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Music Video

Kidnap The Sandy Claws Lyrics – Danny Elfman



Soundtrack Album: The Nightmare Before Christmas
Kidnap The Sandy Claws Text
[LOCK, SHOCK & BARREL]
Kidnap Mr. Sandy Claws

[LOCK]
I wanna do it

[BARREL]
Let's draw straws

[SHOCK]
Jack said we should work together

[BARREL]
Three of a kind

[LOCK]
Birds of a feather

[SHOCK]
Now and forever

[LOCK, SHOCK & BARREL]
Wheeee
La, la, la, la, la

Kidnap the Sandy Claws, lock him up real tight
Throw away the key and then
Turn off all the lights

[SHOCK]
First, we're going to set some bait
Inside a nasty trap and wait
When he comes a-sniffing we will
Snap the trap and close the gate

[LOCK]
Wait! I've got a better plan
To catch this big red lobster man
Let's pop him in a boiling pot
And when he's done we'll butter him up

[LOCK, SHOCK & BARREL]
Kidnap the Sandy Claws
Throw him in a box
Bury him for ninety years
Then see if he talks

[SHOCK]
Then Mr. Oogie Boogie man

[LOCK & SHOCK]
Can take the whole thing over then
He'll be so pleased, I do declare

[LOCK, SHOCK & BARREL]
That he will cook him rare
Wheeee!

[LOCK]
I say that we take a cannon
Aim it at his door and then
Knock three times and when he anwers
Sandy Claws will be no more

[SHOCK]
You're so stupid, think now
If we blow him up into smithereens
We may lose some pieces

[LOCK & SHOCK]
And the Jack will beat us black and green

[LOCK, SHOCK & BARREL]
Kidnap the Sandy Claws
Tie him in a bag
Throw him in the ocean
Then see if he is sad

[LOCK & SHOCK]
Because Mr. Oogie Boogie id the meanest guy around
If I were on his Boogie list, I'd get out of town

[BARREL]
He'll be so pleased by our success

[LOCK]
That he'll reward us too, I bet

[LOCK & BARREL]
Perhaps he'll make his special brew

[LOCK, SHOCK, & BARREL]
Of snake and spider stew
Ummm!

We're his little henchmen
And we take our job with pride
We do our best to please him
And stay on his good side

[SHOCK]
I wish my cohorts weren't so dumb

[BARREL]
I'm not the dumb one

[LOCK]
You're no fun

[SHOCK]
Shut up!

[LOCK
Make me

[SHOCK]
I've got something, listen now
This one is real good, you'll see
We'll send a present to his door
Upon there'll be a note to read
Now, in the box we'll wait and hide

[SHOCK]
Until his curiousity

[LOCK, SHOCK & BARREL]
Entices him to look inside
And then we'll have him
One, two, three

Kidnap the Sandy Claws, beat him with a stick
Lock him for ninety years, see what makes him tick

Kidnap the Sandy Claws, chop him into bits
Mr. Oogie Boogie is sure to get his kicks
Kidnap the Sandy Claws, see what we will see
Lock him in a cage and then throw away the key


[Thanks to Chelsea for corrections]


The Nightmare Before Christmas Album Cover

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Soundtrack Lyrics for Cartoon, 1993

Track Listing


October, 31st 2024

Song Details and Analysis

  • Title: Kidnap the Sandy Claws
  • Performed by: Paul Reubens (Lock), Catherine O'Hara (Shock), and Danny Elfman (Barrel)
  • Composer: Danny Elfman
  • Album: The Nightmare Before Christmas (Soundtrack)
  • Genre: Soundtrack, Dark Humor
  • Release Date: 1993

Exploring the meaning of "Kidnap the Sandy Claws" by Danny Elfman

In *Kidnap the Sandy Claws*, Lock, Shock, and Barrel—three mischievous trick-or-treaters—plot to kidnap Santa Claus (whom they hilariously call "Sandy Claws") and hand him over to Oogie Boogie. This track reflects the dark humor at the heart of *The Nightmare Before Christmas*, blending sinister motives with a playful, almost childlike glee. Lock, Shock, and Barrel’s ideas for kidnapping Santa range from mildly mischievous to downright violent, as they imagine throwing him in a box, tossing him into the ocean, or even cooking him. Each line showcases their delight in chaos and danger while capturing their loyalty to the terrifying Oogie Boogie, their boss. At its core, the song explores the clash between Halloween Town’s darkness and the purity of Christmas, with the trio interpreting Christmas traditions in a twisted way. They’re drawn to the idea of impressing Oogie Boogie and earning his favor, even if it means harming Santa Claus. Danny Elfman’s writing adds a layer of humor to their wicked plans, making this song as entertaining as it is dark.
Technical Analysis
The composition features a mischievous, bouncy rhythm and quick tempo, reflecting the trio’s playful and chaotic energy. The minor key gives it a dark, menacing undertone, fitting their eerie plans. Elfman combines chanted refrains with syncopated rhythms to mimic the feeling of children plotting in a playground but with a sinister twist. Sudden dynamic shifts and rhythmic variations give the song a frenetic feel, capturing the trio’s erratic ideas as they brainstorm new ways to kidnap “Sandy Claws.” The arrangement also plays with creepy sound effects and laughter, immersing listeners in Halloween Town’s quirky, frightening vibe.

Emotional Analysis

  1. Opening Refrain: "Something's up with Jack / Don't know if we're ever going to get him back" - Curiosity, apprehension
  2. Initial Plotting: "Kidnap the Sandy Claws, lock him up real tight" - Excitement, mischievous intent
  3. Creative Schemes: "Throw him in a box / Bury him for ninety years" - Sinister joy, loyalty to Oogie Boogie
  4. Arguments: "You're so stupid, think now / If we blow him up into smithereens" - Frustration, competition
  5. Finale: "Kidnap the Sandy Claws, see what we will see" - Anticipation, eagerness

Similar Songs

*Kidnap the Sandy Claws* resembles other songs that portray sinister yet comical plans by mischievous or villainous characters. These songs explore dark humor, teamwork, and playful plotting:
  • “Be Prepared” from *The Lion King* – Another villainous anthem, where Scar and his hyena minions plot to take over with eerie humor.
  • “Master of the House” from *Les Misérables* – Characters revel in chaotic scheming with a comedic, irreverent tone.
  • “Poor Unfortunate Souls” from *The Little Mermaid* – Ursula’s gleeful manipulation is both sinister and humorously dramatic.
  • “Oogie Boogie’s Song” from *The Nightmare Before Christmas* – This continuation sees Oogie himself singing about his delight in torturing Santa, escalating the humor and danger.
  • “In the Dark of the Night” from *Anastasia* – Rasputin’s plotting is accompanied by dark humor and a playful eeriness.

Comparison to Previous Work

In *Kidnap the Sandy Claws*, Danny Elfman maintains his signature blend of playful darkness and humor, reminiscent of *Oogie Boogie’s Song*. Elfman’s work often explores the gleeful side of villainy, where bad guys revel in their plans. This track is a great example of Elfman’s style, combining humor with just enough eeriness to entertain and unsettle. Lock, Shock, and Barrel are comedic villains, adding a lighthearted element to *The Nightmare Before Christmas* that contrasts with the more introspective themes of Jack’s songs.
“There’s something inherently fun about villainous characters like Lock, Shock, and Barrel—they’re wicked but in a way that’s almost innocent, like children playing a game. That mix of mischief and danger is what makes them stand out.”
Danny Elfman on *Kidnap the Sandy Claws*

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