„The Muffin Man“ is an older English children’s song that was first recorded in the 19th century.
The Muffin Man became better known worldwide through a scene in the movie Shrek (2001). As of mid-2021, the Muffin Man became better known as a meme, spreading on TikTok and elsewhere.
Adam Lambert’s performance of the song „The Muffin Man“ in the style of Cher on „The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon“ in April 2023 made the song „The Muffin Man“ popular worldwide. As of May 2023, Adam Lambert’s performance went viral on social media.
Who is „The Muffin Man?“ Shrek, explanation, meaning, info
The lyrics of the children’s song „The Muffin Man“ are as follows:
Do you know the muffin man,
The muffin man, the muffin man.
Do you know the muffin man,
Who lives on Drury Lane?
Drury Lane is a street in central London. It is located in the Covent Garden neighborhood. The street was named after Sir William Drury (1527-1579).
Who might have been the Muffin Man? Origin, history
It is no longer possible to explain exactly who the Muffin Man could have been. It could be that the Muffin Man was a delivery man who delivered baked goods or that the Muffin Man was a baker who baked baked goods. Also, the Muffin Man could have simply been a friendly neighbor who distributed muffins to the neighborhood.
During the Victorian era (1837 to 1901) in England, it was common for fresh food to be delivered to homes. Therefore, the Muffin Man could just be the muffin delivery man.
Note: Muffin Man’s muffins should not be confused with modern muffins, which are small round sweet pastries. English muffins are meant here, which are small round flatbreads.
The Muffin Man: Shrek (2001)
In the movie Shrek, the Muffin Man is the creator and „father“ of the Gingerbread Man.
In a scene in the first part of Shrek, Lord Farquaad has captured the Gingerbread Man, tortures and interrogates him.
Lord Farquaad wants to know from the captured Gingerbread Man where the other fairy tale characters are and who is hiding them.
In the English-language original, the Gingerbread Man reveals who is holding the fairy tale characters captive. He asks Lord Farquaad, „Do you know the muffin man?“ The conversation goes as follows and becomes more intense:
Lord Farquaad: „The Muffin man.“
Gingerbread man: „The muffin man.“
Lord Farquaad: „Yes. I know the Muffin man. Who lives on Drury Lane?“
Gingerbread man: „Well, she is married to … the muffin man.“
Lord Farquaad: „The Muffin man.“
Gingerbread man: (shrill) „The Muffin man.“
The shrill „The Muffin man“ cry evolved into a meme.
Adam Lambert: The Muffin Man
On April 17, 2023, Adam Lambert was a guest on the U.S. talk show “ The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.“ In the game „Wheel of Musical Impressions“ he was given the task to sing the song „The Muffin Man“ in the style of Cher. He does this so well that his performance later went viral.