Lumberjack Song

Monty Python

About Lumberjack Song

"The Lumberjack Song" is a comedy song by the comedy troupe Monty Python. The song was written and composed by Terry Jones, Michael Palin, and Fred Tomlinson. It first appeared in the ninth episode of Monty Python's Flying Circus, "The Ant: An Introduction" on BBC1 on 14 December 1969. The song has since been performed in several forms, including film, stage, and LP, each time started from a different skit. At an NPR interview in 2007, Palin stated that the scene and the whole song were created in about 15 minutes, concluding a day's work, when the Python crew was stuck and unable to come up with a conclusion to the barbershop sketch that preceded it. On 14 November 1975, "The Lumberjack Song" was released as a single in the UK, on Charisma Records, backed with "Spam Song". The A-side, produced by Python devotee George Harrison, was recorded at the Work House studio in London on 3 October 1975 and mixed at Harrison's Friar Park home the following day. A year later this single was reissued on 19 November 1976 as the first half of the double single release Python On Song. This version of the song has never been released on CD, although a remix containing alternate vocal takes from the session was included on the compilation album Monty Python Sings. 


Year:
1989
3:25
154 

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I'm a lumberjack
And I'm OK
I sleep all night and I work all day
(He's a lumberjack
And he's OK
He sleeps all night and he works all day)

I cut down trees
I eat my lunch
I go to the lavatry'
On Wednesdays I go shopping
And have buttered scones for tea
(He cuts down trees
He eats his lunch
He goes to the lavatry'
On Wednesdays He goes shopping
And has buttered scones for tea
I cut down trees)

I'm a lumberjack
And I'm OK
I sleep all night and I work all day
I cut down trees
I skip and jump
I like to press wild flowers
I put on women's' clothing and hang around in bars
(He cuts down trees
He skips and jumps
He likes to press wild flowers
He puts on women's' clothing and hang around in bars?)

I'm a lumberjack
And I'm OK
I sleep all night and I work all day
I cut down trees
I wear high heels
Suspendies' and a bra
I wish I'd been a girly
Just like my dear pa-pa
(He cuts down trees
He wears high heels?)

(He's a lumberjack
And he's ok
He sleeps all night and he works all day)

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Monty Python

Monty Python (sometimes known as The Pythons) was a British surreal comedy group that created Monty Python's Flying Circus, a British television comedy sketch show that first aired on the BBC on 5 October 1969. Forty-five episodes were made over four series. The Python phenomenon developed from the television series into something larger in scope and impact, spawning touring stage shows, films, numerous albums, several books and a stage musical as well as launching the members to individual stardom. The group's influence on comedy has been compared to The Beatles' influence on music. more »

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Written by: TERRY JONES, MICHAEL EDWARD PALIN, FRED TOMLINSON

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Genre Classification
"The Lumberjack Song" is a comedy song that belongs to the genre of British sketch comedy.
Creation
The song was co-written by Terry Jones, Michael Palin, and Fred Tomlinson, members of the British comedy group Monty Python.
Debut
The song first appeared in Episode 9 of the television show "Monty Python's Flying Circus," originally aired on 14 December 1969.
Background
The lyrics of the song are filled with absurdity and comedic turns, reflecting Monty Python's trademark humour. It begins with a man expressing his intention to be a lumberjack and goes on to list various traits or habits of a lumberjack, which gradually become more absurd and less related to actual lumberjacking.
Performance
The song is performed predominantly by Michael Palin, who impersonates the singing Lumberjack. The chorus is delivered by 'The Fred Tomlinson Singers', a regular feature in Monty Python sketches.
Musical Structure
The song starts out as a tranquil ballad with the introduction of the lyrics accompanied by a tranquil flute music in the background. The tempo of the song changes to a lively marching rhythm as it gets into the main storyline.
Iconography
"The Lumberjack Song" has become one of the most iconic songs from Monty Python, being frequently performed live and recorded on multiple albums.
Parodies and Adaptations
Due to its popularity, the song has been parodied and adapted numerous times. For instance, it was adapted in Muppet Show episode 27 where Kermit sings the song along with his nephew Robin and a group of singing, dancing trees.
Controversy
The song has links to controversy too as it includes cross-dressing themes, with the lead character expressing his fondness for wearing women's clothing. It has been both celebrated for its defiance of gender norms and criticised for making light of cross-dressing.
Live Performances
"The Lumberjack Song" was arguably the highlight of the Python's live shows. It was performed during multiple live concerts, including Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl and their reunion show Monty Python Live (mostly) in 2014.
Looney Tunes Reference
The end of the song includes a shout of "I didn't expect a kind of Spanish Inquisition," which is a reference to another popular Monty Python sketch. However, in certain performances, this is replaced with a riff from the Looney Tunes theme.
Cultural Impact
The Lumberjack Song has a significant cultural influence, it is frequently referenced in popular culture including films, TV shows, and music, attesting to its enduring popularity.

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