"Ana Ng" is a standout song by American alternative rock band They Might Be Giants, released in 1988 as the lead single from their second album, Lincoln. The track is widely celebrated for its quirky, intelligent lyrics, catchy melody, and inventive production, becoming one of the band's signature songs and a fan favorite12.
Musical Style and Composition
- Genre: Geek rock, alternative rock
- Length: 3:23
- Songwriters: John Flansburgh, John Linnell
- Producer: Bill Krauss
- Instrumentation: Features a driving rhythm, distinctive guitar effects controlled by a computer, and layered vocals
- Notable Features: The song opens with a jerky, robotic guitar rhythm, achieved using a noise-gate effect triggered by an Apple Macintosh computer.
Lyrics and Themes
- Inspiration: The title "Ana Ng" was inspired by John Linnell's discovery of the surname "Ng" in the Manhattan phone book, and his curiosity about its pronunciation and origins. "Ng" is a common Cantonese surname.
- Concept: The lyrics tell of two people, separated by the globe, who have never met but are somehow destined for each other. The narrative references digging a hole through the Earth, inspired by a Pogo comic strip, and alludes to the 1964 New York World's Fair with lines about "eighty dolls yelling 'Small Girl After All'"—a nod to the "It's a Small World" ride.
- Imagery: The song is filled with surreal and clever imagery, such as "water spirals the wrong way out the sink" (a reference to the Coriolis effect) and the iconic line, "I don't want the world, I just want your half."
- Themes: Distance, longing, missed connections, and the absurdity of fate.
Release and Reception
- Release Year: 1988
- Album: Lincoln
- Chart Performance: Reached #11 on the US Modern Rock chart.
- Critical Acclaim:
- Praised for its "irresistible pop hooks" and "pop absurdism".
- Described as a "beyond-perfect tour de force" by critic Robert Christgau.
- Frequently cited as one of They Might Be Giants' best songs, ranked #2 out of over 1,000 songs on the band's fan wiki.
Music Video
- Director: Adam Bernstein
- Setting: Shot at the Ward's Island Fireman's Training Center.
- Style: The video is noted for its simplicity and use of Cold War-era visuals, complementing the song's odd and imaginative lyrics.
Cultural Impact
- Featured in media such as the film Yes Man and the TV show Clarissa Explains It All.
- Covered by several artists, including Self and Star Fucking Hipsters.
- Referenced in songs by other artists, notably Car Seat Headrest's "Cute Thing".
Track Listings (Selected Releases)
| Format | Tracks |
|---|---|
| 12" Maxi-Single | Ana Ng / Nightgown of the Sullen Moon / It's Not My Birthday / Lie Still, Little Bottle1 |
| UK 7" | Ana Ng / Nightgown of the Sullen Moon |
| Australia 7" | Ana Ng / Snowball in Hell |
| 1991 Europe | Ana Ng / They'll Need a Crane / (She Was A) Hotel Detective / Don't Let's Start |
Legacy
"Ana Ng" remains a defining track for They Might Be Giants, encapsulating their clever songwriting, offbeat humor, and ability to blend pop sensibility with intellectual depth. It continues to resonate with listeners and is a staple of the band's live performances12.
