The iconic song “Coconut” by Harry Nilsson has been a staple of popular culture since its release in 1971. The catchy tune, with its memorable lyrics and infectious melody, has been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials. However, one film stands out for its prominent use of the song, and that’s the 1971 film “The Courtship of Eddie’s Father.” But is this the only film that put the lime in the coconut?
The Origins of the Song
Before we dive into the films that feature “Coconut,” let’s take a look at the song’s origins. Harry Nilsson, an American singer-songwriter, wrote and recorded “Coconut” for his 1971 album “Nilsson Schmilsson.” The song was a departure from Nilsson’s usual style, with its tropical rhythms and quirky lyrics. The song’s chorus, with its repetitive phrase “put the lime in the coconut,” became a hook that stuck in listeners’ heads.
Nilsson’s Inspiration
Nilsson has said that he was inspired to write “Coconut” after a trip to Hawaii, where he was exposed to the local music and culture. He wanted to capture the carefree, tropical vibe of the islands in his song. The lyrics, which tell the story of a person who puts a lime in a coconut and drinks it, were meant to be humorous and whimsical.
The Courtship of Eddie’s Father
The 1971 film “The Courtship of Eddie’s Father” is often credited with popularizing “Coconut.” The movie, which stars Glenn Ford and Ron Howard, features the song in a memorable scene where the characters sing and dance along to the tune. The film’s use of “Coconut” helped to introduce the song to a wider audience and cement its place in popular culture.
A Film Ahead of Its Time
“The Courtship of Eddie’s Father” was a groundbreaking film in many ways. It was one of the first movies to feature a single father as the main character, and it explored themes of parenting and relationships in a way that was ahead of its time. The film’s use of “Coconut” was also innovative, as it was one of the first times a popular song had been featured so prominently in a movie.
Other Films That Put the Lime in the Coconut
While “The Courtship of Eddie’s Father” is the most well-known film to feature “Coconut,” it’s not the only one. Several other movies and TV shows have used the song over the years, including:
- “Reservoir Dogs” (1992) – Quentin Tarantino’s crime classic features “Coconut” in a memorable scene where the characters discuss the song’s lyrics.
- “The Simpsons” (1993) – The popular animated TV show featured “Coconut” in an episode where the character Apu sings the song.
Why “Coconut” Remains a Popular Choice
So why do filmmakers and TV producers continue to use “Coconut” in their projects? The answer lies in the song’s timeless appeal. The catchy melody and quirky lyrics make it a perfect choice for scenes that need a lighthearted, humorous touch. Additionally, the song’s association with tropical islands and carefree living makes it a great fit for films and TV shows that want to evoke a sense of escapism.
The Impact of “Coconut” on Popular Culture
“Coconut” has had a significant impact on popular culture, extending far beyond its use in films and TV shows. The song’s catchy melody and lyrics have been referenced and parodied countless times in advertising, comedy sketches, and even other songs.
A Cultural Phenomenon
“Coconut” has become a cultural phenomenon, with its own dedicated fan base. The song has been covered by numerous artists, and its lyrics have been translated into multiple languages. The song’s iconic status was cemented in 2006, when it was featured in a popular commercial for the coconut water brand Zico.
A Lasting Legacy
The legacy of “Coconut” continues to be felt today. The song remains a staple of popular culture, with its catchy melody and quirky lyrics continuing to inspire new generations of artists and filmmakers. Whether it’s featured in a film, TV show, or commercial, “Coconut” is sure to bring a smile to listeners’ faces and a touch of tropical magic to any project.
In conclusion, while “The Courtship of Eddie’s Father” is the most well-known film to feature “Coconut,” it’s not the only one. The song’s timeless appeal and catchy melody have made it a popular choice for filmmakers and TV producers, and its impact on popular culture continues to be felt today. So the next time you hear the familiar phrase “put the lime in the coconut,” remember the rich history and cultural significance behind this beloved song.
What is the origin of the phrase “put the lime in the coconut”?
The phrase “put the lime in the coconut” is from the song “Coconut” by Harry Nilsson. The song was released in 1971 and became a huge hit, reaching the top 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The lyrics of the song tell the story of a person who puts a lime in a coconut and drinks it, which is said to have healing properties.
The song’s writer, Harry Nilsson, has said that he was inspired to write the song after a night of drinking with friends. He wanted to create a song that was fun and catchy, and the phrase “put the lime in the coconut” became a central part of the song’s lyrics. The song has since become a classic of 1970s pop music and is still widely known and loved today.
What film featured the song “Coconut” by Harry Nilsson?
The song “Coconut” by Harry Nilsson was featured in the 1971 film “The Courtship of Eddie’s Father”. However, it is more famously associated with the 1992 film “Reservoir Dogs”, in which the song is played during a memorable scene in which the characters discuss the meaning of the song’s lyrics.
The use of “Coconut” in “Reservoir Dogs” helped to introduce the song to a new generation of listeners and cement its place in popular culture. The song has since been featured in numerous other films, TV shows, and commercials, and remains a beloved and iconic part of 1970s pop music.
What is the meaning of the song “Coconut”?
The song “Coconut” by Harry Nilsson is often interpreted as a surreal and humorous tale about a person who puts a lime in a coconut and drinks it, which is said to have healing properties. However, the song’s writer, Harry Nilsson, has said that the song is actually about the absurdity of life and the search for meaning.
The song’s lyrics are full of clever wordplay and absurd scenarios, which add to the song’s sense of humor and playfulness. Despite its seemingly nonsensical lyrics, the song has become a beloved classic and is widely regarded as one of the greatest songs of the 1970s.
Who wrote the song “Coconut”?
The song “Coconut” was written by Harry Nilsson. Nilsson was an American singer-songwriter who was known for his clever and humorous lyrics, as well as his distinctive vocal style. He wrote many hit songs during his career, including “Everybody’s Talkin'” and “Jump into the Fire”.
Nilsson was a prolific songwriter and released many albums during his career. He was also a talented musician and played many instruments, including the piano and guitar. Despite his success as a songwriter and musician, Nilsson struggled with personal demons and died in 1994 at the age of 52.
What is the significance of the song “Coconut” in popular culture?
The song “Coconut” by Harry Nilsson has become a significant part of popular culture, with its catchy melody and absurd lyrics making it a beloved classic. The song has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials, and has been covered by many other artists.
The song’s influence can also be heard in many other songs and artists, who have been inspired by its unique blend of humor and surrealism. The song’s iconic status was cemented by its use in the 1992 film “Reservoir Dogs”, which introduced the song to a new generation of listeners.
How did the song “Coconut” become a hit?
The song “Coconut” by Harry Nilsson became a hit in 1971, thanks in part to its catchy melody and absurd lyrics. The song was released as a single and reached the top 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it stayed for several weeks.
The song’s success can also be attributed to its innovative production, which featured a distinctive vocal style and a catchy instrumental arrangement. The song’s producer, Richard Perry, used a number of unconventional techniques to create the song’s unique sound, including the use of a chorus of backing vocalists and a prominent bass line.
What is the legacy of the song “Coconut”?
The song “Coconut” by Harry Nilsson has left a lasting legacy in popular music, with its catchy melody and absurd lyrics making it a beloved classic. The song has been covered by many other artists and has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials.
The song’s influence can also be heard in many other songs and artists, who have been inspired by its unique blend of humor and surrealism. The song’s iconic status was cemented by its use in the 1992 film “Reservoir Dogs”, which introduced the song to a new generation of listeners. Today, the song remains a beloved and iconic part of 1970s pop music.