The Deadly Mantis (1957) (Songs)

There are two versions of Svengoolie Songs for the airing of The Deadly Mantis (that I know of). The first is a parody of Rehab by Amy Winehouse. The second, and still active, version is a parody of three songs: La Cucaracha (traditinal Mexican song), This Old Man (traditinal children's song), and Carolina in the Morning by Walter Donaldson and Gus Kahn.

Doug makes a joke prior to the MeTV version of the song about making a pun viewers might have to Google involving "Johnny Mantis," referencing both the movie's title and singer Johnny Mathis.

## Video

Original version

MeTV version

## Lyrics

### Original lyrics

They tried to make it go with d-CON

I said no, no, no!

They cut a rug,

But who thought a bug could grow, grow, grow?

It ain't got its spur

And if it hates folks wearin' fur

They'll try to wipe it out with d-CON®

But I don't know, know, know!

I'd rather try a fiery ray!

I ain't got giant bug spray!

Cuz there's nothin', nothin' short of a bomb

That might shut down that peeping tom!

I barely escaped his legs!

But I know it'll warn how he likes his eggs!Scrambled

They wanted to return from recon

They said no, no, no!

Still, they don't find

As past the D.E.W. Line they'll go, go, go!

It was a mistake,

But some fathead said it's fake!

They'll try to pack the proof in a briefcase

That they'll throw, throw, throw!

The man said why'd he wreck this deal

I said it wanted a meal!

It's gonna — I say, it's me it's gonna step on!

So, we better get a nuclear weapon!

He said I just think you're not countin'

These guys who dance like it's Brokeback Mountain!

They tried to make it go with d-CON®

I said no, no, no!

Yes, they're all wise,

But none of these guys can go, go, go!

They can't fly a plane,

So we rely on this pee-brain! (*and no, that's NOT a typo!*)

Who'd try to get a stupid haircut

To look like Moe, Moe, Moe!

### MeTV version

A kooky insect the pilots detect; they can tell he's flying south.

The Mantis won't share his in-flight meal there. It's a sailor in his mouth.

This kooky roster, they might exhaust her. There's no girls in this Unit.

No gals to scare up, the boys will pair up... **NOT THAT ANYTHING'S WRONG WITH IT!!!!!!!!!!!!** SVEN: "Please don't cancel me, Rainbow Mafia! I'm an ally! Really!"

This cold Mantis thawed out

Geniuses just figured out

It's a Mantis that is down a single spur

And it hates folks wearing fur!

This old Mantis they'll face

Cuz they can't throw out this case

Bit the Inuit who stood on the ice floe

Cuz his haircut looks like Moe!

This bold Mantis invades

He's a reason to buy shades

Now we know why those guys want to us a bomb

That big bug's a peeping tom!

This old Mantis gives chase

Scares the military base

Cuz their home shack took a whack, crumbled by his legs

Here's how this guy likes his eggs!Scrambled

Nothing like deciding that the D.E.W. Line will provide an early warning

Nothing seems as vile as the footprint that a pile of snow's adorning

There's the military the insect pursued

They find it necessary that he be barbecued

Peter Gunn is chasin' with the guy from Perry Mason till the morning

Give the boys a coffee cup and try to keep them waking up not yawning

If we hit the frozen camp according to plan

Who'd think we'd wish for the Orkin Man?

Thank you for confidin' that the D.E.W. Line would provide an early warning!