They're Coming To Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!

History

Released on Warner Bros. Records, the bizarre depiction of mental illness became an instant hit in the United States that summer, reaching number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart.

However, it was highly controversial at the time. Some groups protested the apparent mockery of mental illness, while other groups attacked the apparent comparison of Napoleon's wife to a "mangy mutt". The protesters put pressure both on radio stations directly and on the stations' advertisers. This was especially felt in New York City, where Top 40 stalwarts WABC (AM) WABC and WMCA soon dropped the record from airplay and skipped it during their countdown shows, much to the confusion of the young teens who made up a large part of those broadcasters' audience. The record was soon banned from airplay as BMI took the unprecedented step of withdrawing its certification. By the time it had been recertified by SESAC, it had all but disappeared from the Billboard Top 40 play list. ''The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits'', Billboard Publications,

The record was also a success in the United Kingdom, reaching number 4 on the UK Singles Chart.

Lyrics to the song:

Remember when you ran away and I got on my knees and begged you not to leave because I'd go berzerk?
Well, you left me anyhow and the days got worse and worse and now you see I've gone completely out of my mind.

And They're coming to take me away Ha Ha
They're coming to take me away ho ho he he ha ha
to the funny farm where life is beautiful all the time, and I'll be happy to see those nice young men in their clean white coats
and they're coming to take me away ha ha
You thought it was joke and so you laughed, you laughed when I had said that losing you would make me flip my lid, right? You know you laughed, I heard you laugh, you laughed, you laughed and laughed and then you left, but now you know I'm utterly mad.

And they're coming to take me away Ha Ha
They're coming to take me away ho ho he he ha ha
To the happy home with trees and flowers and chirping birds and basket weavers who sit and smile and twiddle their thumbs and toes
They're coming to take me away ha ha...

I cooked your food, I cleaned your house, and this is how you paid me back for all my kind unselfish loving deeds. Huh? Well you just wait they'll find you yet, and when they do they'll put you in the ASPCA you mangy mutt.

And They're coming to take me away Ha Ha
They're coming to take me away ho ho he he ha ha
To the funny farm where life is beautiful all the time and I'll be happy to see those nice men in their clean white coats
They're coming to take me away Ha Ha
To the happy home with trees and flowers and chirping birds and basket weavers who sit and smile and twiddle their thumbs and toes
They're coming to take me away Ha Ha Ha

Your home the one the bank foreclosed, You cried to me Monogamy is the way we both must live or you'll feel hurt. But, I see, I see there's someone new, your anxious poly-pure-bred coat was even gone at our place while I paid the rent, thanks!

And They're coming to take me away Ha Ha
They're coming to take me away ho ho he he ha ha
To the loony bin with all you can eat prescription drugs like torizine, and lithium, and electric shock and insulin
They're coming to take me away Ha Ha

                           






 

» left by Roschelle Nelson

3 years 209 days ago.
35 fans. Follow Roschelle Nelson on twitter!

interesting bit of music trivia. You know sometimes we just take life toooo seriously...thanks for sharing

Please log in to respond to this comment.

» left by David Tanguay 3 years 209 days ago.
186 fans.

Thank you for commenting Roschelle

Please log in to respond to this comment.

» left by Annabelle 2 years 272 days ago.

I feel like this was famously quoted in a movie or TV show, but I can't figure out which. Do you have any idea?

Please log in to respond to this comment.

» left by David Tanguay 2 years 271 days ago.
186 fans.

I remember when the song was released in 1966, but I don't ever remember it in a movie ot TV show.

Please log in to respond to this comment.

» left by Mish from NY 2 years 123 days ago.

I am trying to figure out what movie or show this song was in too. Any luck figuring it out???

Please log in to respond to this comment.

» left by David Tanguay 2 years 123 days ago.
186 fans.

No, I don't remember this song in a movie, sorry

Please log in to respond to this comment.