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Manu Chao — Bongo Bong
Album: Clandestino
Avg rating:
6.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2069









Released: 1998
Length: 2:39
Plays (last 30 days): 1
Mama was queen of the mambo, Papa was king of the Congo
Deep down in the jungle I started bangin' my first bongo
Every monkey'd like to be in my place instead of me
'Cause I'm the king of bongo, baby I'm the king of bongo bong

I went to the big town where there is a lot of sound
From the jungle to the city looking for a bigger crown
So I play my boogie for the people of big city
But they don't go crazy when I'm bangin' on my boogie

I'm the "king of the bongo, king of the bongo bong"
Hear me when I come, baby
"King of the bongo, king of the bongo bong"

Nobody'd like to be in my place instead of me
'Cause nobody go crazy when I'm bangin' on my boogie
I'm a king without a crown hanging loose in a big town
But I'm the king of bongo, baby I'm the king of bongo bong

"King of the bongo, king of the bongo bong"
Hear me when I come, baby
"King of the bongo, king of the bongo bong"
Hear me when I come

They say that I'm a clown, making too much dirty sound
They say there is no place for little monkey in this town
Nobody'd like to be in my place instead of me
'Cause nobody go crazy when I'm bangin' on my boogie

"King of the bongo, king of the bongo bong"
Hear me when I come, baby
"King of the bongo, king of the bongo bong"
Hear me when I come

Bangin' on my bongo all that swing belongs to me
I'm so happy there's nobody in my place instead of me
I'm a king without a crown hanging loose in a big town
I'm the king of bongo, baby I'm the king of bongo bong

"King of the bongo, king of the bongo bong"
Hear me when I come, baby
"King of the bongo, king of the bongo bong"
Hear me when I come

Mama was queen of the mambo, Papa was king of the Congo
Deep down in the jungle I started bangin' my first bongo
Every monkey'd like to be in my place instead of me
'Cause I'm the king of bongo, baby I'm the king of bongo bong

Hear me when I come
Hear me when I come, baby
"King of the bongo, king of the bongo bong"
Hear me when I come
Comments (313)add comment
Why do songs like this always light up the red bars?!
I don't smoke pot so I listen to this to get a great buzz. Love Manu Chau!
 CamLwalk wrote:

He keeps saying he's King of the Bongo but I don't hear any bongos in this song


Came here to say exactly this...
Love this!
 prairie_girl wrote:

This is on a Putamayo kids album that we have - my kids love it and so do I. It's got a great groove!

Yeah! That's where it's from. Years since I heard this. Our kids loved it too.

WiffleGif
SEMPRE UNA SPLENDIDA CANZONE
This is on a Putamayo kids album that we have - my kids love it and so do I. It's got a great groove!
 Shmelo wrote:

Audible atrocity.



Aw c'mon, have some fun :)
 camarkim wrote:
I've been listening to RP for years. This is the worst song I've evert heard here. Horrible.
 
If the musical gig doesn't work out, he's always got a career as an auctioneer waiting.
what a silly fun song...
He keeps saying he's King of the Bongo but I don't hear any bongos in this song
I dont know why I like this.

Its like an up-to-date hispanic version of Trios Dah Dah Dah.

I liked that too.

anyway, now it brings memories of a great 2 weeks in Thassos.

7
This is one of the few songs on the RP playlist I can't stomach.  I listen for hours at a time and almost always like or love everything.  But it's got a 6.1 average soooooo..... PSD!
 Johnny_Wave wrote:
This song sucks out loud

 
Is she saying, "He loves Obama, He loves Obama"? 
this song makes me happy anytime
you should see these guys live
it's a total party! 
Man this song kicks ass,,,,,
This is a cover of a Mano Negra song “King of Bongo”. The original was a plain rock song, much more energetic, and has its roots in a 1939 recording of “King of the Bongo Bong” by the trumpeter Roy Eldridge. Bongo Bong was Manu Chao's first single as a solo artist and is obviously a tongue-in-cheek cover by Mano Negra's own former frontman. But I guess most people hear that dive bomb jingle and immediately dismiss it as childish and crap. Well, to each their own…
Audible atrocity.
Love it
8 -> 9
Manu Chao is a very talented person. 
I love this album, generally I love Manu!{#Clap}{#Dancingbanana} Great to hear hin here!
Just say no.
Clearly a marmite song. I love it 
 
 Johnny_Wave wrote:
This song sucks out loud

 
out loud even. {#Ask}
This song sucks out loud
 q4Fry wrote:
Depending on my mood, I think this song is hilarious. It gets a 6 for the moment.

 

No ambivalence here.  I'm never in the mood for this.


 q4Fry wrote:
Depending on my mood, I think this song is hilarious. It gets a 6 for the moment.

 
Maybe this comment is why I already had this rated a 6. I have to up that rating though. The fact that I'm so torn about how I feel about this song is testimony enough about how special it is. 
Depending on my mood, I think this song is hilarious. It gets a 6 for the moment.
Bongo bong? 
I think that was one of my college theme chants.
That was then, this is now.
Now it's bongo da psd. 
 
 ziggytrix wrote:
Do you like hardcore dance remixes?

I can't hear this song any other way now. Even as it was playing just now I was pitching it up and adding drum fills in my head. I love it!

 
Thanks for the recommendation.
PSD worthy.
Do you like hardcore dance remixes?

I can't hear this song any other way now. Even as it was playing just now I was pitching it up and adding drum fills in my head. I love it!
 passsion8 wrote:
How did this get selected? Odd.

  Well,,,, there is a panel of high minded individuals who sit near the crater of Mount Pinatubo. Everyday the fumes from the still steaming volcano intoxicate them. They then move onto a vision quest where songs come to them in their dream state. They then come back to a conscious state where relay their experiences to one and other. They then chose.

Its either that,,,,or Bill picks them       


This song is bong.

Ya can't go wrong.

But he don't look strong.

Is his shadow long?

Is it Chinese or dong?

It would be if it's fong.

I use to play majong.
OK...I can write rap tunes.  Where is my mutha @#$ check?
How did this get selected? Odd.
I've been listening to RP for years. This is the worst song I've evert heard here. Horrible.
 Lonestar wrote:
Increasingly annoying with each play. 

 
Hard to believe it could increase.
Back in college me and my friend used to sing "King of the Bongload" whilst partaking in such.  Those were good times.
One of my favourites.
I don't want to work, I just want to bang on my bongo all day...
Ha ha! So glad this is still being played here in spite of all the haters. This is a superb track. . . . 10. 
 stunix wrote:
Just a novelty song guys, don't take it too seriously.  This caught my ear traveling through Greece in 2004 and I used it as my alarm clock tone for too long.
 
Sure thing but I still don't need to like it or listen to it. PSD... AWAY!!!!!
Increasingly annoying with each play. 
Just a novelty song guys, don't take it too seriously.  This caught my ear traveling through Greece in 2004 and I used it as my alarm clock tone for too long.
I'll lump this in with "Gangman" style.....crap!
 stunix wrote:
good example of humour in music.   if you dont get it, your probably taking life too seriously.  shame.

 
sooo true n_n ...  those boring people
Poor derivative dribble. 
(Beavis and Butthead voice) Heh, heh, heh, he said "bong".

I like it ...... and vote 7!
 shellbella wrote:
Stupid and annoying.
 
I agree - you are. However, this track is great! 10.
So many snobs in the comments... {#Nyah} 7.
Stupid and annoying.
Soooo annoying.  {#Beat}
Yes, this takes me back. It was a  big hit in Europe about 12 or so years ago — they used to play it on MTV alot. Quirky and fun, somehow gets under your skin in a good way. Though I remember thinking  it's a song that just wouldn't get airplay in North America. Thanks, RP for reminding me about those good times in Brussels.
Agreed . . . annoying.
Repeats a bit don't ya think? {#Rolleyes}
Fine piece, thanks. More of Manu's other excellent material, e.g. Lagrimas d'oro, please!
I love this song!  Heard it for the first time on a radio station in the republic of Georgia in 2004.  I've been annoying people with it since then!
{#Notworthy}
Exhilarating, vibey, fun, happy... My best listens to this album have been while driving through Mozambique. Takes me straight there on this sunny Sunday afternoon!
 zitherica wrote:
I have been to three Manu Chao concerts and they were just amazing. And all the people at the concert seemed to be enjoying as well. Plus, Manu Chao has a very strong social and (anti)political messages, so it kind of adds another dimensions to their concert. Saying they are terrible live is quite surprising, they are one of the greatest live bends I've heard...
 
I've only been to one Manu Chao concert and it was a near-religious experience.

This song is an instant 10! 
good example of humour in music.   if you dont get it, your probably taking life too seriously.  shame.
{#Dancingbanana} My father met Manu when I was a little boy and he came to Ecuador. Now my father lives in France, and they see each other once in a while.
What a crazy little song!
 cherjr wrote:

unfortunately, quite opposite: he's terrible live. very load, not nuanced, hardcore distorted ska-rhytmical crap :(

 
I have been to three Manu Chao concerts and they were just amazing. And all the people at the concert seemed to be enjoying as well. Plus, Manu Chao has a very strong social and (anti)political messages, so it kind of adds another dimensions to their concert. Saying they are terrible live is quite surprising, they are one of the greatest live bends I've heard...
Soul destroying.
Hmmm, not so much. But enjoy, those who like it.

{#Rolleyes}
 michaelgmitchell wrote:
 
Hope you washed your hands, young man. 


 Boots77 wrote:
This is just plain FUN. 
 
If you're 8 years old.

 cherjr wrote:

unfortunately, quite opposite: he's terrible live. very load, not nuanced, hardcore distorted ska-rhytmical crap :(
 
I'm glad I'm not you.
There's a place for this song somewhere in a Disney movie.
MUTE!
This is just plain FUN. 

I like it. Keep it up RP
ONE OF MY FAVORITE SONGS!  Never knew who or where it came from.  Thanks RP - NOTE....why so many bad reviews?  Don't get it...I like this one.  {#Dancingbanana}

This is the most terrible song I have ever heard on RP 
this is really bad.
 Pharlap wrote:
thanks for this one. Always a pleasure. The guy must be great live.
 
unfortunately, quite opposite: he's terrible live. very load, not nuanced, hardcore distorted ska-rhytmical crap :(

 Pharlap wrote:
thanks for this one. Always a pleasure. The guy must be great live.
 
Saw him live a few years ago. The guy is high energy and LOUD. Awesome show.
I used to live above a restaurant in France that played that song all night long, every nights during summer...

Cannot listen, must... downvote!

Sucko-barfo.
 aelfheld wrote:

I find myself despising this, and enjoying myself for it.

/Don't read too much into that
 


I hear the vocalist sound of Cake...this is not a good thing. Nada.
thanks for this one. Always a pleasure. The guy must be great live.
 Raechel wrote:

i find myself enjoying this, and despising myself for it
 
I find myself despising this, and enjoying myself for it.

/Don't read too much into that


saw his show in dallas 3 or 4 yrs ago at the palladium and it was great.  ran into him after the show on our way to the car (on his way to trailer) and he was friendly enough to chat for a minute and take a photo with wifey. 


 Raechel wrote:

 

i find myself enjoying this, and despising myself for it


 

likewise

 

i find myself enjoying this, and despising myself for it


This Bongo?


King of the bongo

Tocando la guitarra by ~profanation-funky
Ananas  ©2008-2010 ~profanation-funky

p.s: c'est Manu Chao pour ceux qui n'auraient pas compris
Manu Chao & Radio Bemba - L'Hiver Est Là, Live Baionarena (2008)
"Pure adrenalin"


 pallasathene82 wrote:
*snort*  This seems like a slightly odd kids song, given the "hit me when I cum" line.  But then again, I'm a perv.
 
"HEAR me when I come"

You are a perv but it's what we like about you {#Whipit}
 Hannio wrote:


You have a serious misunderstanding of what the RP song comments pages are all about.  Maybe you should take your own advice.  If you don't like the comments, just go somewhere else.

 
No... he pretty much got it right. 

Bongo Brothers

We are Bongo Brothers, searching for the new sound!
 mtmedlin wrote:
How cool.  Never expected to hear this song here.  This is on one of my kids' Putamayo children's CDs.  A favorite around our house.
And nice to hear here.
—mike
 
*snort*  This seems like a slightly odd kids song, given the "hit me when I cum" line.  But then again, I'm a perv.


Manu Chao - "Mi Vida" Live


 doc_dave wrote:
I guess this is one of those songs you need to be in the mood for....

Guess I'm not in the mood. {#Shhh} <...momentary mute...>

 
totally agree - i didn't like this the first time i heard it but now, with a beer down and another in process, I find it quite fun


Manu Chao - "Mentira" video


Manu Chao -  Interview

 Jungle_Jim wrote:
I saw Manu Chao give a free concert during the infamous G8 protests at Genoa on 2001. There was a sea of young Italian, Spanish, German, English, Greek (and the rest of Europe) anti-capitalist protesters loving it. For me Manu Chao has come to represent those times - between the WTO protests Seattle in 1999 and Genoa 2001 - when everyone was talking about the Zapatistas and neo-liberalism and the so-called 'anti-globalization movement' (meaning anti-globalized capitalism). Manu Chao bottled that vibe on this album. After 2001 of course that particular timeframe ended and the anti-war movements kicked off after 9-11 and the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.
 
Thanks for sharing — and I completely get what you said about bottling 'that vibe.'  I was living in Paris for those two years and that's where I learned of his music.

How cool.  Never expected to hear this song here.  This is on one of my kids' Putamayo children's CDs.  A favorite around our house.
And nice to hear here.
—mike


Catchy...good party mix music.
sucks
I saw Manu Chao give a free concert during the infamous G8 protests at Genoa on 2001. There was a sea of young Italian, Spanish, German, English, Greek (and the rest of Europe) anti-capitalist protesters loving it. For me Manu Chao has come to represent those times - between the WTO protests Seattle in 1999 and Genoa 2001 - when everyone was talking about the Zapatistas and neo-liberalism and the so-called 'anti-globalization movement' (meaning anti-globalized capitalism). Manu Chao bottled that vibe on this album. After 2001 of course that particular timeframe ended and the anti-war movements kicked off after 9-11 and the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.
 azdcryan wrote:
While the song wasn't terribly inspiring...it did make me click the page to see if he was in fact saying "King of the bongload".
...which he wasn't, regrettably.
...right, wrong, or indifferent...that would have been more amusing at the very least.
 
Haha, funny. Ok, i guess Manu Chao has made his "experiences" in smokin' weed (maybe he still do), but he wouldn't make a song with lyrics that obvious. ^^

         . . . sorry, it had to be done.

 tm wrote:
What happened to people taking personal responsibility for the way they are feeling...

Look you create your world!  SO IF IT SUCKS TO YOU - CHANGE THE CHANNEL!

I always preface my own mindset/feelings when I say I am not happy with some song or other, but I know it's me not the music.

Someone somewhere out there will love something - I personally LOVE Manu Chau - but I lived in Europe and had many good times with it in the background.  I personally love the variety and styles of music played here and am not always in the mood for every song they play when they play it - but it's ME that's the constant not the Music because as you see around you - others Love the same song you are dissing.  So get over yourselves.
 
     1.) This isn't your personal radio station - this is Bill and Rebecca's
     2.) If you don't like most of what they play - GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!
     3.) If you are super unhappy about life - see someone else, go for a walk in nature, do something to try and change it. 
 

You have a serious misunderstanding of what the RP song comments pages are all about.  Maybe you should take your own advice.  If you don't like the comments, just go somewhere else.

This isn't the sort of song I would normally rate particularly high, but it has major sentimental value to me. The two bars that I frequented throughout my late 20s and early-to-mid 30s had very eclectic jukeboxes (one bar begat the other), and this CD was on there. This particular track was a favorite of one of the bartenders (and owner of the second bar), and always brings back fond memories when I hear it.
 
To you, Thom. May you rest in peace.  
The singer sounds as tired of the song as I am.

king of the bongo?  with no bongo?
 doc_dave wrote:
I guess this is one of those songs you need to be in the mood for....

Guess I'm not in the mood. {#Shhh} <...momentary mute...>
 
wow!  is that ever the truth.   2 up to 7 
I guess this is one of those songs you need to be in the mood for....

Guess I'm not in the mood. {#Shhh} <...momentary mute...>

Hi,
Thanx U  Calypsus for writting all "King of Mambo" lyrics.
I never had all the real words written about it in french, indeed... anyway  if you want to know about "la Mano Negra" Manu's before band, you can ask me..
More alternatif and political  positive way, it's finely OK for ...

PS : the last time I've eaten witch Manu and all the band, that was in Valence- Drome- 26000 - France and not in Spain !!!
C'est tout pour aujourd'hui...
Grandkrock..


While the song wasn't terribly inspiring...it did make me click the page to see if he was in fact saying "King of the bongload".
...which he wasn't, regrettably.
...right, wrong, or indifferent...that would have been more amusing at the very least.
Mama was queen of the mambo
Papa was king of the Congo
Deep down in the jungle
I started bangin' my first bongo
Every monkey'd like to be
In my place instead of me
Cause I'm the king of bongo, baby
I'm the king of bongo bong
I went to the big town
Where there is a lot of sound
From the jungle to the city
Looking for a bigger crown
So I play my boogie
For the people of big city
But they don't go crazy
When I'm bangin' in my boogie
I'm the "king of the bongo, king of the bongo bong"
Hear me when I come
King of the bongo, king of the bongo bong
They say that I'm a clown
Making too much dirty sound
They say there is no place for little monkey in this town
Nobody'd like to be in my place instead of me
Cause nobody go crazy when I'm bangin' on my boogie
I'm the king of the bongo, king of the bongo bong
Hear me when I come
"King of the bongo, king of the bongo bong"
Bangin' on my bongo all that swing belongs to me
I'm so happy there's nobody in my place instead of me
I'm a king without a crown hanging loose in a big town
But I'm the king of bongo baby I'm the king of bongo bong
King of the bongo, king of the bongo bong
Hear me when I come, baby, king of the bongo, king of the bongo bong

** 7 / 8 **

What happened to people taking personal responsibility for the way they are feeling...

Look you create your world!  SO IF IT SUCKS TO YOU - CHANGE THE CHANNEL!

I always preface my own mindset/feelings when I say I am not happy with some song or other, but I know it's me not the music.

Someone somewhere out there will love something - I personally LOVE Manu Chau - but I lived in Europe and had many good times with it in the background.  I personally love the variety and styles of music played here and am not always in the mood for every song they play when they play it - but it's ME that's the constant not the Music because as you see around you - others Love the same song you are dissing.  So get over yourselves.
 
     1.) This isn't your personal radio station - this is Bill and Rebecca's
     2.) If you don't like most of what they play - GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!
     3.) If you are super unhappy about life - see someone else, go for a walk in nature, do something to try and change it. 
Shouldn't a song that carries on about being the "King of the Bongos" include some bongo playing?
 timc wrote:
I'm anticipating a Manu Chao/Dengue Fever collaboration.  Wait, did I say "anticipating"?
  
{#High-five}

The only good thing about this track was the moment of pondering "1, or 2. Hm. 2, or 1. Hm. What the heck, I'm in a good mood, let's go with 2."


Thanks Bill. My kids love this song. We know the song from a Putamayo disc from a couple years back called "World Playground".