[Intro - Spoken, deep theatrical voice, ominous organ] They warned us about the creature. They told us to stay away. But nobody mentioned... The dancing. [Thunder crash, brief silence] [Verse 1 - Swinging rockabilly] Way up north where the tall pines grow, There's a beast that the locals know. Got two big horns and a terrible grin, Spikes on his back and a double chin! Came out stompin' from a Rhinelander bog, Scared three hunters and a little white dog. The sheriff yelled, "Everybody run!" But the Hodag shouted, "I'm just here for fun!" [Pre-Chorus - Building rhythm] He shook his horns! (Shake 'em!) He swung his tail! (Swing it!) He cleared that floor Like a runaway train! [Chorus - Big, infectious 1950s dance hook] It's the Hodag of Horror! The terror of the town! He'll shake those spikes Till the whole place falls down! Do the Hodag Hop! Give your tail a flop! Stomp your feet and twist your knees, Scare the squirrels right outta the trees! [Instrumental Break - Honking saxophone, slap bass, wild guitar] [Verse 2] Well, the mayor fainted at a quarter past nine, The Hodag was dancing in the county line. He grabbed Miss Mabel, gave her a spin, She lost her wig but she danced again! The preacher hollered, "Lord have mercy!" The band played faster, loud and dirty. The Hodag dipped and the floorboards cracked, Then he moonwalked right across the back! [Pre-Chorus] He shook his horns! (Shake 'em!) He swung his tail! (Swing it!) The fire chief hollered, "Somebody fetch a pail!" [Chorus] It's the Hodag of Horror! The terror of the town! He'll shake those spikes Till the whole place falls down! Do the Hodag Hop! Give your tail a flop! Stomp your feet and twist your knees, Scare the squirrels right outta the trees! [Bridge - Spoken over walking bass, playful menace] Now listen, folks... If you're ever up in Rhinelander, And you hear a strange sound in the woods... Don't run. Don't scream. Just check your shoes. [Beat stops] 'Cause that monster... [Snare roll] WANTS TO DANCE! [Explosive saxophone solo] [Verse 3 - Faster, rowdier] Now every Saturday the whole town meets, With muddy boots and stompin' feet. The Hodag's got a standing date, With a polka queen from Highway Eight! He can't do the waltz, he can't do the jive, But he's the wildest thing alive! When the moon comes up and the band gets hot, That Northwoods monster gives all he's got! [Final Chorus - Full band, maximum energy] He's the Hodag of Horror! The terror of the town! He'll shake those spikes Till the whole place falls down! Do the Hodag Hop! Give your tail a flop! Stomp your feet and twist your knees, Scare the squirrels right outta the trees! [Outro - Band hits, spoken] They say he's dangerous. They say he's mean. But he's the best darn dancer... Wisconsin's ever seen! [Final honking saxophone flourish] HODAG HOP! [End]
