Lumberjack Song
Monty Python
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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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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.
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CreationThe song was co-written by Terry Jones, Michael Palin, and Fred Tomlinson, members of the British comedy group Monty Python.
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DebutThe song first appeared in Episode 9 of the television show "Monty Python's Flying Circus," originally aired on 14 December 1969.
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BackgroundThe 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.
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PerformanceThe 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.
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Musical StructureThe 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.
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Iconography"The Lumberjack Song" has become one of the most iconic songs from Monty Python, being frequently performed live and recorded on multiple albums.
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Parodies and AdaptationsDue 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.
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ControversyThe 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.
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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.
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Looney Tunes ReferenceThe 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.
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Cultural ImpactThe 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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Citation
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"Lumberjack Song Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/31002575/Monty+Python/Lumberjack+Song>.
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