Alfred Hawthorn Hill (21 January 1924 – 20 April 1992), better known as Ben… Read Full Bio ↴Alfred Hawthorn Hill (21 January 1924 – 20 April 1992), better known as Benny Hill, was a prolific English comic, actor & singer, best known for his television programme, The Benny Hill Show. Since its debut in 1969 his television show has been sold to over 140 countries worldwide, with viewership in the millions.

The song "Ernie (The Fastest Milkman In the West)" is a bit autobiographical. Benny Hill had been a milkman in Eastleigh, Hampshire, working for Hanns Dairy whose premises was yards way from Market Street. There was a bakery near the dairy that did indeed have a delivery van. Having been born and raised (and eventually buried) in Southampton, Benny Hill did live in Teddington.

Ting-A-Ling-A-Loo
Benny Hill Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Now if you're feeling miserable, if you're feeling blue,
Here's a little ditty that'll help to pull you through,
All the clouds will disappear, the grey skies turn to blue:
Just stick your finger in your ear and go ting-a-ling-a-loo.

Now suppose you've got the fell pest, the gout and goose's cough,
A severe attack of hiccups and your kneecap's just dropped off,
The surgeon says "We'd operate, but the anaesthetic's gone,"

You just look up and smile at him and say "You carry on."

"I'll stick me finger in me ear and go ting-a-ling-a-loo,
Me finger in me ear and go ting-a-ling-a-loo,
I'll just be like Nelson at the Battle of Waterloo,
I'll stick me finger in me ear and go ting-a-ling-a-loo."

Now in '14 and in '39, war raised it's ugly head,
The bombs they fell on England, and one fell on my shed,
But we fought and beat the Germans 'cos we knew just what to do:
We stuck our fingers in our ears and went ting-a-ling-a-loo.

Prince Philip said "Get your fingers out" and that cut me to the quick,
We got our fingers out, but that didn't do the trick;
So follow your true leaders with all your might and main:
Be like Jenkins, Heath and Wilson and stick 'em back again!

Oh stick your finger in your ear and go ting-a-ling-a-loo,
Your finger in your ear and go ting-a-ling-a-loo,

Remember what old Gladstone said in 1892:
Stick your finger in your ear and go ting... a... ling... a... loo!

Overall Meaning

The song "Ting-A-Ling-A-Loo" by Benny Hill is a comical tune that aims to lighten the mood of its listeners. The song begins with the lyrics "Now if you're feeling miserable, if you're feeling blue," implying that the audience is feeling down and in need of cheering up. The singer then suggests sticking a finger in one's ear and going "ting-a-ling-a-loo" as a remedy to brighten the mood. The chorus repeats this phrase, reminding people that no matter how dire the situation may seem, all they need to do is stick their finger in their ear and "ting-a-ling-a-loo" to make everything better.

The song uses humor to alleviate stress and anxiety, pointing out potential problems such as "the fell pest, the gout and goose's cough" and "a severe attack of hiccups and your kneecap's just dropped off" to put the listener's worries into perspective. The lyrics then go on to reference World War I and World War II, suggesting that even in difficult times, people can find a way to cope by "sticking their fingers in their ears and going ting-a-ling-a-loo."

In summary, the song serves as an uplifting tune that encourages listeners to find humor in their struggles and to not take themselves too seriously.

Line by Line Meaning

Now if you're feeling miserable, if you're feeling blue,
If you are feeling down, depressed or unhappy

Here's a little ditty that'll help to pull you through,
A song that will cheer you up

All the clouds will disappear, the grey skies turn to blue:
Your problems will go away and things will get better

Just stick your finger in your ear and go ting-a-ling-a-loo.
Ignore your problems and be happy

Now suppose you've got the fell pest, the gout and goose's cough,
Imagine that you have a lot of health problems

A severe attack of hiccups and your kneecap's just dropped off,
You have so many problems that even your body is falling apart

The surgeon says "We'd operate, but the anaesthetic's gone,"
The surgeon can't help you because of a lack of resources

You just look up and smile at him and say "You carry on."
You are okay with whatever happens

"I'll stick me finger in me ear and go ting-a-ling-a-loo,
I will ignore my problems and be happy

Me finger in me ear and go ting-a-ling-a-loo,
I will stick my finger in my ear and sing this song

I'll just be like Nelson at the Battle of Waterloo,
I will be brave and strong like a famous historical figure

Now in '14 and in '39, war raised it's ugly head,
Referring to World War I and World War II

The bombs they fell on England, and one fell on my shed,
The war had a direct impact on people's lives

But we fought and beat the Germans 'cos we knew just what to do:
The British people were strong and knew how to fight

We stuck our fingers in our ears and went ting-a-ling-a-loo.
We ignored the danger and were brave

Prince Philip said "Get your fingers out" and that cut me to the quick,
Prince Philip criticized people for being too carefree during a serious situation

We got our fingers out, but that didn't do the trick;
Ignoring the danger wasn't a good strategy

So follow your true leaders with all your might and main:
Follow the advice of leaders

Be like Jenkins, Heath and Wilson and stick 'em back again!
Be like previous British Prime Ministers who were strong during tough situations

Oh stick your finger in your ear and go ting-a-ling-a-loo,
Ignore your problems and be happy

Your finger in your ear and go ting-a-ling-a-loo,
Put your finger in your ear and sing this song

Remember what old Gladstone said in 1892:
A quote from a famous politician from the past

Stick your finger in your ear and go ting... a... ling... a... loo!
Ignore your problems and be happy

Contributed by Anthony N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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