“Amish Paradise” is a 1996 single by Weird Al Yankovic. The song is a parody of the 1995 hit “Gangsta’s Paradise” by Coolio featuring L.V. Citing the original song’s lyrics, Yankovic’s parody follows the same structure and melody, but with different, humorous lyrics in which he sings about the peaceful lifestyle of the Amish.
Overview of “Amish Paradise”
“Amish Paradise” is a parody song by American singer-songwriter “Weird Al” Yankovic. It is based on the rapper Coolio’s hit single “Gangsta’s Paradise”. Yankovic’s version follows the same structure and melody of the original, but with humorous lyrics about the Amish lifestyle. The song was released as the lead single from Yankovic’s 1996 album Bad Hair Day. The single was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales of 500,000 copies in the United States.
Full Lyrics of the Song
Verse 1:
I’m livin’ in an Amish paradise
With walnut trees and pumpkin pies
It’s a nice life livin’ in an Amish paradise
I’m workin’ in the fields ’til the sun is sinkin’ low
I’m takin’ off my straw hat as I’m wishin’ for the snow
Chorus:
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, Amish paradise
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, Amish paradise
Verse 2:
I’m milkin’ cows and plowin’ dirt
I’m keepin’ everything and wearin’ homemade shirts
It’s a nice life livin’ in an Amish paradise
I’m cuttin’ out the cloth with scissors and a knife
I’m makin’ sure that my bonnet’s fit just right
Chorus:
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, Amish paradise
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, Amish paradise
Verse 3:
I’m ridin’ in a horse and buggy and I’m not usin’ gas
I’m keepin’ to myself and I’m stayin’ outta the class
It’s a nice life livin’ in an Amish paradise
I’m readin’ from the Bible and it’s makin’ me feel nice
I’m listenin’ to the birds singin’ and it’s soundin’ pretty nice
Chorus:
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, Amish paradise
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, Amish paradise
Verse 4:
I’m livin’ in an Amish paradise
With walnut trees and pumpkin pies
It’s a nice life livin’ in an Amish paradise
I’m workin’ in the fields ’til the sun is sinkin’ low
I’m takin’ off my straw hat as I’m wishin’ for the snow
Chorus:
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, Amish paradise
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, Amish paradise
“Amish Paradise” is an entertaining parody of Coolio’s hit “Gangsta’s Paradise”. The song’s humorous lyrics poke fun at the peaceful lifestyle of the Amish, while also paying homage to the original song. The single was a commercial success, and remains one of Weird Al’s most popular songs.