The meaning and story of Parry Gripp's song "I Wanna Be Your Harland Williams" is a playful and humorous tribute to the comedian and actor Harland Williams. Parry Gripp expresses his admiration for Harland Williams and his desire to be close to him or to have a similar comedic presence. The song starts by spelling out "H-A-R-L-A-N-D" as a way to emphasize the name and make it memorable. Parry Gripp emphasizes that Harland Williams is the only girl (using "girl" metaphorically) he wants to see, suggesting that he greatly admires him. The lyrics describe wanting to go out with Harland Williams, mentioning a movie show and the Horseshoe Tavern, a popular Toronto music venue where Williams has performed. The song implies that if the listener accompanies Williams to these places, they would enjoy it because Williams is entertaining and fun to be around. The line "One hundred dollars is a lot to pay for a pencil, unless the pencil comes from Harland Williams" is a comical hyperbole, suggesting that anything associated with Harland Williams would be valuable and worth the price. The chorus repeats the desire to be "H-A-R-L-A-N-D" and showcases the singer's enthusiasm and determination to be like Harland Williams. Parry Gripp humorously mentions his sideburns and chin, implying that he believes these physical features make him similar to Williams. He asks for acceptance and urges the listener to let him in, showcasing his admiration and desire to be in Williams' company. In a light-hearted manner, the song also includes random yet funny lines like, "Don't ya hate it when you're gone, and a hot dog flies into your mouth?" These lines enhance the quirky and comedic nature of the song. Overall, "I Wanna Be Your Harland Williams" is a catchy and lighthearted song that pays tribute to the comedian while also expressing a desire to share in his comedic presence and popularity.
