These lyrics tell a captivating story with a whimsical and folkloric quality. Let's break down the commentary line by line:
"There is a tale that the island people tell"
The lyrics begin by setting the scene, introducing the listener to the idea of a story passed down among island people. This line suggests a sense of tradition and folklore.
"Don't care if it is true, 'cause I love it so well"
The singer expresses a strong affection for the tale, emphasizing that its authenticity doesn't matter. This suggests that the power of the story lies in its ability to captivate and enchant, regardless of its factual basis.
"Jolly Mon sing for his supper every night"
The character of Jolly Mon is introduced as a singer who relies on his talent to provide for himself, creating a sense of independence and freedom.
"The people fed him well 'cause he treated them so right"
Jolly Mon's generosity and positive treatment of the island's people are highlighted, indicating that his kindness is reciprocated with food and support.
[Chorus 1]
5. "Oh oh oh oh, Jolly Mon sing"
The chorus reinforces the central theme of Jolly Mon's singing, using a catchy and repetitive melody to emphasize the character's role as a singer.
"Oh oh oh oh, make Orion ring"
Here, Jolly Mon's singing is linked to the constellation Orion, suggesting a cosmic and mystical connection to his music.
[Verse 2]
7. "And they wanted him to sing on the island near and far"
Jolly Mon's popularity extends throughout the entire island, underlining his widespread appeal as a singer.
"He always found his way by Orion, lucky star"
This line reinforces the idea of a celestial connection, as Jolly Mon relies on the star Orion to guide him.
"He'd tell them of their joys, he'd tell them of their woes"
Jolly Mon's songs serve as a means of storytelling, where he shares both the islanders' happiness and their sorrows through his music.
"They loved to see him come, they'd hate to see him go"
The islanders deeply appreciate Jolly Mon's presence, showing that he has a special place in their hearts.
[Chorus 2]
11. "Oh oh oh oh, Jolly Mon sing"
- The chorus repeats, emphasizing the joy and significance of Jolly Mon's singing.
"Oh oh oh oh, make the music ring"
The music itself is portrayed as something vibrant and resonant, suggesting its ability to bring people together.
[Verse 3]
13. "He was makin' his way home on a dark and stormy night"
- A turn in the story occurs as Jolly Mon faces adversity on his journey home, creating a sense of tension and danger.
"When he heard a cry for help, he saw a flashin' light"
Jolly Mon's compassionate nature is showcased as he responds to someone in distress, symbolized by the flashing light.
"When he reached the other boat and offered them a hand"
Jolly Mon's willingness to help others in need is further highlighted, reinforcing his positive character.
"They said, 'Give us all your cargo' as they took a pirate stand"
The situation takes a dark turn as the people on the other boat reveal their malicious intent, turning out to be pirates who demand Jolly Mon's cargo.
[Chorus 3]
17. "Oh oh oh oh, Jolly Mon sing"
- Despite the perilous situation, the chorus repeats, emphasizing the enduring significance of Jolly Mon's singing.
"Oh oh oh oh, give them everything"
The request for Jolly Mon to give everything suggests that the pirates are after more than just his cargo; they want something precious, which could symbolize his music or spirit.
[Verse 4]
19. "'Jolly Mon, it's over, sing your last song very well'"
- The pirates threaten Jolly Mon and imply that he must perform his final song perfectly.
"They tossed him in the ocean, 'cause their hearts were made in hell"
The pirates' cruelty is highlighted as they cast Jolly Mon into the ocean, suggesting a lack of empathy or humanity in their actions.
"Came along a dolphin, he said, 'Jolly Mon hello!'"
A magical and unexpected twist occurs as a dolphin comes to Jolly Mon's rescue, introducing an element of fantasy into the story.
"I've always loved your singing, climb aboard, don't let go"
The dolphin expresses admiration for Jolly Mon's singing and offers him salvation, emphasizing the redemptive power of music.
[Chorus 4]
23. "Oh oh oh oh, Jolly Mon sing"
- The chorus returns once again, this time with a sense of triumph and hope, as Jolly Mon is saved.
"Oh oh oh oh, make the oceans ring"
The oceans are personified, and Jolly Mon's singing is portrayed as having the power to resonate throughout the vast expanse of the sea.
[Verse 5]
25. "The night was filled with magic, they bid the sea goodbye"
- The story takes a magical turn as Jolly Mon and the dolphin embark on a celestial journey, bidding farewell to the sea.
"They swam into the heavens, they stayed up in the sky"
This line adds a fantastical element, suggesting that Jolly Mon and the dolphin ascend into the night sky, becoming celestial beings.
"And all the island people, when they wish upon a star"
The islanders are connected to this cosmic transformation, as they can now make wishes upon a star associated with Jolly Mon.
"See the dolphin and the Jolly Mon who tell them where they are"
Jolly Mon and the dolphin become celestial guides, helping the islanders find their way and understand their place in the world.
[Chorus 5]
29. "Oh oh oh oh, Jolly Mon sing"
- The chorus repeats, echoing the enduring power of Jolly Mon's singing and its connection to the islanders.
"Oh oh oh oh, make the heavens ring"
The heavens themselves are depicted as resonating with Jolly Mon's music, underscoring its cosmic significance.
[Chorus 6]
31. "Oh oh oh oh, Jolly Mon sing"
- The final chorus reinforces the central theme of Jolly Mon's singing and its impact on both the earthly and celestial realms.
"Oh oh oh oh, make the magic ring"
The lyrics conclude by highlighting the magical and transformative nature of Jolly Mon's music, suggesting that it has the power to create wonder and enchantment.
[Outro]
33. "Oh oh oh, oh oh oh"
- The outro repeats the melodic phrases, leaving a lingering sense of the enchanting and magical tale that has been told.
These lyrics craft a captivating narrative that blends elements of folklore, fantasy, and the power of music to create a story that is both imaginative and emotionally resonant.
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