Civilization (song)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Civilization" is a popular song.
It was written by Bob Hilliard and Carl Sigman and published in 1947 and introduced in the 1947 Broadway musical, Angel in the Wings.
The song is sometimes also known as "Bongo, Bongo, Bongo (I Don't Want to Leave the Congo)" from its first line, but "Civilization" is in fact the official title.
Contents |
[edit] Concept
The song is a satire sang by a native "savage," whose village has recently been settled by a missionary and other "civilized" people, who have been trying to make the tribe into a civilized place. However, the savage thinks differently, and sings about the major flaws and civilized places, and that he will stay where he lives (presumably the Congo, as referenced by its line mentioned above as an alternate title).
[edit] Recordings
Many recorded versions made the Billboard magazine charts: by The Andrews Sisters and Danny Kaye, by Louis Prima, by Jack Smith, by Ray McKinley and by Woody Herman.
The Andrews Sisters/Danny Kaye recording was recorded September 27, 1947 and released by Decca Records as catalog number 24462. The record first reached the Billboard magazine charts on November 14, 1947 and lasted 10 weeks on the chart, peaking at #3. [1]
The Louis Prima recording was recorded July 24, 1947 and released by RCA Victor Records as catalog number 20-2400. The record first reached the Billboard magazine charts on November 7, 1947 and lasted eight weeks on the chart, peaking at #8. [1]
The Jack Smith recording was released by Capitol Records as catalog number 465. The record first reached the Billboard magazine charts on December 26, 1947 and lasted two weeks on the chart, peaking at #14. [1]
The Ray McKinley recording was released by Majestic Records as catalog number 7274. The record first reached the Billboard magazine charts on December 26, 1947 and lasted one week on the chart, at #14. [1]
The Woody Herman recording was released by Columbia Records as catalog number 37885. The record first reached the Billboard magazine charts on December 26, 1947 and lasted one week on the chart, at #15. [1]
Dyan Cannon also performed the song on The Muppet Show along with several muppet jungle animals.
