Song meaning of Alligator by Weird Al Yankovic & Wendy Carlos

"Alligator" by "Weird Al" Yankovic is a playful and humorous song that delves into the life and mindset of an alligator living in a murky swamp. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of this reptile's existence and offer a satirical commentary on societal norms and expectations.

The opening lines, "Deep inside the murky swamp, there lives the alligator," immediately set the stage for the song's narrative. The alligator is portrayed as a creature who lives by his own rules, unbothered by the conventions of human society. This is exemplified in the line, "His policy is first a chomp and then ask questions later," which suggests that the alligator acts on instinct without considering the consequences.

The song takes a humorous turn as it pokes fun at the alligator's unconventional lifestyle. The lyrics state, "Although his lifestyle may seem crass, I really wouldn’t knock it," implying that while the alligator's behavior may be seen as crude or uncivilized, it shouldn't be judged too harshly. This line suggests that there is a certain freedom in living outside societal norms and expectations.

Furthermore, the lyrics playfully criticize the materialistic tendencies of society. The line, "He’d never wear a shirt that has a yuppie on the pocket," mocks the yuppie culture of the 1980s, where material possessions and status symbols were highly valued. By contrasting the alligator's indifference towards such superficial displays with the yuppie's obsession with them, the song highlights the absurdity of placing importance on material possessions.

In summary, "Alligator" by "Weird Al" Yankovic is a lighthearted and satirical song that explores the life of an alligator living in a swamp. Through its humorous lyrics, the song comments on societal norms, the freedom of living outside those norms, and the superficiality of materialistic culture.