Song For Simon
Billy Connolly Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

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
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@jraekelly

Mr. McGonagle sits on the chimneytop wondering how he got there
A minute ago he was in his bed sleeping and now he's way up in the air
Who knows what the day will bring, it could bring anything
Who knows if we'll still be here, we could be there.

Mrs. McDonagh was playing her banjo and singing a sweet lullaby
When all of a sudden there came a great crash, now she's flying way up in the sky
Who knows what the day will bring, it could bring anything
Who knows if we'll still be here, we could be there.

Young Joseph Egan was cleaning his motorcar one Sunday morning in May
When out of the bonnet that there came a great giant and carried young Joseph away
Who knows what the day will bring, it could bring anything
Who knows if we'll still be here, we could be there.



All comments from YouTube:

@johnm3395

Has to be one of me favorites
A song of hope for sure
Thanks humblebums ☺️

@ratsinblackjackets

What a beautiful song. RIP Gerry, thank you for inspiring me.

@tubbychubby1

such a beautiful song

@noirceur

Lovely song!

@rrfsee

Thanks for this i had forgotten it untill the 1st chord. i remember them doing the folk clubs in Scotland in the sixties.What a talent. If you want more listen to Rick Rack another great post

@asdasd2957

Absolutely perfect ! Thanks!

@MarkMcShaneFHSdotnet

Thanks for this. Missed it a long time.

@BADMONKEYNOBANANA1

@xengsimon my c ousin carla was gerrys wife and i heard through the family that matties rag was for martha.... i met carla only 5 weeks ago at a big family reunion.....gerry was an amazing talent

@ronevry2664

"Young Joseph Egan was cleaning his motorcar one Sunday morning in May
When out of the bonnet that there came a great giant and carried young Joseph away"

Of course you know that Joe Egan became Jerry Rafferty's partner in Stealer's Wheel.

@jraekelly

Mr. McGonagle sits on the chimneytop wondering how he got there
A minute ago he was in his bed sleeping and now he's way up in the air
Who knows what the day will bring, it could bring anything
Who knows if we'll still be here, we could be there.

Mrs. McDonagh was playing her banjo and singing a sweet lullaby
When all of a sudden there came a great crash, now she's flying way up in the sky
Who knows what the day will bring, it could bring anything
Who knows if we'll still be here, we could be there.

Young Joseph Egan was cleaning his motorcar one Sunday morning in May
When out of the bonnet that there came a great giant and carried young Joseph away
Who knows what the day will bring, it could bring anything
Who knows if we'll still be here, we could be there.

More Comments

More Versions