Please Sing A Song For Us
Billy Connolly Lyrics


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Walk in, sit down, open up your case
Tune up, and turn ‘round to show your face to the crowd
Sing a song in a genuine bluegrass voice
About your big Dixie Darling, the banjo that's always in tune.

Please sing a song for us, play your guitar
There isn't one of us care who you are
But if the sound is good, you won't go wrong
Please sing a song for us and we will sing along (so long).

Stand up, stretch out to take the hand
Of a girl called Rosie who thought your performance was cool
Tune in, turn on, stop dead in your tracks
At a voice softly singing about some fool on a hill.

Please sing a song for us, play your guitar
There isn't one of us care who you are




And if the sound is good, you won't go wrong
Please sing a song for us and we will sing along (so long).

Overall Meaning

Billy Connolly's "Please Sing A Song For Us" is a song about the power of music and the unifying effect it can have on people. The opening lines describe a scene at a music venue where a musician has just arrived with their guitar. They are encouraged to play a song for the crowd, who don't care who they are as long as the music is good. The lyrics encourage the musician to play in a "genuine bluegrass voice" about their "big Dixie Darling," or a cherished instrument that is always in tune.


As the song continues, the focus shifts to the effect music can have on individuals. The second verse describes a listener named Rosie who is moved by the musician's performance and reaches out to connect. The third verse describes another singer whose voice touches the audience, and everyone joins in to sing together. The lyrics encourage musicians to keep playing and sharing their music because it has the power to connect people and bring them together.


In summary, "Please Sing A Song For Us" is a celebration of the power of music to touch people's hearts and bring them together. Whether it's through a cherished instrument or a beautiful voice, the song reminds us that music has the power to unite us all.


Line by Line Meaning

Walk in, sit down, open up your case
Enter the performance venue, take a seat, and open up your guitar case.


Tune up, and turn ‘round to show your face to the crowd
Tune your guitar and turn around to face the audience, introducing yourself.


Sing a song in a genuine bluegrass voice
Perform a song in an authentic bluegrass vocal style.


About your big Dixie Darling, the banjo that's always in tune.
Sing about your beloved banjo and its consistently in-tune sound.


Please sing a song for us, play your guitar
We kindly request you to perform a song and play your guitar.


There isn't one of us care who you are
We do not care about your identity or background, we are simply here to enjoy your music.


But if the sound is good, you won't go wrong
As long as your music sounds great, you will have succeeded in entertaining us.


Please sing a song for us and we will sing along (so long).
We would be delighted for you to sing a song for us and, if we know the words, we will join in on the chorus. Thank you and farewell!


Stand up, stretch out to take the hand
Rise from your seat, extend your arm, and shake hands with someone in the audience.


Of a girl called Rosie who thought your performance was cool
Meet Rosie, a member of the audience who particularly enjoyed your performance.


Tune in, turn on, stop dead in your tracks
Listen closely to the sound of someone's voice that causes you to pause and take notice.


At a voice softly singing about some fool on a hill.
Listen to the soft voice singing about someone perceived as foolish or odd who resides on a hill.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GERRY RAFFERTY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Ashley Chambers

Gerry rafferty had an amazing voice, massive talent and greatly missed

Kevin Baird

Connelly is an artist in all that it means, he can act, sing, all whilst making us laugh, Scottish gem, Rafferty joined the Humblebums and although they only lasted 2 years made some great stuff, they would have made more but Billy had them laughing too much.

Lee S

Thank you so much for sharing this Rafferty/Humblebums gem with us!.

Somewhere Overtherainbow

Thank you so much for sharing!! Love Gerry's music journey!!

m vl

One of my Gerry Rafferty all-time favourites. Don’t think Billy was much involved with this song, other than being part of the lyrics...

Durango McMurphy

Nice song ! The Humblebums should have been a Supergroup . There is no rhyme or reason in life . RIP Gerry . ( Billy rocked as well ... )

Mr Murph and the Magic Tones and Blu Lou

Had never heard this before..great stuff

All sorts

Brilliant could hear it all the time

Alex Morris

The more you listen to the humblebums you realise they were far ahead of everybody ,,,,at that time

John Kent

"You'll notice with the songs that [Gerry] is on all of mine, and I'm on none of his."
- Billy Connolly

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