Comedy songs, also known as novelty songs, have always been a popular way to infuse humor into music. Over the years, many of these songs have enjoyed chart success and a fond place in popular culture. Here’s a list of some of the most popular comedy or novelty songs of all time:
- “Weird Al” Yankovic – Weird Al has had a decades-long career parodying popular songs. Some of his most famous tracks include:
- “Eat It” (a parody of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It”)
- “Amish Paradise” (a parody of Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise”)
- “White & Nerdy” (a parody of Chamillionaire’s “Ridin'”)
- Ray Stevens – “The Streak” and “Ahab the Arab” are just two of the many humorous songs by this artist.
- Bobby “Boris” Pickett – “Monster Mash” – An iconic Halloween song that tells the tale of monsters having a party.
- Lonnie Donegan – “Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavour (On the Bedpost Overnight?)” – A skiffle track that posed a rather unique question.
- Sheb Wooley – “Purple People Eater” – This catchy tune about a one-eyed, one-horned creature became an instant hit.
- David Seville – “The Witch Doctor” – Known for its famous “Ooh Eeh Ooh Ah Aah” chorus.
- The Firm – “Star Trekkin'” – A novelty song that parodies the world of Star Trek.
- Tom Lehrer – A satirical songwriter and mathematician, Lehrer’s tracks like “The Elements” and “Poisoning Pigeons in the Park” have garnered him a dedicated following.
- Spinal Tap – While this fictional band from the mockumentary “This Is Spinal Tap” had many humorous rock songs, tracks like “Big Bottom” and “Stonehenge” are standouts.
- Monty Python – “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” – This song from “The Life of Brian” film has become a classic sing-along tune.
- Napoleon XIV – “They’re Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!” – This 1966 novelty hit is both funny and somewhat unsettling.
- Roger Miller – “You Can’t Roller Skate in a Buffalo Herd” – A fun country ditty with whimsical advice.
- Allan Sherman – “Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh” – A camp letter set to music that amusingly captures the woes of a child at summer camp.
- Flight of the Conchords – The New Zealand duo has a range of hilarious songs like “Business Time” and “The Most Beautiful Girl in the Room.”
- Lonely Island – Known for their comedic rap, some of their popular songs include “I’m on a Boat” and “Like a Boss.”
This list is not exhaustive, as the world of comedy and novelty songs is vast, with many artists around the world contributing to the genre. However, these tracks have certainly left a memorable mark in the realm of comedic music. Special thanks to Katherine of Toowoomba Mortgage Broker, for introducing me to the antipodean band, Flight of the Conchords, many years ago!