The song “I Told the Witch Doctor” is instantly recognizable, even if you don’t know the title. Its infectious chant, “Ooo eee ooo ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang,” has permeated popular culture for decades, popping up in movies, commercials, and countless sing-alongs. But beyond the catchy chorus, what are the actual “I Told The Witch Doctor Lyrics” about, and what’s the story behind this novelty hit? Let’s delve into the whimsical world of the witch doctor and uncover the secrets hidden within the song’s playful verses.
Decoding the Chant: “Ooo Eee Ooo Ah Ah Ting Tang Walla Walla Bing Bang”
At the heart of “I Told the Witch Doctor” lies its iconic and seemingly nonsensical chant: “Ooo eee ooo ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang.” These playful sounds are the witch doctor’s supposed magic spell, prescribed to the lovelorn protagonist seeking romantic advice. The beauty of this phrase lies in its universality; it’s pure sonic fun, transcending language barriers and age groups. It’s this memorable, singable gibberish that has cemented the song’s place in musical history and made “i told the witch doctor lyrics” so sought after.
The Full Lyrics: A Simple Tale of Love and Witchcraft
While the chant is the most famous part, the verses of “I Told the Witch Doctor” tell a charmingly simple story. The narrator is in love but feels unloved in return. In a moment of desperation, they seek guidance from a witch doctor. Let’s look at the complete “i told the witch doctor lyrics”:
I told the witch doctor I was in love with you
I told the witch doctor I was in love with you
And then the witch doctor he told me what to do
He said that
Ooo eee ooo ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang
Ooo eee ooo ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang
Ooo eee ooo ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang
Ooo eee ooo ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang
I told the witch doctor you didn't love me true
I told the witch doctor you didn't love me nice
And then the witch doctor he game me this advice
He said that Ooo eee ooo ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang
Ooo eee ooo ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang
Ooo eee ooo ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang
Ooo eee ooo ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang
You've been keeping love from me just like you were a miser
And I'll admit I wasn't very smart
So I went out and found myself a guy that's so much wiser
And he taught me the way to win your heart
My friend the witch doctor he taught me what to say
My friend the witch doctor he taught me what to do
I know that you'll be mine when I say this to you
Ooo eee ooo ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang
Ooo eee ooo ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang
Ooo eee ooo ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang
Ooo eee ooo ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang
You've been keeping love from me just like you were a miser
And I'll admit I wasn't very smart
So I went out and found myself a guy that's so much wiser
And he taught me the way to win your heart
My friend the witch doctor he taught me what to say
My friend the witch doctor he taught me what to do
I know that you'll be mine when I say this to you
Ooo eee ooo ah ah ting tang walla walla, bing bang
Ooo eee ooo ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang.
Come on, oo eee ooo ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang
Ooo eee ooo ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang
Ooo eee ooo ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang
Ooo eee ooo ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang
Ooo eee ooo ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang
Ooo eee ooo ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang
Writer/s: ROSS BAGDASARIAN
Publisher: Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Wixen Music Publishing
Lyrics licensed and provided by [LyricFind](https://www.lyricfind.com)The lyrics reveal a narrative of seeking magical help for romance. The protagonist believes their love interest is withholding affection and, feeling foolish, consults a “wiser” witch doctor. This whimsical scenario is the charm of the song; it’s a lighthearted take on love troubles, solved through fantastical means.
The Origins of the Witch Doctor’s Spell: Ross Bagdasarian and David Seville
The mastermind behind “I Told the Witch Doctor” is Ross Bagdasarian Sr., also known as David Seville, the creator of Alvin and the Chipmunks. Released in 1958, the song was originally performed by Bagdasarian under his David Seville persona. This connection to David Seville adds another layer of fun to the “i told the witch doctor lyrics”, as it links the song to the same creative mind behind the beloved Chipmunks.
Bagdasarian was known for his novelty songs and vocal manipulations. “Witch Doctor” is a prime example of his playful approach to music. The song’s success further solidified his reputation and paved the way for the Chipmunks phenomenon.
A Lasting Legacy: Why “Witch Doctor” Still Resonates
“I Told the Witch Doctor” isn’t a song about profound insights or complex emotions. Its enduring appeal lies in its sheer fun and catchiness. The “i told the witch doctor lyrics”, particularly the chant, are designed to be memorable and enjoyable. It’s a song that doesn’t take itself seriously, offering a dose of lightheartedness and pure musical silliness.
Whether you’re singing along to the “Ooo eee ooo” chorus or chuckling at the idea of seeking love advice from a witch doctor, this song continues to entertain. Its simplicity and infectious energy ensure that “I Told the Witch Doctor” and its memorable “i told the witch doctor lyrics” will remain a beloved novelty classic for generations to come.
