Oompa Loompa

The "Oompa Loompa" songs from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory are cleverly crafted pieces that serbe a dual purpose: they entertain and impart moral lessons. The Oompa Loompas, small but wise characters from the mysterious Loompaland, are depicted as not only workers in Wonka's factory but also as moral commentators on the children's behavior throughout the film. Their songs are spontaneous, witty, and filled with rhymes, reflecting their intelligence and mischievous nature​​.

In the specific song you're referring to, the Oompa Loompas address the issue of excessive televosion watching, which they see as detrimental to one's intelligence and well-being. They advocate for reading books as a healthier and more enriching alternative. This song, like others they sing, follows a pattern where a child's flaw is highlighted, followed by a catchy and moralistic chorus that both chastises and advises the audience. The lyrics cleverly use the medium of song to critique the media consumption habits of society, suggesting that indulging in too much television can lead to a lack of intellectual development and physical discomfort​​.

The film, released in 1971, was not an immediate financial success but received positive reviews and has since become a beloved classic, celebrated for its imaginative storytelling, memorable music, and the moral lessons embedded within the Oompa Loompas' songs. The characters, originally from a place where they were in danger and survived on minimal resources, were brought to the factory by Wonka to work and have access to their beloved cacao beans. Despite their playful and childlike demeanor, the Oompa Loompas offer sage advice through their songs, making them crucial to the film's narrative and its delivery of moral lessons​​.

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory has been recognized for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance, being preserved in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress. The film's production, music, and storyline have been analyzed and celebrated for decades, with the Oompa Loompas' contributions being integral to its lasting appeal and message​​.