Inspiration Behind Monster Mash:
This song was inspired by Boris Karloff’s iconic Frankenstein’s Monster. This experiment in a lab that led to the creation of Frankenstein was later combined with 1960s dance crazes like the Mashed Potato. Aspiring actor Bobby “Boris” Pickett was also the front man for a group called The Cordials. Bobby used his ability to mimic Boris Karloff’s voice, singing the Monster Mash as if Boris was the lead singer of The Cordials.
Biblical Application:
In that day, the Lord will punish with his sword—his fierce, great and powerful sword—
Leviathan the gliding serpent, Leviathan the coiling serpent; he will slay the monster of the sea, Isaiah 27:1.
Exegesis of Monter Mash:
I was working in the lab late one night
When my eyes beheld an eerie sight
For my monster, from his slab, began to rise
And suddenly, to my surprise
A reference from Frankenstein’s creation from the movie.
(He did the Mash) he did the Monster Mash
(The Monster Mash) it was a graveyard smash
(He did the Mash) it caught on in a flash
(He did the Mash) he did the Monster Mash
In this version, the monster created is dancing to the mashed potato as well as free styling.
From my laboratory in the Castle east
To the master bedroom, where the vampires feast
The ghouls all came from their humble abodes
To get a jolt from my electrodes
Boris describes in detail the atmosphere inside his haunted castle.
(They did the Mash) they did the Monster Mash
(The Monster Mash) it was a graveyard smash
(They did the Mash) it caught on in a flash
(They did the Mash) they did the Monster Mash
The chorus is designed to appeal to the dance craves of the 1960’s.
The zombies were having fun
The party had just begun
Setting the scene inside this dance for monsters.
The guests included Wolf-Man, Dracula, and his son
The who’s who list of the monsters on the dance floor.
The scene was rocking, all were digging the sounds
Igor on chains, backed by his baying hounds
The coffin-bangers were about to arrive
With their vocal group, The Crypt-Kicker Five
A vivid image of a Halloween costume party where all the guests are dancing.
(They played the Mash) they played the Monster Mash
(The Monster Mash) it was a graveyard smash
(They played the Mash) it caught on in a flash
(They played the Mash) they played the Monster Mash
The audience digged the live band at this castle.
Out from his coffin, Drac’s voice did ring
Seems he was troubled by just one thing
Opened the lid and shook his fist
And said, “Whatever happened to my Transylvania twist?”
A funny complaint leads to a new song and dance.
(It’s now the Mash) it’s now the Monster Mash
(The Monster Mash) and it’s a graveyard smash
(It’s now the Mash) it’s caught on in a flash
(It’s now the Mash) it’s now the Monster Mash
All the monsters are breaking down to the sound of this music.
Now everything’s cool, Drac’s a part of the band
And my Monster Mash is the hit of the land
For you, the living, this Mash was meant too
When you get to my door, tell them Boris sent you
Bobby speaks in third person as Boris, amazed at how popular this song became.
(And you can Mash) then you can Monster Mash
(The Monster Mash) and do my graveyard smash
(Then you can Mash) you’ll catch on in a flash
(Then you can Mash) then you can Monster Mash
The Mash. possibly the Mash Potato dance continues.
Mash good!
Easy, Igor, you impetuous, young boy
Mash good! (Monster Mash)
Igor is getting too excited, caught up in the excitement of this dance.
(Monster Mash)
(Monster Mash)
(Monster Mash)
(Monster Mash)
Everyone on the dance floor is singing along with the band.
Final Thoughts:
Like the film Footloose, dancing is how each generation expresses themselves. While not all dances make sense or catch on, the Alley Cat and Fox Trot are still being performed today. My wife and I took a ballroom dancing class at Dupont Country Club while I was still teaching. Although I don’t remember all the moves, dancing to good music makes any evening that much more enjoyable.
by Jay Mankus
