single · July 1, 1966
They're Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!
Novello & Co.See this day
poppsychedelic rock
This novelty track, released in July 1966, became a surprise hit, reaching number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 4 in the UK Singles Chart.
- The song features a spoken-word performance by Napoleon XIV, accompanied by a simple drum beat and sped-up tape effects.
- The release was controversial, with some stations banning it due to its perceived references to mental illness.
- Despite the controversy, the song reached number 4 in the UK Singles Chart and number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Napoleon XIV is the nom de plume of Jerry Samuels, a New York-based singer-songwriter and producer. He is best known for this novelty single, which became an unlikely transatlantic hit.
Tracklist
