VeggieTales - The Funky Polka Lyrics
Lyrics
I like Hip Hop and doo wops and flat tops on grand pops
Good blues and tap shoes and hip grooves with good news
But if you want to see Funky Town
Follow me yo! I'm the one to show you around
I'm holding class, so grab a seat at Polka University
It's time to share a different beat and show some funk diversity
Before our hip hop got so cool
We used to play a gig or two
And bring a sound that was old school
Yo, let's break out those uump-aa tools!
Funky polka in the mix, need my phat accordian fix
Tubas, sausage, sauerkraut, check my lederhosen out
Concertina and a sax, layin' down those funky tracks
Hear my greatest tuba tricks, funky polka in the mix
Larry on tuba, ya sure you betcha
Let's do the polka, livin' la vida oom-pa
Yo! Let it flow and you will find
Your funk is beating polka time
Just pull those lederhosen high
Pick up a brat and let it fly
It's polka with a poppin' bass
Like strudel on your dinner plate
With us you'll find there's no debate
Funky polka, this is great
Funky polka in the mix, need my phat accordian fix
Tubas, sausage, sauerkraut, check my lederhosen out
Concertina and a sax, layin' down those funky tracks
Hear my greatest tuba tricks, funky polka in the mix
Larry on tuba, ya sure you betcha
Let's do the polka, livin' la vida oom-pa
Funky polka! Funky polka!
Funky polka! Funky polka!
Funky polka in the mix, need my phat accordian fix
Tubas, sausage, sauerkraut, check my lederhosen out
Concertina and a sax, layin' down those funky tracks
Hear my greatest tuba tricks, funky polka in the mix
Funky polka in the, funky, funky polka in the mix
Video
VeggieTales The Funky Polka (2006 Version)
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on November 7, 2006, as part of the "Boyz in the Sink" album, VeggieTales’ "The Funky Polka" presents itself as a vibrant and unexpected invitation to embrace a unique beat. At its core, the song serves as an enthusiastic declaration that true "funk" isn't limited to conventional genres but can be found in the most surprising places, specifically a lively polka. The lyrics, with their playful call to "Polka University" and the promise to "show some funk diversity," champion the idea of expanding one's musical palate and, by extension, one's perspective on joy and expression. It’s a whimsical journey led by a confident guide who sees the inherent groove in what some might consider an "old school" sound, daring us to find the beat within ourselves.
This celebration of a "different beat" and "funk diversity" carries profound resonance within a faith context. Just as the song encourages us to appreciate the unique rhythm of the polka, Scripture consistently highlights God's delight in diversity and individuality. Psalm 139:14 reminds us, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well," affirming that each person is a unique creation, designed with distinct talents and a particular "beat." This extends to the collective body of believers, as articulated in 1 Corinthians 12:12-20, where Paul explains that just as a body has many diverse parts, all contributing to the whole, so too is the body of Christ. Each believer brings their own "sound" to the symphony of faith, and "The Funky Polka" playfully illustrates how even seemingly disparate styles, like hip-hop and polka, can find a joyful, harmonious blend. It's an encouragement to value the distinctive contributions of every individual, recognizing that God's creation thrives in its rich variety.
Beyond the appreciation of diversity, "The Funky Polka" overflows with an infectious, unbridled joy. From the enthusiastic "Livin' la vida oom-pa" to the call to "pick up a brat and let it fly," the song embodies a spirit of celebratory abandon. This kind of gladness, expressed through lively music and movement, is a powerful reflection of biblical mandates to rejoice. Philippians 4:4 urges us, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" and Psalm 100:1-2 commands us to "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." The song’s vibrant energy suggests that worship and celebration don't always need to fit a prescribed mold; sometimes, it’s about pulling "lederhosen high" and embracing a sound that sparks genuine mirth. This isn't superficial happiness, but a deep-seated joy that flows from a spirit unburdened and free, finding expression even in the most unexpected forms, much like the "joy of the Lord" which Nehemiah 8:10 declares is our strength.
Furthermore, the song's blending of "old school" sounds with a "poppin' bass" and its mention of "hip grooves with good news" offers a thoughtful interpretation of sharing faith creatively. The "good news," a classic VeggieTales reference to the Gospel, isn't confined to a single musical style or method. Instead, it can infuse and transform any genre, making the "funky polka" a vessel for joy and connection. Matthew 13:52 speaks of a "teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven" being "like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old," illustrating the value of both tradition and innovation in sharing truth. "The Funky Polka" captures this spirit, taking a classic, perhaps underappreciated, musical form and infusing it with a fresh, contemporary energy. It’s a subtle yet profound reminder that the message of hope and gladness can be presented in countless ways, reaching people through diverse cultural expressions and encouraging us to be open to the unexpected avenues God uses to bring joy and unity. The song ultimately inspires us to find our unique rhythm in Christ, celebrate the wonderful diversity of His creation, and share the "good news" with the same vibrant, uncontainable enthusiasm as a "funky polka in the mix."