Tarzan Boy
Baltimora
Swinging Through the Rhythms: An Analysis of Baltimora's 'Tarzan Boy'
The 1980s were a time of vibrant music and colorful imagery, and Baltimora's 'Tarzan Boy' is a quintessential example of this era's playful and catchy tunes. The song, released in 1985, became a hit with its infectious melody and distinctive chorus. The lyrics of 'Tarzan Boy' evoke a sense of freedom and escapism, drawing parallels between the life of a young man and the fictional character Tarzan, who is famously known as the 'King of the Jungle'.
The song's chorus, 'Night to night / Gimme the other, gimme the other / chance tonight,' suggests a longing for change and new experiences, akin to the adventurous spirit of Tarzan. The repeated phrase 'gimme the other' could be interpreted as a desire to explore the 'other' side of life, perhaps one that is more exciting and untamed than the singer's current reality. The upbeat tempo and lively beat of the song complement this theme of adventure and the pursuit of a life less ordinary.
Baltimora, the Italian music project fronted by Jimmy McShane, was known for its Eurodisco and Italo disco style, which is evident in the energetic and danceable rhythm of 'Tarzan Boy'. The song's reference to 'monkey business on a sunny afternoon' and living 'in the open' like 'Tarzan Boy' reinforces the idea of being in harmony with nature and finding joy in simplicity and freedom. The jungle serves as a metaphor for a place where one can live authentically, away from the constraints of modern society. 'Tarzan Boy' remains a nostalgic anthem for those who yearn for a sense of adventure and a break from the mundane.