Hey, Bungalow Bill
What did you kill, Bungalow Bill?
Hey, Bungalow Bill
What did you kill, Bungalow Bill?
He went out tiger hunting with his elephant and gun
In case of accidents he always took his mum
He’s the all American bullet-headed Saxon mother’s son
All the children sing
Hey, Bungalow Bill
What did you kill, Bungalow Bill?
Hey, Bungalow Bill
What did you kill, Bungalow Bill?
Deep in the jungle where the mighty tiger lies
Bill and his elephants were taken by surprise
So Captain Marvel zapped him right between the eyes, zap!
All the children sing
Hey, Bungalow Bill
What did you kill, Bungalow Bill?
Hey, Bungalow Bill
What did you kill, Bungalow Bill?
The children asked him if to kill was not a sin
“Not when he looked so fierce”, his mummy butted in
If looks could kill it would have been us instead of him
All the children sing
Hey, Bungalow Bill
What did you kill, Bungalow Bill?
Hey, Bungalow Bill
What did you kill, Bungalow Bill?
Oh ho!
Hey, Bungalow Bill
What did you kill, Bungalow Bill?
Hey, Bungalow Bill
What did you kill, Bungalow Bill?
Hey, Bungalow Bill
What did you kill, Bungalow Bill?
Hey, Bungalow Bill
What did you kill, Bungalow Bill?
Hey, Bungalow Bill
What did you kill, Bungalow Bill?
Hey, Bungalow Bill
What did you kill, Bungalow Bill?
Ey op!
The Satirical Tale of Bungalow Bill
“The Continuing Story Of Bungalow Bill” by The Beatles is a playful yet biting commentary on colonial attitudes and the ethics of big-game hunting. The song follows the character Bungalow Bill, a privileged adventurer who embarks on a tiger hunt, accompanied by his mother. The repeated question, “What did you kill, Bungalow Bill?” serves as both a childlike chant and a moral probe, highlighting the naivety and bravado of the protagonist. Through whimsical storytelling and sing-along choruses, the lyrics critique the senselessness of killing for sport and the justifications offered by those complicit in such acts. The song’s use of irony and humor helps deliver its pointed message, making it both memorable and thought-provoking.
Song Credits
Songwriters: John Lennon, Paul McCartney
Release Year: 1968
Label: Apple Records