This is a song that would not get airplay today because of its inappropriate use of Australian Aboriginal cultural stereotypes; I couldn't finish listening to it. Listeners in Toronto in 1962 didn't feel that way, obviously, as it went all the way to #1.
Charlie Drake (1925-2006) was an English comedian and singer. He appeared in several television series in Britain in the late 1950s and early 1960s; his catchphrase was "Hello, my darlings!" Prior to this, Drake had reached the UK charts a few times, making it to #7 with a cover of Bobby Darin's "Splish Splash" and to #12 with "Mr. Custer" (co-written by Fred Darian, who is listed on this website).
"My Boomerang Won't Come Back" was produced by George Martin, who of course went on to become the Beatles' producer. It reached #14 in the UK charts; a shorter version of the song, prepared for the American market, reached #21 on the Billboard Hot 100. I do not know whether the longer or the shorter version was played in Toronto.
Drake went on to appear in more television series in the 1960s. In the 1980s, he became a more serious actor. He retired in 1995 after suffering a stroke and spent his final years in a retirement home for actors and performers.
I'll end this with an old joke. Question: what do you call a boomerang that doesn't come back? Answer: a stick.
Created February 18, 2026.