Novelty song - Definition and Overview

A novelty song is a song, usually in a recorded form, that defies the usual categorisation of music, or may not even be music. These songs are usually of a humourous nature, such as a parody, or a comedic take on current events or fads. Novelty songs are frequently unexpected hits, and may bring their authors or singers unexpected, though often temporary, fame.

Most novelty songs are the work of 'one hit wonders', but occasionally an artist may make an erratic career out of novelty songs. Sometimes a novelty song may be made by a singer famous in another sphere, such as comedians, actors, or even sports stars.

Examples of novelty songs:

• "Along Came Jones" by The Coasters
• "Disco Duck" by Rick Dees
• "Elvis Was a Narc" by Pinkerd & Bowden
• "Funky Moped" by Jasper Carrott, which reached the top of the charts entirely because of the obscene parody of The Magic Roundabout on the B-side.
• "King Tut" by Steve Martin
• "Snoopy vs. the Red Baron" by The Royal Guardsmen
• "Star Trekkin'" by The Firm.
• "They're Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Ha!" by Napoleon XIV
• "The Ying-tong song" by The Goons

Disc jockeys who feature novelty songs:

• Dr. Demento

Performers well known for novelty songs

• The Goodies (UK)
• Spike Jones
• Legendary Stardust Cowboy
• Pinkerd & Bowden
• Ray Stevens
• The Arrogant Worms
• Tiny Tim
• Weird Al Yankovic