South America, Take It Away!
Mel Torme · Other Songs - Mel Torme
The atom bomb and the Good Humor Man
We think our South American neighbors are grand
We love 'em to beat the band
South America, baba-loo, baba-loo, ay-ee-eh, baba-loo
One favor you can do, ay-ee-eh, you can do
You beautiful lands below
Don't know what you began
To put it plainly, I'm tired of shakin'
To that Pan-American plan
Take back your Samba, ay!, your Rumba, ay!, your Conga, ay-yi-yi!
I can't keep movin', ay!, my chassis, ay!, any longer, ay-yi-yi!
Now maybe Latins, ay!, in their middles, ay!, are built stronger,
ay-yi-yi!
But all this takin' to the quakin' and this makin' with the shakin'
leaves me achin', ole!
First shake around and settle there
Then you shake around and settle here
Then you shake around and settle there
That's enough, that's enough
Take it back, my spine's outta-whack
There's a strange click-clack
In the back of my sacroilliac
Take back your Conga, ay!, your Samba, ay!, your Rumba, ay-yi-yi!
Why can't you send us, ay!, a less strenu-, ay!, -ous number, ay-yi-
yi!
I got more bumps now, ay!, than on a, ay!, cucumber, ay-yi-yi!
While all those Latin drums are cloppin', like a Jumpin' Jack I'm
hoppin' without stoppin', ole!
South America, take it away
First you shake around and settle there (where?)
Then you shake around and settle here (oh, there)
And then you shake around and settle there (why Bing!)
That's enough, that's enough
Take it back, my spine's outta-whack
There's a strange click-clack
In the back of my sacroiliac
Oh, my achin' back
Take back your Conga, ay!, your Samba, ay!, your Rumba, ay-yi-yi!
Bring back the old days, ay!, of dancing I remember, ay-yi-yi!
My hips are cracking, I am shrieking "Ay-Carumba!", ay-yi-yi!
I got a wriggle and a diddle and a jiggle like a fiddle in my
middle, ole!
This fancy swishin' imposition wears out all of my transmission
ammunition, ole!
Though I like neighborly relations all these crazy new gyrations try
my patience, ole!
South America, take it away!
South America, Take It Away!
Mel Torme's 'South America, Take It Away!' stands as a vibrant testament to his mastery of Latin jazz and vocal improvisation. Recorded during a period where Torme frequently explored rhythmic complexities and cross-cultural fusion, the track showcases his signature ability to blend smooth phrasing with percussive energy. The song reflects the broader influence of Afro-Cuban rhythms on American pop and jazz of the era, characteristic of Torme's work with artists like The Meters and his own collaborations. Rather than a narrative ballad, the piece functions as an energetic showcase of vocal technique, utilizing syncopated delivery and melodic flexibility to engage listeners. It exemplifies Torme's commitment to musical exploration, capturing the spirited atmosphere of live performances that defined his discography. The recording remains a notable example of his versatility within the genre, highlighting his unique voice and rhythmic precision.