I Go Ape

Neil Sedaka

About I Go Ape

"I Go Ape" is the second single by Neil Sedaka, immediately following his success with the debut single "The Diary", and was written by Sedaka himself and Howard Greenfield. It was released in 1959, and also appears on Sedaka's 1959 debut solo album Rock with Sedaka. "I Go Ape" was a relatively minor success in the US, reaching No. 42 on the US Billboard chart. but was a much bigger success in the UK, reaching No. 9 in the UK Singles Chart. Although Sedaka has insisted he played piano on the session, the session logbooks document Ernie Hayes as the keyboard player. Other musicians included Everett Barksdale and Kenny Burrell on guitar, Lloyd Trotman on bass, Sticks Evans on drums, and King Curtis on tenor sax. The arrangement was by Chuck Sagle. 


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The moon is bright above
Oh, what a night for love
And as I hold you near
I whisper in your ear
 
I go ape everytime I see you smile
I'm a ding-dong gorila and
I carry on cave man style
I'm gonna bop you on the head
And love you all the while
 
Well, I'm a monkey's uncle
Who's a cousin to a chimpazee
Like I was reelin and rockin
And swingin from a coco-nut tree
 
Oh, honey can't you see
You bring out the monkey business in me
 
Orangotango ring-ting-tong
I'm related to old King Kong
Honey won't you say you're mine
With no hunky dunky monkey shine
 
When you hold my hand
I'm a pre-historic man
I go ape!
 
Like a barrel of monkeys
On an aba-da-ba honey moon
I go squealin and screechin and howlin
Like a big baboon
 
Well, baby I'll explode
If you don't come and kiss me soon
 
Yeah! Ooh!
 
Ohh... Honey you know that
I'm gonna be true to you
I'll keep you in bananas 
and bring you coco-nuts too
And we'll settle down
In the nearest county zoo
 
Orangotango ring-ting-tong
I'm related to old King Kong
Honey won't you say you're mine
With no hunky dunky monkey shine
 
When you hold my hand
I'm a pre-historic man
I go ape!

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Neil Sedaka

Neil Sedaka (born March 13, 1939) is an American pop/rock singer, pianist, and composer. His career has spanned nearly 55 years, during which time he has sold millions of records as an artist and has written or co-written over 500 songs for himself and other artists, collaborating mostly with lyricists Howard Greenfield and Phil Cody. more »

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Written by: HOWARD GREENFIELD, NEIL SEDAKA

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


7 facts about this song

Release and Charting Success
"I Go Ape" was released by Neil Sedaka in 1959 as a single. - Despite its catchy tune and playful lyrics, "I Go Ape" was not a big commercial success, peaking at only 42 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Career Inception
This song was among the earliest works of Sedaka after signing with RCA Victor. - "I Go Ape" played a role in establishing Sedaka's stylish, youthful image at the start of his career.
Lyrics and Sound
The song's lyrics are full of playful, humorous animal metaphors which make it memorable. - "I Go Ape" features a lively, uptempo beat which was characteristic of many of Sedaka's hits.
Composer Collaboration
Sedaka co-wrote "I Go Ape" with lyricist Howard Greenfield, a collaboration that resulted in many hit songs over the years. - Their partnership began in high school and continued professionally until Greenfield's death in 1986.
Cover Versions
"I Go Ape" was also covered by British singer Cliff Richard in 1963 and the Swedish band Hep Stars in 1965. - Each cover version added a unique spin to the song whilst maintaining the fun and light-hearted spirit of the original.
Continual Popularity
Even though "I Go Ape" was not a significant commercial success, its catchy tune and fun lyrics have kept it alive amongst Neil Sedaka's fans. - The song often features in compilation albums and greatest hits releases, underlining its enduring popularity.
Influence on Later Works
"I Go Ape" showcased Neil Sedaka's knack for creating catchy, memorable pop music. - It laid the groundwork for his later successes, including hits like "Oh! Carol" and "Calendar Girl."

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    I Go Ape

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1959

    Billboard #42


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