Because they're macaws?

[Cadaverous Pallor]

After a recent Tiki Room visit, GD and I were mentioning the lyrics and realized there was one part we never quite understood. I just looked it up and found that I've been saying it wrong.

The boys in the back are kamikaze
Because of their claws?
No, because they're macaws
And our fine feathered friend is a jolly toucan
And two can sound better than one toucan can

Kamikaze? In the song the word is pronounced kaw-ma-cause, not ka-mi-ka-zi. I thought the line went "the boys in the back are called macaws".

So what does it mean? Are macaws naturally violent? Was the mispronunciation an accepted Americanization of the term back then?

It seems there are always more mysteries to uncover in the enchanted tiki room.

[Alex]

I'm finding several different transcriptions of the lyrics on the internet and I don't know if any are from official sources. From old war movies I've never heard kamikaze pronouned kah-mi-cause.

But the transcription I'm finding that matches my understanding of the lyrics is:

- The boys in the back are called macaws

- Because of their caws?

- No, because they're macaws!


That has the benefit of making sense (reminding me of a David Mamet line: "Everybody wants money. That's why they call it money."

Could this kamikaze version be an "excuse me while I kiss this guy" situation?

[Ghoulish Delight]

I don't know about the kamikaze thing, but this last time I listened carefully and I'm pretty sure I distinctly heard "because of their claws", not "caws". But I'm often wrong in such matters.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

I think Greg's right.

I also have to admit that I had my own "scuse me while I kiss this guy" moment in the Tiki Room. "In the tiki tiki tiki tiki tiki room... where the birds sing words and the flowers groom..." Yeah, my brother informed me it's "croon." But it doesn't rhyme!

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I think Greg's right.

I also have to admit that I had my own "scuse me while I kiss this guy" moment in the Tiki Room. "In the tiki tiki tiki tiki tiki room... where the birds sing words and the flowers groom..." Yeah, my brother informed me it's "croon." But it doesn't rhyme!Ah, the blessing and curse of the half-rhyme.

Yeah, I hope all those lame lyrics sites are wrong. It makes much more sense the other way.

Does anyone have a Disneyland songbook they can reference, or maybe some CD liner notes lyrics?

[Morrigoon]

I always thought the lyric was:
The boys in the back are called Macaws
Because of their claws?
No! Because they're macaws!

I thought it was one of those silly answer-not-an-answer jokes.

[Ponine]

Ditto.
I just played it on the pod, and I dont get kamakazie at all.

[mousepod]

I'm with Ponine - I have three versions on my iPod, and I just listened to 'em all again.

"The boys in the back are called macaws.
Because of their claws?
Because they're macaws!"

I think the lyrics are printed in one of the official park CDs I have at home... I'll check it out later.

[Chernabog]

Oh well, I still always sing "All the birds make turds/While the tourists snooze/In the Tacky tacky tacky tacky tacky room" :)

[Nephythys]

oooh ow :p

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

You DORKS!

[JWBear]

I used to think the line after "Welcome to our tropical hideaway, you lucky people you!" was "If we weren't in the show starting right away, We'd be in somebody's stew!" :blush:

[Morrigoon]

Okay, I've thought about the lyrical context some more, and I think I'm right about the same-word joke:

The boys in the back are called macaws
Because of their claws?
No, because they're macaws!

it's similar in a way to:

And my fine-feathered friend is a jolly toucan
And toucans sound better than one toucan can!

Again, the word doesn't change to match the joke, not even to make it fit the sentence better.

So the basic gist of the joke regarding macaws would be questioning, are they "called" macaws because of their claws? No, they're "called" macaws because they "are" macaws.

[Ghoulish Delight]

But why claws? I always figured "caws" would make more sense, but every time I hear it, it definitely sounds like "claws".

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

So, There's a bathroom on the right?

[Not Afraid]

No, the bathrooms are on the left.

[JWBear]

I got that.... I guess that makes me an official Disney geek.

[RStar]

So, There's a bathroom on the right?

Oh Bornieo, you beat me to it! :D

[Chernabog]

I got that.... I guess that makes me an official Disney geek.

And I'm officially in lust with JWBear's avatar. Hubba hubba!

[JWBear]

And I'm officially in lust with JWBear's avatar. Hubba hubba!

I could send you the full, un-cropped image.... but it'll cost ya! :evil:

[Gn2Dlnd]

And my fine-feathered friend is a jolly toucan
And toucans sound better than one toucan can!

Again, the word doesn't change to match the joke, not even to make it fit the sentence better.



Unless you change the spelling of the words:

And my fine-feathered friend is a jolly toucan
And two can sound better than one toucan can!

And I'm going to have to take Alex' side in this, I've always been a little confused by the claws/macaws thing, caws/macaws works so much better. :birdy:

[Not Afraid]

First of all, this thread needs to die so I can stop singing the song.

Secondly, I'm going to bet (i'll wager abour a nickle) that the lyrics are:

The boys in the back are called macaws
Because of their claws?
No, because they’re macaws!
And our fine feathered friend is a jolly toucan,
and two can sound better than one toucan can!


And, believe me, I know lyrics. Just ask Chris.

[BDBopper]

Darn you! I can't stop singing the song now. And I have never been to the stupid attraction! I've only been to the stupid "Under New Management" at WDW and that one sucked big time. I didn't like it at all.

[Alex]

I wouldn't be surprised if the claws version is correct but then it still needs to be explained because it doesn't make any more sense than the kamikaze version.

Sure, it could be just a random thing to say but I'd prefer there be a reason for it.

[Not Afraid]

Macaws have rather large talons - if you've ever had one on your arm, you would remember it. i think "claws" just rhymes better than "talons".

http://www.greece.k12.ny.us/webworld2000/images/images/MACAW.JPG

[Ghoulish Delight]

Yes, but why would their claws be a reason to call them macaws?

[Not Afraid]

I think that there is just a bit of nonsense in the whole song. Sometimes there is no logic in creativity.

[innerSpaceman]

It's claws. That's definitive.

I think most of you know how many times I've listened in detail to that darn song. It doesn't make as much sense as "caws" and it makes infinitely more sense than anything involving suicidal Nippon pilots.



Now, back to those of us who have fallen in lust with a frelling cartoon boy. Especially those of us with moderator powers who can be appeased with links to more of cartoon boy.

[katiesue]

Definately Claws. I've had to sit through it 6 times in one day.

(Never tell the birthday girl she can pick the attractions for the whole day.)

[Alex]

I've held many macaws and know of their claws. The lyric just doesn't make any sense other than slight aural sense.

So, since there is a perfectly sensible almost identical lyric (in the same vein as the toucan one) I'd be interested to know why the choice was originally made.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Definitive Shmifinitive - has Mousepod checked his liner notes yet or what?!

I need more Disney reference books.

[katiesue]

I thought if ISM declared it definitive it was the last word. ;)

[DreadPirateRoberts]

I've held many macaws and know of their claws. The lyric just doesn't make any sense other than slight aural sense.

So, since there is a perfectly sensible almost identical lyric (in the same vein as the toucan one) I'd be interested to know why the choice was originally made.

Does anyone have Richard Sherman's email address?

[Alex]

Well, that would be nice. But I figure it is a question that has to have come up in the last 40 years and must be mentioned somewhere.

I'd settle for Dave Smith.

[€uroMeinke]

Some things are unknowable and remain mysteries forever, I believe this is one of those things. The answer will have to remain a personal one, true to your own faith and belief system.

[innerSpaceman]

There, that's settled then.









Now can we get back to the more important mystery of what the rest of cartoon boy looks like?!

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Is it just me, or does Cartoon Boy look Jewish?

[blueerica]

I'm trying to figure out who cartoon boy is, too. I figure he's some sort of cross between a bunch of hunks.

[Alex]

You have almost tempted me to turn on avatars so that I'll know what the **** you're all talking about.

[Disneyphile]

I have three different books of Disney sheet music, and all of them contain "abbreviated" versions of the song, all conveniently not including that verse.

Dammit. :(

I have a connection (friend of a friend) to the Archives. I'll have to pose that question through the pipeline and see if we can get a definitive answer.

[RStar]

You have almost tempted me to turn on avatars so that I'll know what the **** you're all talking about.

I couldn't even find Cartoon Boy on the web. I guess I'm just too old. :(

I know who Sponge Bob and Jimmy Neutron are, though. :D

And I don't see any Cartoon Boy in the avators Alex, so that would't help.

[Stan4dSteph]

You have almost tempted me to turn on avatars so that I'll know what the **** you're all talking about.He's in JWBear's avatar, so I think if you click on his profile, you will see it even without avatars on.

[Alex]

Yeah, that occured to me after RStar's post (since I was sure JWBear was the start of it).

It confirms my thorough straightness. Though to answer CPs question, it may just be her since the cropping prevents me from seeing far enough down to tell.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Yeah, that occured to me after RStar's post (since I was sure JWBear was the start of it).

It confirms my thorough straightness. Though to answer CPs question, it may just be her since the cropping prevents me from seeing far enough down to tell.Heehee, VAM

I talked to Mousepod and he doesn't have any Tiki Room lyrics. I'm going to hit bookstores...

[Alex]

The music store on Main Street seems a likely place to check. Though I'm 98% confident in the conclusion reached and won't be getting what I want (explanation) from any book.

[innerSpaceman]

No one seems to be taking into account the 30% error rate of printed lyrics.


In your own experience, how many liner notes lyrics do not end up matching what was actually sung?


Written evidence of what the lyric was meant to be is not sufficient evidence of what the Tiki Birds actually sing.





(Also, if cartoon boy is cropped in a manner below and beyond JWBear's mere display limitations, that is not sufficient evidence that he is jewish.)

[Alex]

No, but it would be sufficient evidence that he looks Jewish, at least in one respect.

[Chernabog]

Can someone please close this thread so the song dies in my head? Please please make those macaws stop!!!

*Stabs his brain with a Q-tip*

[JWBear]

I had no idea he would cause such a stir! :evil: If anyone wants the full image, just send me your email address. It is DEFINITLY not safe for work (or many homes).

As to his religious – ahem – convictions… I do not recall. I’ll check when I get home tonight.

[RStar]

Oh, THAT's him. What's the history of Cartoon boy?

[JWBear]

Oh, THAT's him. What's the history of Cartoon boy?

No history, per se. Just something I found on my wanderings around the web.

[innerSpaceman]

Wanderings, huh? Leave a trail of breadcrumbs next time, k?

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Damn, and I thought you were all talking about MY avitar.

Dang... :(

[JWBear]

Just wait till you all see what I'm going to post pictures of tonight (the reason, btw, of why I wasn't online last night)......

[innerSpaceman]

Ooooh, will we need a separate thread to discuss?? :eek:

[JWBear]

:)

[JWBear]

Oh, and... Definitely not Jewish....

[innerSpaceman]

But, bizarrely enough, he and I have a very similar tattoo in exactly the same spot.

[Chernabog]

Oh man that guy's website is hot...

Though you guys gotta check this out, in "Galerias" there's a picture that looks like Hitler, and sure enough when you click on it, there's a sexy young hitler, with swastika armband and swastika jock pouch with a tuft of public hair over the top!!!

[Kevy Baby]

Wow, I've seen thread drift before, but this is a whole new level!

[Chernabog]

Wow, I've seen thread drift before, but this is a whole new level!

LOL I was just thinking about how this thread went from the true meaning of Tiki Room lyrics to erotic drawings of homo-Hitler :P

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Wow, I've seen thread drift before, but this is a whole new level!

I'm wondering how it's gonna get back to the original topic.
Gather round and watch...

[€uroMeinke]

There must be a Fritz connection

[thecorndogwalker]

tweet, tweet, tweet, tweet, tweet...

[innerSpaceman]

sexy young hitler, with swastika armband and swastika jock pouch with a tuft of public hair over the top!!!

HaHaHaHa! :evil:






(or should that be Heil Heil Heil Heil?)






Oh, and does this mean Godwin's Law has been invoked?

[Morrigoon]

Not if you try to invoke it on purpose.

[Kevy Baby]

Not if you try to invoke it on purpose.Damn rules.

[Ghoulish Delight]

At risk of steering this thread back on topic for a moment, it occurs to me that in trying to figure out why they seem to have gone with "claws" instead of "caws" when the latter clearly makes more sense while still fitting the lyrics, we're asking for some sort of logical progression from the people that brought us, "go up a waterfall?" I'm prepared to just accept that it's "claws" for no good reason.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

The people who brought us "go up a waterfall"? No, sir. The person. The rest of them were all, "what kind of **** are you smoking, Mr. Disney?"

[mousepod]

Plus, it was the guys who brought you "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious". And we're debating "claws" vs "caws"?

[innerSpaceman]

But while continuing the fine tradition of "Hi-Diddle-Dee-Dee," "Zip-a-dee-doo-da" and "Bibbidi-Bobbidy-Boo" when composing "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," do you suppose the Sherman Brothers were really thinking along those lines when they clearly substituted "claws" for "caws" in a last-minute, post-presstime revision after a night of drunken shenanigans??

[Alex]

It is really weird to do a Google search to investigate an issue and have the first result returned be the very conversation spawning the issue.

Very circular. Very meta.

[Mousey Girl]

We now have a Hawian themed table in our show room. I belive the person who did it set me up. She has now added a tiki centerpiece and cocnut cups. She knows my love of Disney. I can't see it without torturing my co-workers with the Tiki Room song.

[Alex]

I may have found an attribution for the kamikaze version. According to this old USENET thread (http://groups.google.com/group/alt.disney.disneyland/browse_thread/thread/97f72fe5d68c9955/d7b86d511a702dd9?lnk=st&q=%22Tiki+Room%22+claws&rnum=2&hl=en#d7b86d511a702dd9) (let's play a game of hey, I recognize those people) the lyrics provided with the Disney Theme Park Sing-Along said "kamikaze." But nobody seems to give that much credence.

The thread also offers the Under New Management equivalent line from Florida:

"The boys in the back are on the cause
And that's because they are macaws"

So it looks like the new managers decided on a lyric that makes more sense. Which automatically makes "claws" better.

[Morrigoon]

The people who brought us "go up a waterfall"? No, sir. The person. The rest of them were all, "what kind of **** are you smoking, Mr. Disney?"

...And being, as it was, the 60's, "And where can we get some?"

[Not Afraid]

It was Julie Rhyms (sp)that said "You go up a waterfall?"

[innerSpaceman]

Yes, she wrote that line herself. :p

[DreadPirateRoberts]

It was Julie Rhyms (sp)that said "You go up a waterfall?"

very close, Julie Reihm.

[innerSpaceman]

For NA, that was completely correct spelling.

[DreadPirateRoberts]

For NA, that was completely correct spelling.

Good point. I understood what she meant, which is all that matters anyway.

[Chernabog]

And, as Uncle Walt knew, the waterfall wasn't the only thing going up on that boat ride.

[RStar]

For NA, that was completely correct spelling.

Now, now. Play nice.

If it wornt for spell check, my posts wuld be a laufable ten times worst than NAs anayways. Most peapole know I'm the wurst speller arround! Besides, it's just the vowels that screw me up.

[Not Afraid]

Google spellcheck doesn't work on a Mac. I wish it did, but then what would we laugh at?