“Iko Iko”–Project Page
The Dixie Cups--Another Boy Like Mine
The master of New Orleans~ Dr. John
The Dixie Cups!
Hello!
For this project page, I would like to feature the song "Iko Iko". This is a very popular New Orleans song. I will feature two versions of the song….one by Dr. John and the other by The Dixie Cups (Thanks Professor Armstrong!)
This song has been covered by countless artists…such as Cyndi Lauper and the Greatful Dead! This song features Mardi Gras Indian chants.
The lyrics are:
Iko iko, iko iko unday
Jockomo feeno ah na nay
Jockomo feena nay
My spy boy told your spy boy
Sitting on the Bayou
My spy boy told your spy boy
I'm gonna set your tail on fire
Talking bout hey now (hey now)
Hey now (hey now)
Iko iko, iko iko unday
Jockomo feeno ah na nay
Jockomo feena nay
My Marie told your Marie
Sitting on the Bayou
My Marie told your Marie
I'm gonna set your flag on fire
We going down to
Iko iko unday
We gonna catch a little?
With jockomo feena nay, now
Talking bout hey now (hey now)
Hey now (hey now)
Iko iko, iko iko unday
Jockomo feeno ah na nay
Jockomo feena nay
All right
See Marie down the railroad track
Iko iko unday
Said put it here in the chicken sack
With jockomo feena nay
My little boy told your little boy
Get your head on my-o
My little girl told your little boy
We gonna get your chicken wire
Talking bout hey now (hey now)
Hey now (hey now)
Iko iko, iko iko unday
Jockomo feeno ah na nay
Jockomo feena nay
We going down to Bedford town
Iko iko unday
We gonna dance
Bout to mess around
Jockomo feena nay
Watch all what you tell them to
Iko iko unday
Cause we ain't do what you tell us to
Now you can jockomo feena nay
Talking bout hey now (hey now)
Hey now (hey now)
Iko iko, iko iko unday
Jockomo feeno ah na nay
Jockomo feena nay
Jockomo feena nay
What I say, unday
Jockomo feena nay
What I say, unday…
Iko iko unday
Jockomo feena nay
Iko iko unday
Jockomo feena nay…
The Dixie cups' version was performed in 2006 on "Another Boy Like Mine" album. The entire song is 2.03. When I first listened to this version of the song, I was reminded of the Kpelle song "Kalu Lee, Lee" (Bowl Mother, Mother), Woi Epic performance, Episode 5, Totota, Liberia. Performed by Kulung. The glass bottles are being struck and it creates the instrumental background.
The main beat in the Dixie Cups song is hit by sticks, creating a hollow and crystal clear sound. It almost sounds like claves being hit together. There is also a low percussive sound in the background…it sounds like a cello. The lyrical phrases are short and concise. There is also live handclapping sounds being recorded. There is definite call and response. What's cool about this version is that they put their own unique spin on the song….it sounds really cute! I love this version. It's a definite dance song! The layers of the voices mesh together to create a ultra clear recording. The meter is duple and the song is consonant (sweet). There is little to no tension in "Iko Iko". I was reminded of the live clave session that we did with John as class last Friday as I listened to the melody of the song. The tempo is somewhat rapid. There is syncopation. The contour of the song is balanced and it remains stabilized.
In comparison, Dr. John's (AKA Mac Rebennack) version of "Iko Iko" is a real trip! He uses his piano to create the melody and rhythm. Dr. John is amazing! He performed live on The Band's 1976 album "The Last Waltz". (Rick Danko, Robbie Robertson, Richard Manuel, Levon Helm and Garth Hudson) .
He improvises his own musical style…he is truly amazing! He turns "Iko Iko" into a instant classic!
He plays really fast and he represents the magic and casual music style of New Orleans. He is a master. He relates Bo Diddley into the "New orleans Pattern".
"Iko Iko" is pure magic!
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