Coconut - Nilsson (1972) 1/28/21

Anyone with a basic knowledge of music theory and/or performance knows that every song is built around chord changes to help the melody develop and make the song more interesting.

Well, ALMOST every song. Today's we're highlighting a "Great Song" that uses only ONE chord throughout...while increasing in intensity...and repeating the title 28 times in 3 minutes and 52 seconds. The chord is C7, and the song is "Coconut" by Harry Nilsson. Many people consider "Coconut" to be a novelty song, but it's ALSO a showcase for Harry's creative genius. It's a cute little story song about a girl who has an upset stomach and calls her doctor for a remedy. That's it. At the suggestion of producer Richard Perry, Harry sang the song in 3 character voices: the narrator, the girl, and the doctor. Perry loved the result, and likened the effect to listening to a cartoon. When "Coconut" was released from Harry's 1972 album "Nilsson Schmilsson," it quickly became a Top 10 record in Canada (#5) and the US (#8). Over the past 50 years, "Coconut" has been used in numerous movies, including "Reservoir Dogs" and "Daddy Daycare," as well as a long list of TV shows...like "ER," "House," "Lost." "Bones," "Parenthood," "The Simpsons," and "The Muppet Show."

Coca Cola even used it in commercials for Coke with Lime.

"Coconut" by Harry Nillsson: A novelty, yes...and a "Great Song, too."

If that upsets you, put a lime in the coconut and call me in the morning. :-)