Title: The Chicken Dance (also known as "The Bird Song" or "Tchík-Tchík")
Genre: Pop, novelty
Origin: Switzerland
Release date: Original, 1950s; popular version, 1970s
Lyricist: Werner Thomas (Swiss songwriter)
Main composer: Werner Thomas
Dance: The Chicken Dance
Language: Original (Swiss dialect), English, German, many other languages
Length: Original ~2 minutes, popular ~3 minutes
Brief History:
- The song was originally known as "Der Ententanz" ("The Duck Dance") and was written in the 1950s.
- In the 1970s, German music producer Horst Jankowski made a popular remix using yodeling and adding the "tchick-tchick" chicken sounds, creating the version widely recognized today.
- The song gained immense popularity in Europe, particularly in Germany and Switzerland, and spread to other countries.
- The Chicken Dance became a worldwide phenomenon and is a staple at weddings, parties, and other social events.
Additional Notes:
- The lyrics have been translated into English and many other languages.
- The lyrics typically express joviality with repetitive verses such as "Life is happiness indeed" and "Everybody do the chicken dance."
- The song often prompts group participation and encourages people to perform the Chicken Dance, involving simple dance moves like flapping arms and swinging hips.
- The chicken-like clucking and the catchy melody make it fun and engaging.