When I was first introduced into the world of literal translation of popular pop songs I sat laughing at the literal version of the youtube video of A-ha’s “Take on Me.” A “literal version” takes a video of a song and sings the song in the same key and melody but with different lyrics which jokingly poke fun at what the video is doing. Today I came across a video of The Monkees performing “Daydream Believer,” and the reason why this literal version is better then others is because the entire video is them playing the song in goofy ways. Here is the link for the literal version: http://www.fark.com/cgi/vidplayer.pl?IDLink=4476482.
After you watch this how about checking out the actual song. Well, here the actual lyrics. Compare them and let us know which one you like better.
“Oh, I could hide ‘neath the wings
Of the bluebird as she sings.
The six o’clock alarm would never ring.
But it rings and I rise,
Wipe the sleep out of my eyes.
My shavin’ razor’s cold and it stings.
Cheer up, Sleepy Jean.
Oh, what can it mean.
To a daydream believer
And a homecoming queen.
You once thought of me
As a white knight on a steed.
Now you know how happy I can be.
Oh, and our good times start and end
Without dollar one to spend.
But how much, baby, do we really need.
Cheer up, Sleepy Jean.
Oh, what can it mean.
To a daydream believer
And a homecoming queen.
Cheer up, Sleepy Jean.
Oh, what can it mean.
To a daydream believer
And a homecoming queen.
[Instrumental interlude]
Cheer up, Sleepy Jean.
Oh, what can it mean.
To a daydream believer
And a homecoming queen.
[Repeat and fade]”
Fun Fact: The song was written by John Stewart (not the comedian) who was originally with The Kingston Trio
The Music Court 
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