The Monster Mash is a scary novelty song about monsters,
dances, and some of the quirks of being a mad scientist.
Recorded in August, 1962, it was sung by Bobby "Boris" Pickett in
the style of Boris Karloff, an actor famous for playing horror film
roles. The backing singers, known as the Cryptkicker Five, were
created from the body parts of Johnny McCrae, Rickie Page, Gary
Paxton, and Leon Russell.
Although the dance of the "Monster Mash" is mentioned throughout
the song, there has never been a set dance to it. The Crypt-Kicker Five
were just another parody of the Mashed Potato dance craze. If you
would like a dance to dance to, use the Mashed Potato - but remember
to do it slowly, as you've only been reanimated in the last few
seconds and you haven't even had the time to oil your joints.
Monster Mash was the number one on the music charts on October
20th, 1962 - just in time for Halloween.
In 1995, Monster Mash: The Movie was released. Two teenagers,
stuck in a broken-down car, seek help in a haunted mansion inhabited
by Dr. Frankenstein (played by Bobby Pickett himself), who is in need
of a brain to transfer into his monster. In 2005, the song was
rewritten to become Climate Mash, a song about global
warming. Climate Mash has the same style as the original, and was
still sung by Pickett.
Why is it so popular? Firstly, it is completely silly. It's
upbeat, has lyrics you can remember, and there's no shame in dancing
to it badly. Secondly, it's damn good. "Boris" Pickett does a
near-perfect impression of Boris Karloff. Lastly, it's a novelty song
about a popular holiday - of course it's going to be played during
Halloween for many years to come, and with The Monster Mash, that
recognition is well-deserved.
And now, some lyrics.
(Creepy sound effects)
I was working in the lab late one night
When my eyes beheld an eerie sight
For my monster from his slab began to rise
And suddenly to my surprise
(He did the mash) He did the monster mash
(The monster mash) It was a graveyard smash
(He did the mash) It caught on in a flash
(He did the mash) He did the monster mash
From my laboratory in the castle east
To the master bedroom where the vampires feast
The ghouls all came from their humble abodes
To get a jolt from my electrodes
(They did the mash) They did the monster mash
(The monster mash) It was a graveyard smash
(They did the mash) It caught on in a flash
(They did the mash) They did the monster mash
The zombies were having fun, The party had just begun
The guests included Wolf Man, Dracula and his son
The scene was rockin', all were digging the sounds
Igor on chains, backed by his baying hounds
The coffin-bangers were about to arrive
With their vocal group, "The Crypt-Kicker Five"
(They played the mash) They played the monster mash
(The monster mash) It was a graveyard smash
(They played the mash) It caught on in a flash
(They played the mash) They played the monster mash
Out from his coffin, Drac's voice did ring
Seems he was troubled by just one thing
He opened the lid and shook his fist
And said, "Whatever happened to my Transylvania Twist?"
(It's now the mash) It's now the monster mash
(The monster mash) And it's a graveyard smash
(It's now the mash) It's caught on in a flash
(It's now the mash) It's now the monster mash
Now everything's cool, Drac's a part of the band
And my monster mash is the hit of the land
For you, the living, this mash was meant too
When you get to my door, tell them Boris sent you
(Then you can mash) Then you can monster mash
(The monster mash) And do my graveyard smash
(Then you can mash) You'll catch on in a flash
(Then you can mash) Then you can monster mash
A-woooooooooooo, Monster Mash, A-wooooooooooooo...