Coconut

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin "Coconut" by Harry Nilsson from the iconic Nilsson Schmilsson album! This calypso-flavored novelty song, released in 1971, is a quirky tale of a woman who drinks a lime-and-coconut concoction, gets sick, and calls a doctor who hilariously prescribes the same drink. The song’s infectious chorus, “Put de lime in de coconut, and drink 'em both up,” is driven by a single arpeggiated C7 chord, giving it a hypnotic, repetitive vibe. Nilsson, at the suggestion of producer Richard Perry, voiced all four characters—narrator, brother, sister, and doctor—using distinct accents, including a playful Jamaican-inspired one for the doctor. The idea for "Coconut" sparked during a Hawaiian vacation when Nilsson jotted the word “coconut” on a matchbook, later fleshing out the song while driving in Los Angeles. Posted by @OfficialNilsson, this story captures Nilsson’s spontaneous creativity. The track peaked at #8 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, spending 14 weeks on the charts, and hit #5 in Canada. Its playful absurdity has made it a cult favorite, popping up in films like Reservoir Dogs, Practical Magic, and even a Coca-Cola ad tweaking the lyrics to “You put the lime in the Coke, you nut.”

Another tidbit for the Zoo Crew: “Coconut” has been covered and sampled in wild ways. Dannii Minogue gave it a dance spin in 1994, and the Muppets performed a version with Kermit in a hospital bed, singing about a “twisted flipper.” An unreleased take by Alice Cooper, Keith Moon, and Nilsson himself exists, a testament to his rock-star circle. The song’s dark humor—poking fun at the clueless doctor and patient—fits Nilsson’s knack for blending nonsense with wit, as noted in a Vulture piece praising his willingness to mock convention. Nilsson’s son, Kiefo, and other musicians like Van Dyke Parks contributed to posthumous projects celebrating his legacy, including the 2013 book Harry & Me, which compiles over 280 fan memories and rare photos. This song’s enduring charm lies in its sheer weirdness, perfect for the Zoo Freaks’ eclectic taste.

Now, let’s dive into how Harry Nilsson got his start. Born Harry Edward Nilsson III on June 15, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York, he grew up in a tough environment marked by his parents’ separation and his mother’s struggles with alcoholism. His father’s absence left a deep impact, shaping the emotional undercurrents of his music. At 15, Nilsson ran away from home, hitchhiking to Los Angeles to chase a musical career. Self-taught on guitar and piano, he worked as a computer programmer at a bank while writing songs. His break came when he collaborated with Phil Spector, co-writing songs for the Ronettes and Modern Folk Quartet. In 1967, the Monkees recorded his song “Cuddly Toy,” giving him early exposure. That same year, he signed with RCA Victor and released his debut album, Pandemonium Shadow Show, which caught the ear of critics and the Beatles, with John Lennon and Paul McCartney calling him their favorite artist. His velvety voice, described by Jimmy Webb as the best of their generation, and his innovative vocal overdubs set him apart. By 1971, Nilsson Schmilsson cemented his fame with hits like “Without You” and “Coconut,” earning him a Grammy and global acclaim.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with Nilsson’s world, check out the official Harry Nilsson website for news, music, and photos. Follow the estate on Instagram and X for updates curated by his family. While no official Facebook page exists for the estate, fans can join the vibrant Harry Nilsson Fan Group on Facebook to share memories and rare finds. For deep dives, A Little Touch of Schmilsson on the Net offers over 2,000 articles, videos, and an extensive discography. Nilsson’s unconventional career—never touring, rarely performing live, and always prioritizing his muse—makes him a true original, perfect for the Zoo Crew’s free-spirited vibe.