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Song Parodies -> "Working To Pay Back The Zoo"

Original Song Title:

"Working My Way Back To You"

Parody Song Title:

"Working To Pay Back The Zoo"

Parody Written by:

Arwen

The Lyrics

Working to pay back the zoo, babe
Got a shovel, but no pride
Yeah, since that fateful day at the zoo, babe
All my freedom's been denied
On my mind it'll weigh
The scene I replay:

We saw that monkey in a tree
You laughed, he threw his poop at me
It's not that I was really mad at you
But I still kicked with my high heel shoe

And I don't know how
But I missed my target--an endangered primate I slew

I went one way--you're a quick guy
You dodged when I let my stiletto fly

Now I'm working to pay back the zoo, babe
For the trauma I applied
Was to my dismay at the zoo, babe
Couldn't help that it just died
But now I have to pay
Rakin' up the hay

When I'm done it won't be goodbye
Hippo tank needs to be cleaned inside
To my chagrin a mon-key fatality
Made a dung sweepin' girl of me

And it's been so long
They told me I've still got thirteen hundred hours to go

Now there's a crowd--looking in
I'm lancing a rhino's boil with a pin

'Cause I'm working to pay back the zoo, babe
Gotta bathe the lion pride
Spend every free day at the zoo, babe
And my backache's bona fide
Now I smell like decay
And elephant spray

Yeah yeah yeah

Working to pay back the zoo, babe
It's a service I provide
Oh, I'll never pay back the zoo, babe
'Cause my will to live is fried

Working to pay back the zoo, babe...

(fade to end)

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Voting Results

 
Pacing: 5.0
How Funny: 4.9
Overall Rating: 4.9

Total Votes: 36

Voting Breakdown

The following represent how many people voted for each category.

    Pacing How Funny Overall Rating
 1   0
 0
 0
 
 2   0
 0
 0
 
 3   0
 0
 0
 
 4   1
 2
 3
 
 5   35
 34
 33
 

User Comments

Comments are subject to review, and can be removed by the administration of the site at any time and for any reason.

Leo Jay - April 01, 2005 - Report this comment
Oh. My. God. GET OUT OF MY HEAD!

Micky Dolenz (formerly of The Monkees) is the morning D.J. on WCBS, and as he put this song on THIS MORNING, I thought, "hmm... maybe I'll try doing something with that...). Bass Turd.

(oh, and... masterful as always, BTW...)
John Barry - April 01, 2005 - Report this comment
Hiliarious!
Rex - April 01, 2005 - Report this comment
This is why I never wear high heel shoes....anymore.
Kristof Robertson - April 01, 2005 - Report this comment
This is up there with the funniest stuff you've ever written, Arwen. Monkey murderer....whoud've thought? :-) 555
Claude Prez - April 01, 2005 - Report this comment
The title alone made me laugh. Very funny.
Tim Mayfield - April 01, 2005 - Report this comment
Captivatingly displayed.
Peter Andersson a.k.a K1chyd - April 01, 2005 - Report this comment
Somehow I can't avoid thinking that the reason behind this parody is that there's a new guy in your life, one with a really hairy back... ;-)
Johnny D - April 01, 2005 - Report this comment
I love your hot monkey parodies.
Arwen - April 01, 2005 - Report this comment
Leo...once I got in there (your mind) I couldn't get enough! Get used to it. I'm TOTALLY stealing all of your parody ideas from now on.

John B...thanks!!

Rex...you and me both...=)

Kristof...yes, yes...I've got dark secrets that would knock your socks off...; ) Thanks!!

Claude...thanks a ton!

Tim...captivatingly commented...thanks.

K1...don't be silly...you all know I don't do body hair...: )

http://www.amiright.com/parody/60s/thebeatles906.shtml

Johnny...awww...thanks!
John Jenkins - April 01, 2005 - Report this comment
Very good title, very good rhyming, and a lot of good lines - I liked the "dung sweeping girl."
Arwen - April 01, 2005 - Report this comment
Thanks, John!!
alvin rhodes - April 01, 2005 - Report this comment
very original and funny...5s plus..nice job, arwen
AFW - April 01, 2005 - Report this comment
Never thought I read a parody about Zoo Poo....I guess it's a dirty job, but somebody's gotta' do it...good job.
MasonR - April 01, 2005 - Report this comment
LOL from a Four Seasons fan. Like others have said, very funny, very original, lots of great lines. I wish I could ape your talent!
Michael Pacholek - April 01, 2005 - Report this comment
Time wounds all HEELS. I take it this was not your idea of "Seasons in the sun." It could have been worse: You could have killed an entire room full of monkeys.
Rick Cormier - April 01, 2005 - Report this comment
Arwen, I'm new to this zoo and it's 5's for you. I'm still laughing!!
Stuart McArthur - April 01, 2005 - Report this comment
that's hilarious - don't worry, Arwen, 1300 hours will pass in a flash - careful with the rhino boils tho' (they can pop like balloons) - 555
Arwen - April 01, 2005 - Report this comment
alvin...always nice to hear from you, mr. rhodes. Thanks!

AFW...thanks! I'm always willing to take on the dirty work. Actually I'm not. I'm a Goddess and deserve servants...; )

MasonR...don't be silly...I've barely got enough talent to get myself by...you've got plenty of your own! Thanks, though!

Michael...don't think the RFoM didn't cross my mind. It's a little scary that we're starting to think alike. Next think you know, you'll be a Ringhead, and I'll be swooning over Mr. Spock.

Rick C...there's nothing I like more than to see someone who's new to the site appreciate my BRILLIANCE so quickly. Some folks have taken AGES to convert...; ) (mr. pacholek, for one)

Stuart...thanks!
Alyssa - April 01, 2005 - Report this comment
''You laughed, he threw his poop at me'' - That was absolutely fabulous 555
Arwen - April 01, 2005 - Report this comment
Alyssa...well, I don't think I've seen you around before...that makes 2 new fans in one day! Break out the limbo bar, this calls for a celebration!!! Thanks!!
Alyssa - April 01, 2005 - Report this comment
I wouldn't call myself a fan just yet, Arwen
2Eagle - April 01, 2005 - Report this comment
And you thought cleaning up after the dog or cleaning the cat box was bad enough. Joan Embry was featrured in the latest issue of The Pet Press and she learned the hard way that working for the zoo isn't the fun job you would expect.
Arwen - April 02, 2005 - Report this comment
Alyssa...I see. My bad.

2Eagle...I wouldn't EVER want to work at the zoo. Community Service has been bad enough...; )
Ashkicksass - April 02, 2005 - Report this comment
Oh that poor little monkey! I can't believe you! You bitch! I'm glad they're making you clean cages now. Ha!

And also, I'm glad Alyssa isn't one of your fans yet, because there really isn't any more room in the club. Sorry.

Fabulosa my darling!
Michael Pacholek - April 02, 2005 - Report this comment
Me, a Ringhead? That would be highly illogical.
Dee Range - April 02, 2005 - Report this comment
LMAO, girl. Here's hopin' you spend the rest of that 1300 hours writing parodies! 555
Arwen - April 03, 2005 - Report this comment
Ash...just seeing you here made my WHOLE day. Thanks for the lovely comments, too. Against the advice of my attorney, I will just say this...the monkey had it coming.

And thanks, the most, for the support in this hard time of learning that Alyssa doesn't really like me. =) I know she said "yet," but she clearly doesn't realize that there's a small window on things like this...

Michael...you're right. And I spoke too quickly on my Spock prediction. Pointed ears be damned...Kirk is definitely more my type.

Dee...thanks!! I'll work my hardest to create a whole menagerie of hits...=)
Alyssa - April 04, 2005 - Report this comment
Give me a break
Dirty Slut - April 04, 2005 - Report this comment
Meh... Ive seen better
Dirty Slut - April 04, 2005 - Report this comment
So what if Alyssa has a opinion, you have no right to judge, just because you think you have the best song in the world and you think everything is perfect about it and other people dont so you have to get your little pussy frieds in your little pussy club to gang up on her.
MeL - April 04, 2005 - Report this comment
you all need to get a life
Dirty Slut - April 04, 2005 - Report this comment
Preach it Sistah!
Arwen - April 04, 2005 - Report this comment
Alyssa...okay.

To all the "dirty sluts"...

1. I've seen better, too. Glad we're on the same page.
2. I'm glad Alyssa has an opinion. I enable comments so that I can get different opinions...whether they are praise or not. I never judged her. I DON'T think I have the best song in the world, NOR do I think everything is perfect about it. (see #1) And I am always willing to fight my own battles, (though I never considered this to be one) so I sure as hell didn't ASK anyone to gang up on her. I can't help it if BRILLIANT people who have their own opinions think I kick ass...(and they're right...I do.)

By the way...I don't even think I have any "frieds." To be honest, I don't even know what you mean by that. Like fried chicken? Some fried cheese? Don't be silly...if I WERE going to enlist the help of any food products in my crusade against injustice, I would certainly choose something that was either baked or broiled...not because it's healthier...but because it's a shame to waste something as delicious as fried cheese on a bunch of "dirty sluts."

President, Local 6969: Sluts United - April 04, 2005 - Report this comment
On behalf of organized sluts in cyberspace, we apologize for the conduct of a few rogue members. Our membership is by and large made up of honorable, hardworking sluts specializing in oral -- rather than written -- activities. We do not endorse the rantings of this small and insignificant minority of union members who have chosed to visit this parody.
Arwen - April 04, 2005 - Report this comment
Well, if that isn't a relief, then I don't know what is. PL6969SU, I appreciate your expedition in addressing this matter...
Ashkicksass - April 05, 2005 - Report this comment
If those sluts think they're getting into our bitchy clique club, they have another think coming! I can't believe they got all of their slutty friends in their slutty club to gang up on us.

BTW, Sluts, are any of you named Andrew?

Oh, and PL6969SU, you are welcome to our club any time of course...we're always in need of some great politicos...
Arwen - April 05, 2005 - Report this comment
LOL!!! I love you, Ash!!
Alyssa - April 05, 2005 - Report this comment
I don't know what 'sluts united' is, but the dirty sluts that have commented on this site, are certainly not part of that organization p.s, arwen i am really sorry if you got offended by me saying that i'm not a fan, but you know, i'm not. And he meant to say 'friends', you know, like Ashkickass, that member of your posse. but i really DID like your parody. just to make that clear
Arwen - April 05, 2005 - Report this comment
Don't be silly, Alyssa...there isn't much you could say that would offend me.
President, Local 6969: Sluts United - April 05, 2005 - Report this comment
Well, it has been confirmed that the sluts previously identified as having commented on this parody, ARE in fact members of Local 6969, and as a result of their unseemly behavior, are being levied fines in the form of additional dues. (Meaning, they'll have to 'due' me, and the entire executive board.)
Arwen - April 05, 2005 - Report this comment
LOL!
Alyssa - April 06, 2005 - Report this comment
Whatever.. Sluts united, thats so gay. They don't belong to your freaking little club, they belong to me
Alyssa - April 06, 2005 - Report this comment
I'm sorry Arwen, this is getting boring, i'm not going to waste anymore time here, it's really not worth. It was nice meeting you though, Arwen. Good luck with the rest of your parodies, I'm sure you'll find lots more fans. see you in the future. By the way, are you a guy? I was just wondering.
President, Local 6969: Sluts United - April 06, 2005 - Report this comment
Alyssa, is 'gay' supposed to be some sort of perjorative term? Unlike yourself, I am proud to be a lesbian. Ever since you lost the election, you and your little cadre of supporters have been conspiring to undermine my administration at every turn. But it will not work.
Arwen - April 06, 2005 - Report this comment
I'm sorry you're getting bored, Alyssa...but it probably is better that you leave...as I find your use of the term "thats so gay," both in a grammatical and in a moral sense, to be TOTALLY unacceptable...

I do find it interesting that by calling the dirty sluts "yours," that you're admitting to rallying up your troops to pick on me; the same thing that they accused me of doing. The only difference is that I didn't ask anyone to do it.

And...while you've said that you won't be coming back...such a waste of your time, after all...I am DYING to know what reasoning you've worked up that would give you the slightest idea that I would be a guy. Seriously. That question alone is enough to tell me that you really AREN'T a fan...

Oh...and PL6969SU...keep on truckin!
President, Local 6969: Sluts United - April 06, 2005 - Report this comment
We're not truckers, we're ****ers.
Arwen - April 06, 2005 - Report this comment
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't expecting that...
Alyssa - April 06, 2005 - Report this comment
I know i said i wouldn't be coming back, but i couldn't help myself... I'm sorry Arwen for using the term 'gay', but I'm half your age and my vocabulary isn't that great. I didn't 'rally my troops to pick on you', there was only two people and i didn't ask them to. To the president of watchamacallit... I find your organization very intriguing... and funny, nice comeback. ... Arwen, I'm sorry i have to tell you the truth, from the moment i saw your name, i thought you were a man, but i kept it to myself. i wasn't just saying that to get back at you.
President, Local 6969: Sluts United - April 06, 2005 - Report this comment
We aim to please.
Alyssa - April 06, 2005 - Report this comment
hey pres, how are you?
Arwen - April 06, 2005 - Report this comment
Ohhh...half my age...how old do you think I am?

And on the man thing...that makes sense...

So...while you were reading the parody, you were picturing a MAN wearing a stiletto heel and then killing a monkey with it? I HAVE to assume that you hadn't read any of my other, "I am SUCH a girl," works before making your assumption...

ONLINE POLL TIME: I'd be interested to know how many men on the site would have chosen an online alter ego with an Immortal Elf Princess in mind.
Alyssa - April 06, 2005 - Report this comment
IM SORRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol I honestly didn't know ... and yes i was picturing a man in stillettos! AND if your 29, i AM nearly half your age Did i tell you how much i love you arwen? When i get home from school it brightens my day to see that youv'e replied to my comments! You must really care about me!! lol
Joe Schmoe - April 07, 2005 - Report this comment
What's with all the weird comments here???

I won't pay attention to them, though. I'm just going to say that this parody was fine, and vote 5/5/5 on it.
Arwen - April 07, 2005 - Report this comment
Thanks a bunch, Joe!
Jeff Reuben - May 02, 2005 - Report this comment
How the hell did I miss this, you'd think I was having a baby or something!!! I figured I'd have at least seen the witty comments it caused. I just liked the poop-throwing monkey. Very off the wall and different from most of your other recent stuff (I enjoyed it).
Arwen - May 02, 2005 - Report this comment
Jeff...it's about damned time! Sheesh! Like having a baby is any kind of excuse...I was about to send you links to this and all of the other parodies I submitted while you were away. Okay...I don't really know that I was that prolific while you were gone...but I sure missed your comments! I waited at the edge of my seat for the entire month of April, just so that I could make it mandatory for you to read this...=) I figured that you and the monkey would bond...hehehe...thanks again!
Red Ant - May 03, 2005 - Report this comment
( SOTM ) DKTOS
Dumb Ass Kid - May 07, 2005 - Report this comment
(SOTM) A quality parody! 555
Agrimorfee - May 09, 2005 - Report this comment
(SOTM) "No animals were harmed during the writing of this parody" (I hope) 555.
Scathe - May 09, 2005 - Report this comment
(SOTM) Silly stuff, elf girl.
Rick C - May 11, 2005 - Report this comment
(SOTM) already voted, commented
Dee Range - May 11, 2005 - Report this comment
SOTM...already voted and commented above
Peter Andersson a.k.a K1chyd - May 12, 2005 - Report this comment
(SOTM) Still a fan of this one but the "feud" with Alyssa was bananas enough... well, maybe not enough, but if it continues for another year and gets some 500 more comments I'm sure Stuart McArthur will feel obliged to write a parody about it. :-)
Guy - May 14, 2005 - Report this comment
(SOTM) Lots of funny monkey business here, both in the lyrics and the comments. I'll vote 5s just for the quality of the entertainment contained in the comments.
Spaff.com - May 14, 2005 - Report this comment
I've read and voted on this before, so I was just going to put "What Spaff said," but after going through these comments for the last two hours, I can't actually find anything Spaff said. Dammit. So lemme just say four things NOW:
(1) This is hilarious and one of your best.
(2) On YOU, the decay and elephant spray works. Keep it.
(3) How do I join Sluts United?
(4) Once I do, do I get some pussy frieds?
Jeff Reuben - May 14, 2005 - Report this comment
Still bonding with the monkey =)
Melhi - May 16, 2005 - Report this comment
(SOTM) I remember the news coverage of the animal rights protesters that erupted into pandemonium outside the courthouse during the civil suit the zoo filed... it was a Zoo Suit Riot! (insert groans here) Nice job, monkey-killer! :)
Jake A Ralphing (Luke Brattoni) - May 18, 2005 - Report this comment
Utterly hilarious, Arwen! I can just imagine the zookeeper yelling "No, Arwen, I said prick the boil!" See Timinem's "I'm Sorry Llama" tune, too. 555 hours of dung shovellin'.
Charlie Decker - May 20, 2005 - Report this comment
(SOTM) This song basically sums up my life. 555
Rex - May 21, 2005 - Report this comment
(SOTM) Commented earlier, but still enjoy these monkeyshines.
Johnny D - May 22, 2005 - Report this comment
(SOTM) Still love your hot monkey parodies.
Stuart McArthur - May 25, 2005 - Report this comment
(SOTM) I forgot this was the Alyssa thread - what an unexpected treat! - lots of funny lines, Arwen
Kristof Robertson - May 28, 2005 - Report this comment
(SOTM) Still right up there with the best, and YOU KNOW IT!! Just had a browse thru your comments and your "exchanges" with Alyssa...how do you do it? btw, you really should have told me about the whole being a guy thing; I'm very open minded..;-)
Claude Prez - May 28, 2005 - Report this comment
"...a mon-key fatality...made a dung sweepin' girl of me"......Say, that happened to me once. Long story. Even more delightful with the catfight in the comment section.
Phil Alexander - May 30, 2005 - Report this comment
Thought I'd commented on this one already - another tour de force, Arwen.
Tim Mayfield - May 31, 2005 - Report this comment
(SOTM) Already commented
but I must say it was quite a commenting going on... I enjoyed reading this again and the new comments as well.
Arwen - May 31, 2005 - Report this comment
Red Ant…thanks for stopping by anyway!

DAK…thank you!

Agrimorfee…LOL!! I promise!

Scathe…silly’s what I do best…thanks!

Rick C…thanks again!

Dee Range…thanks again to you, too!

K1…I really don’t know that any of my comments sections will merit a parody by Stuart…but a girl can certainly dream…=) Thanks!!

Guy…it really is a goal of mine to make the comments sections as entertaining as they can be…in case the parody itself is a bit lackluster…=) Thanks!

Spaff…
1. Thanks…I’m somewhat partial to it…=)
2. My dream is to make it work for everyone…I’m working on a fragrance marketing plan with Lancome even as I type…
3. While I’ve been invited to be a keynote speaker at several of their functions, I am actually not a member…you’ll have to see one of the previously mentioned sluts about that. Just don’t accuse any of them (unfoundedly) of being a fan…
4. No. Why do you think I’ve refused to join?

Jeff…right on…I’ll leave you two alone, then.

Melhi…LOL! The media circus was half the fun, if you ask me…=) Thanks!

Luke…hehehe. Thanks!!

Charlie Decker…it started to sound familiar right around the stiletto heels, didn’t it? Maybe Alyssa was thinking of you when she accused me of being a man…

Rex…thanks a ton!

Johnny D…thank you!

Stuart…I think I am going to have to give Alyssa a commission for this one…=) Thanks!

Kristof…you’re right…I know it…; ) And as far as filling you in on my dual identity…I figured you’d found me out when the daily deliveries of roses died out…I’m SOOO happy to hear that you just ran out of money… ; )

Claude…LOL! By the way, the monkey fatality line was my pride and joy of this entire piece…glad you brought it up…=)

Phil…thank you!!
Arwen - May 31, 2005 - Report this comment
Thanks also to Tim...my original 80 line thank you was actually posted before you commented...but it was all in bold and I asked Chucky to fix it...and he did...like a champ. So...I wasn't ignoring you...I really appreciate your comment! Thanks!
2nz - May 31, 2005 - Report this comment
Rough time at the zoo I see, and rather late I didn't need to add 'cause it's pretty obvious. Funny escapades at the zoo and a personalized comment for every post? You're beautiful Arwen, you rule. May you live long and continue to rule, and while your at the zoo, ask the Hippos whether they prefer 'hippopotomuses' or 'hippopotomi'.
Arwen - June 01, 2005 - Report this comment
2nz...=) I swear I just want to keep you in my pocket and carry you around everywhere I go...you ALWAYS make me smile...=) =) =) Thanks!! (and LOL on the hippo bit!!)
MysteryGoat - June 01, 2005 - Report this comment
(ABC) Great song, makes me rethink the whole zoo experience.
Arwen - June 17, 2005 - Report this comment
Thanks MG!
Blaydeman - February 26, 2011 - Report this comment
(Artistry) "Got a shovel, but no pride" LOL That was hilarious!
Agrimorfee - February 28, 2011 - Report this comment
(Artistry) i didnt remember this one at all from five years ago. A lot of stuff has happened since then, obviously. You should have been in Artistry way earlier, kiddo! This is fantastic.
Matthias - March 01, 2011 - Report this comment
Great work! Even though I may not have commented on this one I certain remember reading it. Such a hilarious and original premise that it could make a pretty hilarious movie as well as a obviously fantastic parody.
Dave W. - March 01, 2011 - Report this comment
Some of the best comedy in the world is written and sent here....underrated..maybe.......undeterred...never....are the parody writers ...And this is another fine example I've just discovered...
Below Average Dave - March 07, 2011 - Report this comment
I have to say Arwen--I am very glad you didn't "write anything new" for this round because this one predates my membership here, and as such I hadn't read it--this was fantastic Arwen, very fun parody of a great TOS--thank you for joining Artistry!!!
bobpiecheese - March 08, 2011 - Report this comment
(Artistry) Death by killer shoe, that's a new one on me. Fantastic work here, Arwen, I...holy crap, this was done in 2005? Could've fooled me, I guess you've just always been awesome. 555 for you!
Rex - March 09, 2011 - Report this comment
(Artistry) This is the third time I've commented on this monkey-funny parody. And six year later, there's still no one who does in small mammals like Arwen.

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