The Unapologetic Mathematician

New Orleans is fairly paralyzed by Mardi Gras now, so a local Mardi Gras theme is in order.

Here’s one I hadn’t realized was local until sometime last semester, partly because I could never really follow the words Originally titled “Jock-a-mo” when it was written in 1954, it’s become a classic, and rather recognizable near and far. One of the most famous of its many covers was a pop treatment for the soundtrack of Rain Man, in its opening scene, so if it sounds familiar, that’s where you know it from.

The song tells of two bands of “Mardi Gras Indians” (an interesting phenomenon in its own right) whose parades collide with each other, and the ensuing conflict. It’s shot through with parade chants in the local patois, so don’t worry if it makes next to no sense. I give you “Iko Iko”, and hurry back out to laissez les bon temps roulez!

My grandma and your grandma
Sittin’ by the fire
My grandma told your grandma
“I’m gonna set your flag on fire.”

Talkin’ ’bout, hey now! hey now!
Iko, iko, ane
Jockamo feeno anane
Jockamo feenane

Look at my king all dressed in red
Iko Iko ande
I betcha five dollars he’ll kill you dead
Jockamo feenane

Talkin’ ’bout, hey now! hey now!
Iko, iko, ane
Jockamo feeno anane
Jockamo feenane

My flag boy and your flag boy were
Sittin’ by the fire
My flag boy told your flag boy
“I’m gonna set your flag on fire.”

Talkin’ ’bout, hey now! hey now!
Iko, iko, ane
Jockamo feeno anane
Jockamo feenane
Jockamo feenane

See that guy all dressed in green
Iko, iko, ande
He’s not a man, he’s a lovin’ machine
Jockamo feenane

Talkin’ ’bout, hey now! hey now!
Iko, iko, ane
Jockamo feeno anane
Jockamo feenane

Talkin’ ’bout, hey now! hey now!
Iko, iko, ande
Jockamo feeno anane
Jockamo feenane