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Tarzan Boy
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Wikipedia article
{{Infobox song
| name = Tarzan Boy
| cover = Tarzan boy (Baltimora).jpg
| type = single
| artist = Baltimora
| album = Living in the Background
| B-side = DJ version
| released = April 1985
| genre = Italo disco
| length = 6:15 (album version)
3:50 (single version)
| label =
| writer =
| producer = Maurizio Bassi
| next_title = Woody Boogie
| next_year = 1985
| misc =
}}
"'Tarzan Boy'" is the debut single by Italian-based act Baltimora. The song was written by Maurizio Bassi and Naimy Hackett, and released in 1985 as the lead single from Baltimora's debut album 'Living in the Background'. The song was re-recorded and released in 1993, and has been covered by several artists throughout the years.
The refrain uses Tarzan's cry as a melodic line. The song is rhythmical, with an electronic melody and simple lyrics. Baltimora are often considered a one-hit wonder due to the success they experienced with "Tarzan Boy". It features a melodic motif that was later named the millennial whoop.
The music video for the song features the frontman for the band's performances, Jimmy McShane, who according to some sources did not actually sing the song but rather lip synced it.
The song is currently used by Jungle Boy, a wrestler for AEW (All Elite Wrestling), as his entrance music.
Chart performance
"Tarzan Boy" was an international hit, debuting in the top five Italian charts and performing well in several other European countries, including Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, and notably, France, where "Tarzan Boy" was most successful, topping the charts there for five consecutive weeks. In the United Kingdom, it reached number 3 in September 1985. The single had success in the United States (where it was released by EMI), with the single remaining on the 'Billboard' Hot 100 chart for six months and ultimately peaking at number 13 in early 1986.
Track listing and formats
Original version
;7" single
#"Tarzan Boy" 3:48
#"Tarzan Boy" (DJ version) 3:36
;12" single
#"Tarzan Boy" (extended version) 6:15
#"Tarzan Boy" (DJ version) 5:09
;12" maxi
#"Tarzan Boy" (extended dance version) 6:16
#"Tarzan Boy" (single version) 3:49
#"Tarzan Boy" (extended dub version) 5:10
;12" maxi Summer version
#"Tarzan Boy" (Summer version) 6:40
#"Tarzan Boy" (reprise) 6:00
1993 version
;CD single
#"Tarzan Boy" (original version) 3:49
#"Tarzan Boy" (1993 remix) 3:49
;12" single
#"Tarzan Boy" (original version) 3:49
#"Tarzan Boy" (UK swing mix) 3:18
#"Tarzan Boy" (extended dub) 5:10
;CD maxi
#"Tarzan Boy" (1993 remix) 3:49
#"Tarzan Boy" (extended 1993 remix) 5:33
#"Tarzan Boy" (extended dub mix) 5:10
;Cassette
#"Tarzan Boy" (original version) 3:49
#"Tarzan Boy" (1993 remix) 3:49
#"Tarzan Boy" (original version) 3:49
#"Tarzan Boy" (1993 remix) 3:49
;CD maxi Promo
#"Tarzan Boy" (original version) 3:45
#"Tarzan Boy" (1993 remix) 3:46
#"Tarzan Boy" (extended 1993 remix) 5:35
#"Tarzan Boy" (UK swing mix) 3:21
#"Tarzan Boy" (extended dub) 5:01
2010 version
;Streaming single#"Tarzan Boy" (Digital Remaster) 3:49
Charts and certifications
Weekly charts
Year-end charts
Certifications
Cover versions
*In 1989, the Hindi song "Aaya Mausam Dosti Ka", from the Bollywood soundtrack for the film 'Maine Pyar Kiya' was heavily influenced by "Tarzan Boy".
*In 2006, the song was covered by Bango, and achieved a minor success, peaking at number 37 in France.
*In 2008, a cover by Bad Influence featuring Dyce reached number 9 in Sweden.
See also
*List of Dutch Top 40 number-one singles of 1985
*List of European number-one hits of 1985
*List of number-one singles of 1985 (France)
*List of number-one singles of 1985 (Spain)
References
Category:1985 debut singles
Category:1985 songs
Category:Baltimora songs
Category:Songs written by Maurizio Bassi
Category:EMI Records singles
Category:Capitol Records singles
Category:Manhattan Records singles
Category:Dutch Top 40 number-one singles
Category:European Hot 100 Singles number-one singles
Category:SNEP Top Singles number-one singles
Category:Number-one singles in Spain
Category:Ultratop 50 Singles (Flanders) number-one singles
Category:Songs about fictional male characters
Category:Music based on novels
Category:Works based on Tarzan
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