"Never Smile at a Crocodile" is a song from the 1953 Disney animated film Peter Pan and is the theme for Tick-Tock the Crocodile. The song was originally written with lyrics, but they were removed from the final product in favor of an instrumental version, though the lyrics have been restored in many subsequent versions.
The song was performed by the song's lyricist, the late Jack Lawrence.
Lyrics[]
Never smile at a crocodile
No, you can't get friendly with a crocodile
Don't be taken in by his welcome grin
He's imagining how well you'd fit within his skin
Never smile at a crocodile
Never tip your hat and stop to talk a while
Never run, walk away, say good-night, not good-day
Clear the aisle and never smile at Mister Crocodile
You may very well be well bred
Lots of etiquette in your head
But there's always some special case, I will place
To forget etiquette
For example, one positively must not wear a pleased expression on his countenance
when confronted with that large lizard-like amphibious reptile
who has long jaws, armored skin, and webbed feet and who is known as the crocodile.
It has been discovered that one simply cannot cherish an amicable
or trustworthy relationship with the aforementioned species.
In addition, it is mandatory that one does not become irresistibly drawn into the erroneous belief
that the lateral upward extension of his lips means that you are entirely welcome.
It is much more reasonable to assume that he is contemplating how you would look in a lizard suit...
HIS!
Heh, heh
Clear the aisle and never smile at Mister Crocodile!
Never smile at a crocodile
No, you can't get friendly with a crocodile
Don't be taken in by his welcome grin
He's imagining how well you'd fit within his skin
Never smile at a crocodile
Never tip your hat and stop to talk a while
Never run, walk away, say good-night, not good-day
Clear the aisle and never smile at Mister Crocodile
You may very well be well bred
Lots of etiquette in your head
But there's always some special case, I will place
To forget etiquette
Never smile at a crocodile
No, you can't get friendly with a crocodile
Don't be taken in by his welcome grin
He's imagining how well you'd fit within his skin
Never smile at a crocodile
Never tip your hat and stop to talk a while
Never run, walk away, say good-night, not good-day
Clear the aisle and never smile at Mister Crocodile
You may very well be well bred
Lots of etiquette in your head
But there's always some special case, I will place
To forget etiquette
For instance:
Never smile at a crocodile
No, you can't get friendly with a crocodile
Don't be taken in by his welcome grin
He's imagining how well you'd fit within his skin
Never smile at a crocodile
Never tip your hat and stop to talk a while
Don't be rude, never mock, throw a kiss, not a rock
Clear the aisle and never smile at Mister Crocodile
Other Appearances[]
- The lyrical version of the song was included in the film's soundtrack.
- The song was performed in Episode 114 of The Muppet Show, where it was sung by Mary Louise, Muppet frogs and a Muppet crocodile.
- The song was featured on Disney Sing Along Songs: Under the Sea, sung by Mark Miller and Richard Pursell.
- The song was featured in the Halloween Screams! firework show at Disney Parks, part of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.