The Heartwarming Story Behind Donkey Kong’s "Golden Banana"
As I sat there, listening to the uplifting melody of Donkey Kong’s "Golden Banana" for the umpteenth time, I couldn’t help but be swept away by the romance and chemistry between the game’s main characters, Donkey Kong and Candy Kong. While some might initially dismiss "Golden Banana" as just another love song, further analysis reveals a rich, symbolic narrative that celebrates the strength and uniqueness of Donkey Kong and Candy Kong’s bond.
From the Depths of Adoration
The song begins with Candy Kong pouring her heart out to Donkey Kong, expressing her admiration for his radiant smile and reaffirming his status as the only ape worthy of her affections. Her words are laced with affection and sincerity, as she assures Donkey Kong that no other ape can ever compare to him (emphasis added). In response, Donkey Kong is taken aback, seemingly surprised by Candy Kong’s romantic gestures. Nevertheless, he’s thrilled and considers her love a "dream come true."
It’s striking how the warmth and happiness depicted in "Golden Banana" are, in part, symbolized by the "sunshine" and "everything [being] okay when we’re together." This paints a vivid picture of a future filled with love, mutual support, and contentment. The bananas mentioned earlier in the lyrics, however, take on a distinct significance, representing the essence of the couple’s connection (see Figure 1 below).
Metaphoric Love and Sharing
These shared bananas might seem at first like a playful pun, but in the context of the song, they serve as a tangible representation of their bond’s depth and commitment. The fact that Donkey Kong offers his affection by way of "figurative showers of coconut cream pie" further strengthens this interpretation (emphasis added). He’s declaring his willingness to indulge their love with everything he has to offer, much like the way the couple share a common affection for, and reliance on, these symbolic bananas.
Praising the Rare and Beautiful
The chorus of "Golden Banana" is characterized by Donkey Kong acknowledging that their love is incredibly rare, going so far as to state that it won’t "grow on trees" (emphasis added), emphasizing the unlikeliest of love stories to blossom. In response, Candy Kong beautifully describes their bond as "like a gentle summer breeze," echoing the soothing, comforting presence that their love provides each other. It’s easy to imagine this gentle Breeze as a subtle reminder of their love (Figure 2) that not only sustains them but also serves as a source of strength when faced with challenges.
To drive home this point further, the repeated refrain that their love "surpass[es] even a golden banana" underscores not only its rare nature but also precious value (emphasis added). This implicit message highlights how their partnership transcends common, quotidian experiences – much like how a golden banana is distinct from regular bananas (image 3 below).