" Iko Iko " (/ ˈaɪkoʊ ˈaɪkoʊ /) is a much-covered New Orleans song that tells of a parade collision between two tribes of Mardi Gras Indians and the traditional confrontation.

Dec 22, 2025 · Learn the meaning behind the lyrics in "Iko Iko," a song about Mardi Gras Indian rivalry, ritual threats, and coded tradition.

Feb 17, 2012 · Despite the varied and widespread ideas and interpretations of it’s phrasing, the song has been emblazoned into the hearts and the minds of the nation, and has risen as one …

“Iko Iko," “Aiko Aiko,” “Jockomo,” and “Jock-A-Mo” all refer to the same song with a mysterious meaning! What does “Iko Iko” mean? NOBODY KNOWS. It seems incredible that this song is …

Feb 14, 2025 · “Iko Iko” is more than just a song—it is a cultural artifact, a celebration of New Orleans heritage, and a testament to the power of music to connect people across time and …

" Iko Iko " is a much-covered New Orleans song that tells of a parade collision between two tribes of Mardi Gras Indians and the traditional confrontation. The song, under the original title " Jock …

"Iko Iko" is based on a New Orleans folk melody commonly used for celebrations like parades. The "Jock-a-mo fee-na-nay" chorus, so central to the song's refrain, is a subject of long debate.

Feb 13, 2018 · It turns out the song, originally titled “Jock-a-Mo,” was actually written in 1953 by James “Sugar Boy” Crawford. It tells of a parade collision between two “tribes” of Mardi Gras …

Jul 24, 2017 · Crawford said of his song’s mysterious lyrics: “‘Iko Iko’ was like a victory chant and ‘Chock-a-Mo’ was a chant that was called out when the Indians went into battle.”

Jan 8, 2015 · Reporter Drew Hinshaw decided to ask some experts about the origin of the song after he noticed the similarity between the Iko refrain and a stirring call-and-response chant he …