IKO IKO - meaning of the real words and their origin

Revealed at last. For fifty years people have puzzled over the strange words of the chorus of the hit song Iko-Iko. Here are the original lyrics, who composed them and the language used.

[@JerryBearElPaso]

The song was originally in the New Orleans version of louisiana Creole French that was once universally used by the African community but is now all but forgotten. The pronunciation has become blurred over the years but originally went like: "Aiko Aiko an de!" Aiko Aiko is believed from a West African language and means "Pay attention!" Aiko aiko an de! means "Pay attention to this!". "Jacomo feel o an den de," means "The Joker we do not play today," and "Jacomo feenanai!" means "The joker is finished!" The latter expression at least should be easily recognisable as derived from French though non stanard. The Mardi Gras Indians would say this when they were deadly serious to warn others to not mess with them. Mardi Gras was often a time in the old days for settling scores and revenge. They would often add "Tuey pa cuey!", "Kill you if you don't get out of the way!". Bystanders would respond "Otende!", "I understand!" "Tuey Pa Cuey" sometimes appears in later songs in various forms though the meaning is often not understood. The genuine heritage of the Mardi Gras Indians does not go back to any group of Indians though they were friends of some tribes but rather to the Bambara people of West Africa. They maintained their identity for a long time in Louisiana and in a sense it continues in the Mardi Gras "Indians" of today. It is a terrible shame that the beautiful Lousiana Creole French is rapidly being lost. It holds a large part of the history, tradition and heritage of the Black community of Lousiana. I have met speakers of what is basically Cajun French who are completely unaware that there is another form of French in Louisiana that is quite radically different from Cajun or Standard French and was once spoken universally by all the children of Africa in Lousiana. There have been some influences of Creole on Cajun but the two languages in their true form are greatly different and not easily intelligible to each other as this song shows. Right now, most speakers of genuine Creole are elderly and do not usually speak their language in the presence of outsiders. I hope this changes and the younger generation takes an interest in their rich heritage and asks their elders to teach them their language!

[@JerryBearElPaso]

***** Wow! I am glad to hear that efforts are being made to keep the language alive. Is it genuine Kreyol La Lwizyan? I have met speakers of Louisiana French who seem to think they are speaking Creole if they throw in a few Creole expressions. The two languages are un fact far apart, especially in how they conjugate verbs. Are you familiar with the pure Creole of the older people in St. Martin Parish? This parish is the recognised stronghold of real Creole unfortunately spoken mainly by the elderly. Standard French has about 3000 different irregular verb forms(counting all the different verbs) whereas genuine Creole has none. My personal feeling is that a great threat to Creole is that people fail to recognise it for the different language that it is and instead encourage the use of an unfortunate hybrid form that is fact mostly Louisiana French. This will kill the real language.

[@GeauxMAB_n_Gumbeaux]

@@Louisianish christoph Landry, look him up

[@GeauxMAB_n_Gumbeaux]

I would love to post your explanation on social media but alas, KZbin doesn't allow copy and paste

[@larsgadell5016]

@@GeauxMAB_n_Gumbeaux Are you drunk? It sure does on my computer at least.

[@kathylynch9732]

@@GeauxMAB_n_Gumbeaux Use your smart phone and take a snapshot of it. That's what I did.

[@chelseaducre7068]

The Creoles & Indians never left New Orleans. We are still here :D

[@SCREAMNAME]

Thank you.... We are Alive.

[@garou136]

+Chelsea Ducre For true!

[@Wrapscallionn]

+PhillyGirl1 they're all over the place. We have one not far from New Orleans, called the Poarch Creek Reservation.

[@iancully1]

Hello Chelsea. This is Ian, I put the video together. I'm replying because I was wrog, in fact there's a big community of Creoles and various traibes such as the Choctaw etc. After two patient years of research I rushed the end and lift the mistake in. Sorry.

[@One3snapshot]

iancully1, you need to then edit and re-upload your video, there are lot of inconsistencies include calling 'Native American' a language. Or you need to include a memo in your video description.

[@FlashbackChameleons]

First let me thank the person who posted this video. You are dead on correct about the lyrics. As a Native New Orleanian myself, I know "Iko Iko" all too well. I don't believe that the Creole/Choctaw people have left the area because I know many who still live here, but have since inbreed with other nationalities. There is not ONE person living here who doesn't know the recorded chant words, but many who do not know that they are incorrect, or their true meaning. Thank you again for posting the video. It's well done. ~ I remain.... a left over creole.

[@jelwagaa]

I could be wrong, but I think you misunderstood the translation of "rear" - I believe the more accurate translation was probably "Listen in the Back!" and if my boyfriend (New Orleans cajun native) is correct, then this was actually meant to reference the "Back O'Town" or "in the Back [area of New Orleans]" which is where the first freed men of color had begun to buy/rent property after they were able to buy their freedom (which was, I believe a French custom if I'm not mistaken, which the Americans discontinued when they purchased Louisiana from the French). And "Chokma finha" from what I understand meant something more along the lines of (at least as it was used in Creole sayings) "It's all good" - like something more to the affect of how we use that phrase today: "I may not have much money, but I have lots of friends, lots of fun and lots of love, so, it's all good." So, I'm guessing the original "clash" between Mardi Gras Indian chiefs witnessed by the song's author was nothing of the sort; but rather them calling a truce for the sake of Mardi Gras. From what I understand, the meaning of the song conveys something more along the lines of "shouting out" or "representing" your neighborhood, something more to the affect of: "Listen, Listen, Listen [everybody] in the Back! It's all good in the Back! It's all good [all] year!" Which would certainly carry with it the tone and essence of Mardi Gras celebrations - another way to say "let the good times roll." We have to keep in mind, this is a town that, after the devastation of Katrina, they still continued to put on Mardi Gras festivities less than 8 months later. So, it's definitely a town of repping your hood but also coming together during certain times of the year to show pride in your city, and come what may, laissez les bon temps rouler. Thank you for putting this video together and comparing it with the french and creole. There are so many ridiculous articles written on this, maybe youtube will help keep the original meaning alive.

[@iancully1]

When I made the video I had no preconceived slant. I wrote the script on what college professors, linguistic experts and history books told me. I live in France, and Creole is fascinating to me - and now, from what I read here, I'm relieved it's still very much a part of New Orleans. Perhaps one day someone will prove that the Native Americans are too. The eye opener for me was the interest shown - who'd have thought Iko Iko's history would have had 92 000 views?

[@linguisticanthropologist8112]

Just to be specific, the Native American language is/was Yama, which the Native Americans of Louisiana taught to the French and the Black people.

[@CatDeville]

@@linguisticanthropologist8112... I'm sorry, but I'm still a bit confused here, and appreciate your attempt to be specific (being part Cherokee (Tsalagi), I was curious what they meant by "Native American" language, since there are 574 (recognized) Native American tribes in the US today and there were presumably more in the 1900s (there were approx. 600 tribes in the 1492), and while there was some overlap in languages between tribes in related "nations," there were a good number of distinct dialects. According to the Indigenous Language Institute, there were more than 300 indigenous languages spoken in the U.S. And, yes, too many of them are being lost. Today there are only around 175 Native American languages spoke in the U.S. I'd be interested to know which tribe(s) spoke Yama.

[@defiantoli5204]

@@CatDeville I think they're refering to this Yama Dialect en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobilian_Jargon

[@sho3gal]

my grandparents danced to this song with me. It was literally my lullaby as a kid.

[@yorgunsamuray]

In 1988-1989, when the Belle Stars version was featured in the movie Rain Man, it was all the rage in Turkey. The part "an dan dey" which sounds like the Turkish word for maternal grandmother-"anneanne" caused surprise and delight, thinking that they used a Turkish word in the song. And what's more the song itself starts with "my grandma and your grandma". It had many informal covers (and one parody about a grandson talking to his grandmother), I still love murmuring it to myself as "çikimon finay anneanne". Remember the good times...

[@elenaderoet4926]

I have to thank the Belle Stars for broadening my horizons- i love this song because I first heard their version, but I honestly like others more....

[@princetonnj1628]

The grandma part was added in 1965 by the Dixie Cups. Check out their version.

[@wackyruss]

Fascinating how a song from across the globe such as this one became such a hit in Turkey!

[@MrJacko1946]

This song i first heard in Manchester UK in the early 1960's whilst setting up to play drums at a nightclub called "The Oasis", and it thrilled my young soul. It was by the Dixie Cups. It hits a chord in everyone's heart. Thank you all for such a learned and interesting explanation of the language behind the lyrics. I am now 67 years old and it still thrills my beating heart. Kind best wishes to all of you. :) x

[@lilpetz500]

It's wild that this song keeps getting covered by musicians in pop culture every 10 years or so. I'm a 2000s kid who learned it in school choir, had a cover of it in a Just Dance Wii game, heard a pop cover in an ad a few years ago, then recently the melody has been reworded into a current summer pop hit. I can't believe it keeps coming up everywhere throughout many generations, is there any other song like it?

[@frankieesmond1057]

I wrote about this many years ago in "The Carrier Pidgin." The words are in a trade language called Yama or Mobilian, based on Choctaw, and they mean how are you. See the Crawford book on Mobilian, let's revive that language

[@kathylynch9732]

Frankie, I would love to read what you wrote about this. I want to know more.

[@born2bbald12]

You see, remembering history is a good thing! It brings us all together and honors our ancestor, our culture, our history and each of ourselves. History should be complete, informative, uplifting. Unfortunately, some wish to revise or eliminate historical things due to political views. History should be objective, unbiased. I appreciate this video. You did a wonderful thing here. You honored these people and edified us. Thank you.

[@kaydenpat]

Yes. Republicans pass laws in states they control to erase Black history. Look at what is happening in Florida and Texas.

[@CVNHOUSTON]

Thanks for this video. Most of these Mardi Gras Indian chants are 100s of years old. They were passed down from generation to generations in one of New Orleans' the native languages. The French, African, and native American came together back then to create a new local Creole language that has been passed down to us by way of chants. Let's give thanks to the Mardi Gras Indians...They are the oral historians of our city.

[@debtmr]

i did jump rope to this song as a little girl in the 60's. i think it's a catchy fun tune and i am sharing it with friends!!! :)

[@christHify]

Dear Ian! What a great bit of teaching this is...and VERY revealing of our current times. And how that mix of faith and creating new language from the shambles and weasel words of the moment is a VITAL way of anchoring our culture. Your teaching is going to be spread _and lived out here in the UK. God Bless and Thank You Love!

[@selketcat]

Great job. I enjoyed and learned from this. One point of information, descendants of Creoles are absolutely still here in New Orleans. This music is still alive here and this is now a Mardi Gras standard. It perfectly evokes a sense of place and a season. There is a restaurant here called "Jacque-Imo's" that serves an amazing amalgam of Cajun and Creole cuisine with great élan. A sign greets you, "Be nice or leave."

[@mpower1118]

the creole have not left new orleans. the natives went through the trail of tears. They are all still there, the language has changed. The seminoles and other tribes were blended of african, and indigenous people.

[@drkayesfca]

Thank you, Iancully1/ I began watching the HBO series, "Treme" and loved it more than anything I have ever seen on T.V. I was quite disheartened when it was cancelled. I bought the four (three and a half) seasons. I have NEVER even thought of purchasing a TV show, before. I was married to a Creole for 14 years. His family spoke French Creole, but only when they were talking about me. I had loved this song since I was a little girl living in San Francisco (born and raised). Thank you, again, for this blog. Dr. K

[@WarriorNana4Chg]

Thank you for taking the time, expense, and energy to educate us. I appreciate it.

[@pg1171]

Thank you so much for the correct transcription of this song. And I am glad to see from the comments, that the peoples who's words the lyrics were taken from are still around in the New Orleans area. Even Katrina couldn't drive you away!

[@JahTzu]

Beautiful, this was fun and showcased some of the richness of louisianne, bien bon! merci

[@Razeel25]

Letting the other people squabble, the phonetics is absolutely FASCINATING!!

[@DonHarMusi]

According to the Mardi Gras Indians account Black Johnny wrote the song and it was called Hiko. They made up a version called Iko to honor a participant called Ike. That is what the insiders say. They made up the culture so they should know.

[@mistilyn8084]

iancully1 THANK YOU for compiling and sharing this, regardless of any "mistakes" or "inconsistencies." I have loved this song for years, and now I love it even more after learning of its origin and history. I hope people can appreciate your time and the spirit in which it was intended when you shared it.

[@AneaJohn]

Thank you for the translation. Now I can sing-a-long and actually know what I'm saying.

[@mvarahadas]

Very interesting. Thank you for bringing some cultural diversity to the discussion. Thank you to You Tube for providing this platform. Thank to all the commentors for your participation. God bless you, varaha Escondido, CA

[@megakevin49]

The Native language is Mobilian, a form of Choctaw. And the "real" language is the one it was written in, not "English", which is still in the song anyway

[@wtmcgowin]

That makes sense. The mobilian indians were a very old tribe, centered in the Mobile river delta, 100 miles to the east (I live in Mobile). I am guessing the choctaws were tied to (or evolved from?) the mobilian indians?

[@JamieJobb]

This is a great public service for those among us who cherish all that is New Orleans and who are thankful for its recent resurrection. Good work.

[@sljharping]

There are lots of Choctaw still in New Orleans!

[@Wrapscallionn]

+sandy johnson I'm part choctaw. :)

[@MeanLaQueefa]

They owned a lot of slaves too

[@juggernaut3338]

I like that name

[@DGB_PHD]

@@MeanLaQueefa not in New Orleans, they didn't.

[@Bamaboompa]

well, why didn't you use the song as background music?

[@iancully1]

Hello Banaboompa, this is Ian who made the video. My first video DID use the song Iko Iko, Dr Hohn's version, but KZbin pulled it for copyright nfringement. I was obliged to get royalty free usic and use it as the background. The original video using Iko Iko as the background and editing it to show how each line should be read and sng was a much, much better video than this rather bland version

[@mforeman5601]

Bamaboompa I know right

[@mads4it555]

I understand that if you are using someone else's video and your own stuff added in (critiquing in effect, explaining), that "Fair Use" applies and overrides Copyright Infringement therefore your original video would not be breaking any rules/laws and is allowed to be used. That is your and everyone else's right to do.

[@mads4it555]

@iancully1 my comment was for you. I hope it helps! 😁

[@LJH70122]

Bamaboompa I wondered the same thing. That soft acoustic guitar picking doesn’t exactly fit the subject matter.

[@elizabethgaspodnetich4322]

Thank you for that! It is interesting to see how things get changed around, forgotten or just misunderstood and sometimes just misheard. I have always loved this song, and know I love it even more!

[@2Buellerballs]

I read through comments below till I went cross-eyed, learned much, and thankful to all of you for the knowledge. .Never heard of Iko or Aikout, or much about Mardi Gras Indians till the Grateful Dead version (learned from Dr. John, and/or Neville Bros?) Did I hear this verse somewhere, or just make it up? Two old ladies lyin' in the sand Iko iko ade Each one wishin' that the other was a man, Giacomo fee na nay Jerry Garcia didn't seem to study songs academically, but learned on the fly, and played from memory: See that gal dressed in red? Iko iko a nay Betcha five dollars she'll kill you dead Giacomo fee na nay See that gal dressed in green? Iko iko a nay That's my gal, she a love machine Giacomo fee na nay. With Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzman on drums, there ain't know way your ass won't dance. Folk music is the music played by the folks, and whatever might have been an original version evolves, devolves, gets blurry and distorted through generations, like the message in a game of "telephone." Then, the Carter family, Woody Guthrie, or you or me borrows the melody, and makes up new words. Go ahead and complain, but If you don't like what the big chief say, Jocque mo' fed na day, or something like that... Some day, I'll finally make it to New Orleans, and find out what a spy boy and a flag boy do.

[@willalwaysbeunknown1]

ah someone who was kind enough to do the history and let everyone know. thanks. to be honest i had a hard time trying to find the history.

[@1blastman]

Fascinating - Sugar Boy wrote a song for the ages - this is a timeless Mardi Gras song, I really appreciate the research you put into this. Keep the Creole flame burning! The series Treme has done much to create more interest in Mardi Gras Indian culture. Let's hope there's a Creole Rennaissance in New Orleans!

[@jillmilton8929]

This is fantastic. I love this song, and as a former language teacher I appreciate seeing the correct Creole and Indian (Choctaw?) spelling. Thank you!

[@bjoe74fm]

hey, thanks for the break down on the languages and origin, its too cool it have that info, ive played that song in different venues and offened wondered what it meant, thanks man, cheers

[@darkmagus11]

Thank You, Ian. Excellent work!

[@emmysebaly4410]

🤗Absolutely adore this melody,enjoy all the clips,very catchy tune,Iko iko🎼🎵🎶👏😃💃🏻🕺💃🏻🕺💯😃👍💐🌿🦋💗💗💗💗💗💗💗

[@balam1951]

In simple words, the meaning of the Iko Iko lyrics is AMAZING. Thanks for share

[@chestrockwell79]

This makes sense, especially since Crawford's actual line was "chock-a-mo" and the guys at Chess misheard it as "jock-a-mo"

[@jazzmanchgo]

The only thing I might beg to differ with is the interpretation of "Jockamo." I was once fortunate enough to ask Mac Rebennack about this, and he said the word meant "clown" or "jester" -- from the French "Jacquimo".

[@UPPITYUNICORN]

Joker.

[@427Sparky]

Thank you for putting the effort into this so people like me can understand this song/chant

[@lestersolnin7355]

Fascinating! Thanks you

[@violetrose2552003]

thank you for posting this . I always wondered

[@shevetlevi2821]

This is excellent. Thank you.

[@deacontad]

I didn't read all the comments So I don't know if anyone mentioned this. What is the origin of the melody? It occurs to me that it could be English. The children's song Polly Wally Doodle has the same chords and a very similar tune. The reference to Louisiana in the lyrics is intriguing. We know Creole musicians from New Orleans studied in Europe before the creation of Storyville at the turn of the last century. Perhaps there is a connection.

[@LynnethAnn]

Wow, I never made the connection but now that you point it out it seems obvious.

[@MHFROX]

Thanks! Been playing it for years and had no clue other than it made people dance.

[@ANNAMORADA]

Amazing research! Great video! Thanks a lot! The song is really magical and so powerful in many ways. I start dancing it and I get goose bumps! Thumbs up! ;)

[@christopherlizon6181]

Fine chunk of knowledge!! Thank You Thank You!

[@Gkontax]

Insightful video. Thanks.

[@t.thompson8985]

I've always loved this song, from the first time I heard it as a child in the 80's. I literally never knew what the words meant since I grew up outside of the area. I still love to hear the chant. It is beautiful to the ears.

[@TheJaggarShow]

Very interesting and well put together. Thanks!

[@clayhorsemusic]

That was great. Thanks for presenting that fascinating information. Love Dr. John's version of the song - real New Orleans!

[@brandirobinson8430]

Thank you! This song was on my mind today. Have a great Day!

[@slepycitron]

Thanks for the information. Extremely interesting.

[@stephendixon9568]

Very interesting. Terrific scholarship. Thanks for this.

[@DJleaD1981]

THIS IS AWESOME: I was just checking out songs to start getting ready for mardi gras parades, and found this. very kewl. I am going to show all my Cajun and creole peeps this video. thanks for sharing

[@JustSalsoul]

Wow, thanks for the explanations: they are very enlightening! :-)

[@ClassicTVMan1981X]

The song's original title could also have been inspired by the Italian male name Giacomo, which in that language translates as Jacob or James. The song's writer was named James Crawford (Giacomo = James).

[@gjenevievedesaulniers2580]

Thanks for sharing. That is very interesting. I always wondered what it really meant.

[@tavanweerd]

How cool I'm so happy I found this tasty little morsel of knowledge. I have been wondering that my whole life almost! Wonderful

[@wildfirekristin]

Awesome video! Ty

[@SuperPapadzul]

Thanks for sharing the information 👍

[@jonno52]

Thank you very much for this. I've wondered about the words ever since Natasha's version way back in the day. Eg I'd vaguely thought the reference to what sounded like "Mo feeno" must be about morphine, but not so! Excellent work.

[@DfunkShowzReRun]

Very informative. Thanks for making and uploading. :-)

[@kathylynch9732]

This was so cool to learn. I heard this song on a commercial and had to know more!

[@paultanner2007]

That’s very interesting!! Thank you so much for sharing! Btw that is a great song, the Grateful Dead does a great version of it.

[@princetonnj1628]

Was just listening to GD playing Iko, 7/7/89 in Philly. It will set your flag on fire.

[@maryrup1934]

Really interesting explanation thanks

[@JerryBearElPaso]

@JerryBearElPaso Mardi Gras was often a time for settling old scores and That is roughly what the words of Iko Iko are about. It was a warning to bystanders that they should keep out of the way because the singers were bent on revenge. Even after the words were no longer understood, it was remembered that it indicated you were deadly serious. Later, the Mardi Gras Indians and others agreed not to pursue violence in the Mardi Gras celebrations and compete by dance only.

[@Adamfulgence]

Thank you for this wonderful explanation!! Yours makes as much sense (maybe more) than so many others. Looks like you did the research. Nice job! :-))

[@francoisfrancois7987]

beau travail de recherche linguistique ! Plutôt convaincant quand on connait la sonorité de la langue créole, cela fait sens.

[@mckenziec5101]

Native American is not a language, therefore you cannot say "in native american/indian this means..." you shouldve found out what tribe these words came from

[@garou136]

+Michael Gisclair I always thought "Chokma" translated as "j'commence" (French for "I start", or "I Begin")

[@iancully1]

Hello McKenzie. Yes, I should have said it was Choctaw or modlmian Trade language, which is mucch nearer the mark. But I was thinking of the millions of people who live outside the US who wuld hve no idea what I was talking about. So I used 'Native American" but you're right, it's not Native American

[@LisaCupcake]

I was thinking the same thing. Every tribe doesn't speak the same language. I was curious about which language it was.

[@JerryBearElPaso]

I spent many weeks searching the internet and finally found a native speaker of Louisiana Creole who knew the original words and their meaning. The refrain translated here is simply wrong! It is in fact all in Creole, "Jacomo" refers to the Mardi Gras court system Joker. The words "Jacomo feel o an den de" means: "the Joker we do not play today" "Jacomo fee nanai" means "The Joker is finished". This indicated that the chanters were deadly serious and not playing around.

[@babsinjrzy]

Thank you soo much. This is amazing. I am most sad about the population shift in New Orleans. Most. Thanks again iancully1

[@TheWolf1340]

Thank you for this explanations ! I love this song, all the versions (The Dixie Cups, the Neville Brothers, The Belles Stars in Rain Man, ...) even if my favorite one is Cyndi Lauper's in Paris. Thank U very much!

[@edwardcave1947]

Finally I can understand a song I liked but had no clue about. Louie Louie was like that in the 60’s

[@Faith4Lyf]

I love that info....I know ppl don't go to the library anymore..but I read that a while ago while I was in middle school when the movie The Big Easy came out. My Father is French Creole Indian from New Iberia LA. ...Blackfoot and creole. I loved it!! your the bomb dot com....

[@RaiderRich2001]

It's either Caddo, Choctaw, or Chikasaw, because those are the tribes native to Louisiana

[@csmrfx]

The Coolest Vid! Thanks Ian! :)

[@ShikiraPressley]

The Kanuri tribes in Southern Africa originally sang this in 1896-7 so say the British Sovereign army of 1815-1910 who had translated and made the song into a nursery rhyme called "our Black Hen" and introduced into Britain during Victorian reign. Regardless of origin, I love IKO IKO for the very reason it is about equality amongst cultures if you understand the context in which the song was written and sung.

[@AnthonyDavis-fv6lv]

I am very interested in the Kanuri connection you mentioned. Thank you for this different angle. Can you provide any more detail about that? The Nursery rhyme Our Black Hen is another strand that is interesting. Is that a different one from Hickety Pickety My Black Hen?

[@kseniaonischenko438]

That's a cool explanation Thanks

[@othaday54]

Haven't looked carefully at ALL of this, but certainly large parts of it (with a quick viewing) seems correct............ THANKS!

[@pibly7784]

Thanks. Very informative.

[@therealjoebloggs]

"Giacomo fino andante" = Italian, "James, come here slowly". Now I know Mardi Gras Indians like the Tchoupitoulas probably don't speak Italian, but there were many Italian immigrants in New Orleans ca. 1900 who were considered "less than white". It does seem to be a possibility that Italians were in the mix somewhere, as they would have been barred from having a Krewe and might have had their own street celebrations.

[@SharonNelsonWrites]

This is a fantastic post. Thanks @iancully1 for taking the trouble to do the research and put together this great video. It is both informative and touching.

[@karlbaudoin]

Very nice and instructive, thank you.

[@thanielchase4810]

"Native American" isn't a language any more than "European" is. Also, wtf with saying there are no longer Creoles or Native Americans in NOLA? That's just flat-out wrong.

[@godeatgodworlds]

Yeah. We're here. Seriously, I'm here. That and not just putting Iko in the background (I doubt Dixie Cups would sue), AND acting like the song has disappeared and will never be heard again is odd. Although, depending on the age of the person who did this.

[@bigjamesray]

thankyou for that video on IKO IKO found it very informative as the words often made me think what they mean,t = gratefully yours bigjamesray

[@ENevada]

Love...thank you!

[@stevet6727]

Great research. As for anyone ever singing the "original words," everybody seems to use the chorus as a starting point and make up their own verses. Compare the Dixie Cups to Dr John to the Neville Bros to the Dead/every jamband after the Dead versions.

[@Nema30]

Awesome...

[@Rebellee34]

Thank you I love this very much; merci!!!!!!

[@Muziekgenot]

Very interesting, I just read the Wiki article which gives even more details en views. Think this very curious song will keep tickling the interest of generations to follow.

[@PatSprayNativeLife]

There are many Native American people in Louisiana. The Coushatta, Choctaw, Chitimacha, Tunica-Biloxi, and Houma have reservations in the state. If you are interested in Louisiana native languages this is a start: native-languages . org / louisiana . htm First Nations peoples are still very much a part of North America. We belong to the land.

[@NathanielChristopher]

There is no language called "Native American!"

[@sljharping]

+Nathaniel Christopher I thought that was strange too! O.o With over 500 federally recognized Tribes and many not, we are still here!

[@imkersbud]

+Nathaniel Christopher Native Americans are ?????White blue red green etc?Who is native?

[@iancully1]

Hello Nathaniel. This is Ian who made the video. I replied above that I used 'Native American' as a generic phrase, but you're right. I should have said Choctaw instead

[@ing.pacolh7458]

Nathaniel Christopher so if you are the best you can explain where IKO IKO come from thank you

[@ing.pacolh7458]

Nathaniel Christopher native American is the language of the native so it's kleeer client clear it's clear clean clear clear Clio

[@WilliamCane]

awesome!

[@antonstepbystep]

Thank u for the information

[@JohnDoe-wo1jd]

Crawford was a great musicologist and song writer. but as i said prior i had to find that out elsewhere instead of this confusing video.

[@buddyeagle]

THANK YOU PROFESSOR.

[@qatpatience2K]

@Msprimcessmonster just wondering what makes wikipedia any different from any other source on the web? ;-)

[@friendlyflow]

Thank you very much.

[@janetwhite7786]

Wow, thanks!