Coconut

Harry Nilsson's 'Coconut' is a whimsical and catchy tune that tells the story of a woman who mixes lime with coconut and drinks the concoction, only to end up with a bellyache. The song's repetitive lyrics and playful melody create a light-hearted vibe that contrasts with the discomfort of the protagonist. The chorus, where the woman seeks medical advice for her ailment, is met with a simple yet absurd prescription: put the lime in the coconut and drink them both together. This nonsensical remedy adds to the song's humor and charm, as it suggests that the cause of the problem may also be its solution.

The song can be seen as a metaphor for self-inflicted problems and the human tendency to overcomplicate solutions. The woman's brother initially buys a coconut, and she herself buys a lime, setting the stage for the events that follow. The repeated act of drinking the mixture and the subsequent bellyache could symbolize the cyclical nature of some of our actions, where we sometimes repeat the same mistakes. The doctor's advice, which is essentially to continue what she's been doing, might be interpreted as a satirical take on how we often overlook simple solutions in favor of something more complex or exotic.

Nilsson's 'Coconut' is a playful reminder that sometimes the answers we seek are hidden in plain sight, wrapped in the absurdity of the situation. The song's catchy tune and lighthearted lyrics have made it a memorable classic, and its message is as relevant today as it was when it was released. The song encourages listeners to look at their problems from a different angle and to find humor in the search for solutions.