Tiki Room lyric question

[mickeyluv'r]

What does Michael say at this point in the lyrics? Can any of our WDW experts give a definitive answer?


Jose: Mi amigos stop the clucking, you sound like a bunch of old hens. There's a lot of birds waiting to go on. For instance:
Michael: The boys in the back are ___________________.
Jose: Because of their claws?
Michael: No because they're macaws!
And our fine feathered friend is a jolly toucan,
and two can sound better than one toucan can.


Bonus for any supporting documents!

 

[Mommb]

"are called macaws" per this site: https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/The_Tiki,_Tiki,_Tiki_Room and most lyrics sites

"are kamikaze" per this site: https://www.disneyparkscripts.com/walt-disneys-enchanted-tiki-room-disneyland/

On this recording (

) the lyrics say "kamikaze" but it sounds like "called macaws" to me.

 

[mrsap]

Here’s what Genius lyrics says... I never knew what was said either

https://genius.com/The-mellomen-the-tiki-tiki-tiki-room-lyrics

 

[Grumpy by Birth]

"are called macaws."

 

[mickeyluv'r]

When WDW had the New management version of the attraction, that portion of the show was slightly different, but it sounds like "called macaws" to me. (about 7min into the show...a little after "In The Still of the Night.)

The Hillary Duff version omits that verse. (but kept the ladies' hat verse for some reason)

The Los Lobos version strongly sounds like "Kamikaze" to me. (Or really "Kamikaw," minus the last syllable.) In that version the short "i" sound is very clearly articulated, and that makes it sound like a play on the word "comical." (at just under 30 seconds into the song.)

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Interestingly enough, someone has posted a very early recording of "Kaua i ka huahuai" also called the "Hawaiian War Chant" as recorded in 1913. (The song that the Tiki gods sing/chant) It was a Victor record.

 

[DisLiss]

I have always heard it as "are called macaws" and the rest of the joke makes sense with the line being that as well, so I never questioned it.