressed for going on a cruise.
The thing to carry is an extra pair of dancing shoes.
Come to the jungle and see the animal attraction.
Baby elephants in action walk.

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Henry Mancini

Enrico Nicola "Henry" Mancini (April 16, 1924 – June 14, 1994) was an American composer, conductor and arranger, best remembered for his film and television scores. He won a record number of Grammy Awards, plus a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995. more »

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Written by: HENRY MANCINI

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Creation
"Baby Elephant Walk" was written by American composer and conductor Henry Mancini.
Iconic Album
The instrumental tune is a part of Mancini's 1961 album titled "Hatari!" The whole album is the soundtrack for Howard Hawks' film of the same name.
Film Connection
"Baby Elephant Walk" was specifically composed for an elephant walk sequence in the movie "Hatari!" wherein baby elephants were being herded for a zoo.
Grammy Award
In 1962, the tune won the Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition.
Signature Sound
The signature sound of "Baby Elephant Walk" is achieved by a combination of brass instruments, calliope, and woodwinds mimicking the sound and gait of a baby elephant.
Popularity
The song reached No. 48 on the Billboard Hot 100 list, demonstrating its significant popularity.
Cultural Impact
"Baby Elephant Walk" is frequently used in popular culture including TV shows and movies, making it highly recognized even among those unfamiliar with Mancini's wider body of work.
Unique Rhythm
The song is noted for its catchy, playful, almost comedic nature, driven by its unusual rhythm and arrangement.
Mancini's Style
"Baby Elephant Walk" reflects Mancini's ability to infuse humour into his compositions. His signature style often includes unexpected and innovative instrumental combos.
Song Influence
The unconventional melody of "Baby Elephant Walk" influenced several music genres, including pop, jazz, and even film music.
Critical Acclaim
"Baby Elephant Walk" continues to receive praise for its innovative instrumentation and cheerful, catchy tune, solidifying Mancini's status as a formidable and imaginative composer.

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