Tarzan Boy


"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 what was later named the millennial whoop.
The music video for the song does not feature either Bassi or Hackett. Instead it features the front man for the band's performances, Jimmy McShane, who did not sing the song but lip synced the song.

Chart performance

"Tarzan Boy" was an international hit, debuting in the top five of the Italian charts and performing well in many other European countries, including Spain, Germany and the Netherlands. "Tarzan Boy" was most successful in France, where it topped the chart for five consecutive weeks. In the United Kingdom, it reached number three in August 1985. The single had success in the United States, 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
  1. "Tarzan Boy" – 3:48
  2. "Tarzan Boy" – 3:36
;12" single
  1. "Tarzan Boy" – 6:15
  2. "Tarzan Boy" – 5:09
;12" maxi
  1. "Tarzan Boy" – 6:16
  2. "Tarzan Boy" – 3:49
  3. "Tarzan Boy" – 5:10
;12" maxi – Summer version
  1. "Tarzan Boy" – 6:40
  2. "Tarzan Boy" – 6:00

    1993 version

;CD single
  1. "Tarzan Boy" – 3:49
  2. "Tarzan Boy" – 3:49
;12" single
  1. "Tarzan Boy" – 3:49
  2. "Tarzan Boy" – 3:18
  3. "Tarzan Boy" – 5:10
;CD maxi
  1. "Tarzan Boy" – 3:49
  2. "Tarzan Boy" – 5:33
  3. "Tarzan Boy" – 5:10
;Cassette
  1. "Tarzan Boy" – 3:49
  2. "Tarzan Boy" – 3:49
  3. "Tarzan Boy" – 3:49
  4. "Tarzan Boy" – 3:49
;CD maxi – Promo
  1. "Tarzan Boy" – 3:45
  2. "Tarzan Boy" – 3:46
  3. "Tarzan Boy" – 5:35
  4. "Tarzan Boy" – 3:21
  5. "Tarzan Boy" – 5:01

    2010 version

;Streaming single
  1. "Tarzan Boy" – 3:49

    Personnel

;Original version
;1993 version

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Chart Rank
US Billboard Hot 10073

Certifications

Cover versions