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Song Parodies -> "Tahmahnawis Mamook"

Original Song Title:

"I Put a Spell on You"

Original Performer:

Screaming Jay Hawkins

Parody Song Title:

"Tahmahnawis Mamook"

Parody Written by:

Patrick McWilliams

The Lyrics

The Chinook Jargon was a simplified language spoken by Native peoples of the Pacific Northwest. In consisted of words derived from the many languages spoken in the region. With the arrival of Canadian fur traders and whaling ships from Boston, many French and English words would enter the Jargon. By the late 19th century it had become the lingua franca of Anglos, Natives, Chinese, and other settlers, being the one language they all had in common. With the help of Thomas Edward Harper's "Chinook: A History and Dictionary of the Northwest Coast Trade Jargon", I have endeavored to produce a translation of what appears to be the one song everyone at AIR has in common. 'Tahmanawis" signifies "magic", "sorcery" or other forms of supernatural power. "Mahmook" represents "work", "performance" , "make", "do", and similar ideas. I would appreciate any commentary by someone who is more familiar with this interesting tongue.
Tahmanawis mamook
nika nah!

Kopet iktas mika mamook
Nika wake
Kliminawhit nah!

Peshak kopa nika tum-tum
Mika cultus cooley
Mika hiyu kumtux
Peshak kopa naika, wawa mesachie

Tahmanawis mamook
Nika nah!
Nika nah!

Nika tikegh
Nika tikegh
Nika tikegh
Nika tikegh mika
Spose mika halo tikegh
Nika klootchman
Kwonesum mitlite mika

Kloshe nanitch
Tahmanawis mamook
Nika nah!


(Literal English Translation)

I make sorcery
I do indeed

Stop the things you are doing
I am not lying, no I'm not

It is hurtful (bad) to my heart
Your aimlessly running
You know well
Bad to me are (your) wicked words

I make sorcery
I do!
I do!

I want
I want
I want
I want you
Even if you don't want (me)
My woman
Always you remain

Watch closely (look good)
I make sorcery
I do indeed!

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Overall Rating: 5.0

Total Votes: 2

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User Comments

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Fiddlegirl - August 01, 2011 - Report this comment
An interesting history lesson, Patrick. And obviously a lot of work in translating!
Patrick - August 01, 2011 - Report this comment
Nika potlach mahsie kopa mika kloshe wawa. (I thank you for your kind words)
Old Man Ribber - August 01, 2011 - Report this comment
Patrick - Good concept, nice work. I spent most of my band diecting career becoming fluent in and interpreting the various dialects of coachspeak. Samples: "Skill positions" = first trumpeters, leading clarinets and saxes, etc.; "Dominant big center" = outstanding tuba player. ;D

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