Novelty song
Novelty songs are popular music's most disposable art form.
A novelty song is a type of song built upon some form of novel concept, such as a gimmick, a piece of humor, or a sample of popular culture. Novelty songs partially overlap with comedy songs and musical parody, especially when the novel gimmick is another popular song. They achieved great popularity during the 1920s and 1930s, with a resurgence in the 1950s and 1960s. The term arose in Tin Pan Alley to describe one of the major divisions of popular music, alongside ballads and dance music. Humorous songs are not necessarily novelty songs.
- origin
- Tin Pan Alley, late 19th century
- peak_periods
- 1920s–1930s; 1950s–1960s
- key_characteristics
- gimmick, humor, parody, unusual lyrics or sounds
- related_genres
- comedy song, musical parody
Lore & Background
Novelty songs were a major staple of Tin Pan Alley from its start in the late 19th century. Varieties included songs with unusual gimmicks, such as stuttering in "K-K-K-Katy" or the playful sounds of "I Wanna Be Loved By You"; silly lyrics like "Yes! We Have No Bananas"; and invocations of exoticism. These songs were perfect for Vaudeville, and performers such as Eddie Cantor and Sophie Tucker became well known for such songs. Zez Confrey's 1920s instrumental compositions, involving gimmicky approaches or rapid tempos, started a fad of novelty piano pieces that lasted through the decade, brought about by the increasing availability of audio recordings via player piano and phonograph.
Did You Know?
- Novelty songs were one of three major divisions of popular music in Tin Pan Alley, alongside ballads and dance music.
- Novelty songs are described as "popular culture's most disposable art form."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a novelty song?
A novelty song is a pop track built around a fresh gimmick, a joke, or a pop-culture reference rather than conventional songcraft. It overlaps with comedy music and musical parody, especially when the "novel" element riffs on another well-known tune.
Where does the term "novelty song" come from?
The label was coined in Tin Pan Alley during the late 19th century as a commercial sorting category for popular music. It sat alongside ballads and dance music as one of the industry's main divisions.
How is a novelty song different from a comedy song?
A comedy song is simply funny, but a novelty song specifically hinges on a new or unexpected concept—like an odd sound effect, a bizarre lyric hook, or a pop-culture stunt. The humor is a byproduct of the gimmick rather than the sole purpose.
Why are novelty songs often called disposable?
Because they're anchored to a single clever idea, they tend to lose their appeal the moment the gimmick stops feeling fresh. Fans typically treat them as fun one-hit curiosities rather than songs meant to age well or sustain a long career.
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