Nellie The Elephant
The Toy Dolls
The Great Escape of Nellie the Elephant
The Toy Dolls' song "Nellie The Elephant" tells the whimsical and adventurous story of an elephant named Nellie who escapes from a circus to return to her natural habitat. The narrative begins with a circus arriving in Bombay, bringing along an intelligent elephant named Nellie. Despite her talents and the admiration she receives while performing, Nellie yearns for freedom. One dark night, she seizes the opportunity, slips her iron chain, and runs away to Hindustan, never to be seen again.
The chorus of the song, with its catchy and repetitive lines, emphasizes Nellie's determination and excitement as she packs her trunk and says goodbye to the circus. The imagery of her 'trumpety trump' as she heads off to the jungle evokes a sense of joy and liberation. The song paints a vivid picture of Nellie's journey, highlighting her pride and grandeur as she leads the parade and performs tricks, yet ultimately chooses freedom over captivity.
The final verses of the song add a poetic touch, describing how Nellie reunites with her herd under the silver light on the road to Mandalay. This reunion symbolizes a return to her roots and a reconnection with her true self. The song, while light-hearted and playful, carries a deeper message about the importance of freedom and the natural instinct to return to one's origins. The Toy Dolls' punk rock style adds an energetic and rebellious edge to the story, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.