Folk music
In 1965, together with Tam Harvey, Connolly started a group called the Humblebums. At their first gig, Connolly introduced them both to the audience by saying, "My name's Billy Connolly, and I'm humble. This is Tam Harvey, he's a bum." The band would later include Gerry Rafferty. Connolly sang, played banjo and guitar, and entertained the audience with his humorous introductions to the songs.
In his World Tour of Scotland, Connolly reveals that at a trailer show during the Edinburgh Festival, the Humblebums took to the stage just before the late Yehudi Menuhin.
The trio broke up in 1971, at which point Connolly went solo. His first solo album in 1972, Billy Connolly Live! on Transatlantic Records, features Connolly as a singer, songwriter, and musician.
His early albums were a mixture of comedy performances with comedic and serious musical interludes. Among his best known musical performances were "The Welly Boot Song", a comical ode to the working class which became his theme song for several years; "In the Brownies", a parody of the Village People classics "Y.M.C.A." and "In the Navy" (for which Connolly filmed a music video); "Two Little Boys in Blue", a tongue-in-cheek indictment of police brutality done to the tune of Rolf Harris' "Two Little Boys"; and the ballad "I Wish I Was in Glasgow" which Connolly would later perform on a guest appearance on the 1990s American sitcom Pearl (which starred Rhea Perlman). He also performed the occasional Humblebums-era song such as "Oh, No!" as well as straightforward covers such as a version of Dolly Parton's "Coat of Many Colors" which was included on his Riotous Assembly album.
In November 1975, his spoof of the Tammy Wynette song "D-I-V-O-R-C-E" had a one-week spell as the UK's No. 1 single. Wynette's original was about parents spelling out words of an impending marital split to avoid traumatizing their young child. Connolly's version "D.I.V.O.R.C.E.", on the other hand, played off of the fact that many dog owners use the same tactic when they do not wish their pet to become upset about an impending trip to the veterinarian. His song is about a couple whose marriage is ruined by a bad vet visit (spelling out "W.O.R.M." or "Q.U.A.R.A.N.T.I.N.E.", for example.)
His song "No Chance" was a parody of J.J. Barrie's "No Charge".
In 1985 he sang the theme song to Supergran, which was released as a single and in 1996 he performed a cover of Ralph McTell's In The Dreamtime as the theme to his World Tour of Australia. By the late 1980s, Connolly had all but dropped the music from his act, though he still records the occasional musical performance. In 1998 he covered The Beatles' "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite" on the George Martin tribute, In My Life and he also recorded a rewritten version of Alanis Morissette's "Hand in My Pocket" entitled "The Evil Scotsman". Most recently, he sang a song during the film Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events.
Connolly is among the artists featured on Banjoman, a tribute to American folk musician Derroll Adams, released in 2002. He plays one song, "The Rock".
Stand-up comedy
It is as a stand-up comedian that Connolly is best known. His observational comedy is idiosyncratic and often off-the-cuff. He talks about himself, who he is, where he's been, what he thinks and how he reacts to the world around him. He has outraged audiences, critics and, of course, the media with his free use of the word "fuck". He has used masturbation, blasphemy, defecation, flatulence, sex, his father's illness and his aunts' cruelty to entertain. By exploring these subjects with humour, Connolly has done much to strip away the taboos surrounding them. Yet he does not tell jokes in the conventional way. At the end of a concert the audience can be convulsed with laughter but few can remember a specific "funny" line.
One of Connolly's most famous comedy skits is "The Crucifixion", an early 1970s recording in which he likens Christ's Last Supper to a drunken night out in Glasgow. The recording was banned by many radio stations at the time. Around this same time, a joke told during a television talk show appearance (about a murderer and his bike) became a sensation that, reportedly, people still remember three decades after the appearance. (A transcript of the complete joke can be found here).
Billy Connolly also performed a sketch broadcast on TV, when talking about national anthems, and comparing the UK's slow tune to the lively ones of many other nations, Billy suggested that it should be replaced by the theme tune to The Archers.
Connolly's style has changed over the years to be less controversial and more observational. Including topics such as himself aging, stories about where he has been and other aspects of his life. He also exclaims "Oh, I must tell you!" and vocalises whatever thought occurs to him. Another feature is his ability to break off onto a tangent mid-topic and return to it later -- sometimes as long as an hour later.
Awards
Connolly was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree by the University of Glasgow on 11 July, 2001. This particularly bemused his wife, who noted that she had studied for six years to obtain her Ph.D., whereas Billy merely had to turn up and collect his. 2003 saw him presented with a BAFTA Lifetime Achievement award and a CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.
On 4 July 2006, Connolly was awarded an honorary doctorate by Glasgow's Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD) for his service to performing arts [5].
Trivia
* While being interviewed with his wife on the Irish Late Late Show, Connolly proved how easily he forgets many great lines that other comedians could only hope to think of. The presenter was trying to get Connolly to reproduce a funny line he had read in "Bravemouth" about Connolly knowing of an organism that lives on a human eyelid that has two penises. He asked Connolly "What was it called?" to which Connolly replied "Some latin name that I can't remember". His wife then interrupted "But the translation means lucky bastard, right", to which Connolly broke down in a fit of laughter. When he complemented his wife on the line, she had to remind him that it was his own original line which he had forgotten.
* Connolly is a lifelong supporter of Glasgow football team, Celtic, and is often seen at their home games.
* Connolly came second in The Glasgow Herald's poll, "The Most Scottish Person In The World". Number one was Wee Jimmy Krankie (see The Krankies), while third place went to Russ Abbott's impersonation of a Scotsman.
in the brownies
Billy Connolly Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I said young man, do you want to get out?
I said Young man, we will knock you about,
it'll be OK, why worry
Young man, you'll be one of the gang,
I said young man, things will go with a bang,
I said young man, you will soon get the hang of it,
it will be OK, why worry
Young man, you will soon get the knack,
I said young man, you'll be copping your whack
I said young man, we will bend over backwards to
make you feel you're wanted.
In the Brownies, everybody is your friend.
In the Brownies, they're all waiting round the bend.
In the Brownies, sticking with you to the end.
In the Brownies, in the Brownies,
In the Brownies, everybody goes to camp.
In the Brownies, there is nothing like a tramp.
In the Brownies, grab your mouth organ and
In the Brownies, in the Brownies.
Young man, stop bumming around.
I said young man, keep your ear to the ground.
I said young man, now's the time to go down,
to your local branch and join us.
Young man, stop looking behind.
I said young man, you know you're going to find.
I said young man, you're sure to go blind,
if you don't eat up your carrotts.
In the Brownies, you won't be tying many knots.
In the Brownies, you'll enjoy a certain lot.
In the Brownies, you can give it your best shot.
In the Brownies, in the Brownies.
In the Brownies, a canteen that never shuts.
In the Brownies, never any ifs or buts.
In the Brownies, ginger beer and fruit and nuts.
In the Brownies, in the Brownies.
They want you, they want you, they want you as a new recruit.
They want you, they want you, they want you as a new recruit.
In the Brownies, everybody is your friend.
In the Brownies, they're all waiting round the bend.
In the Brownies, sticking with you to the end.
In the Brownies, in the Brownies,
In the Brownies, everybody goes to camp.
In the Brownies, there is nothing like a tramp.
In the Brownies, grab your mouth organ and
In the Brownies, in the Brownies.
The song "In the Brownies" by Billy Connolly seems to be a humorous take on recruitment tactics used by the Brownies, a girl's youth organization akin to the Girl Scouts. The refrain "They want you as a new recruit" is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the persuasive nature of the Brownies' recruitment efforts.
The opening verses describe the recruitment process, with the singer urging the young man to join the Brownies and promising a welcoming environment. The lyrics "Young man, you will soon get the knack...to make you feel you're wanted" suggest that the Brownies go to great lengths to make potential recruits feel valued and included. The references to "copping your whack" and "bend[ing] over backwards" may be tongue-in-cheek references to hazing or initiation rituals.
The subsequent verses describe the benefits of being in the Brownies, such as the camaraderie among members and opportunities for camping and musical expression. The humorous lyrics about carrots and knots may again be references to Brownie activities or badges. The repetition of the phrase "in the Brownies" throughout the song serves to reinforce the sense of community and belonging that the organization provides.
Overall, the song appears to be a humorous commentary on the culture and recruitment tactics of the Brownies, while also highlighting the benefits and sense of belonging that youth organizations can provide.
Line by Line Meaning
Young man, are you tired of the scouts,
Are you weary of your current extracurricular activities, young sir?
I said young man, do you want to get out?
Might you, young gentleman, desire to leave this behind?
I said Young man, we will knock you about,
We will jostle you a bit, my young friend,
it'll be OK, why worry
But do not fret, everything will be alright
Young man, you'll be one of the gang,
Come hither, young sir, and be part of our group
I said young man, things will go with a bang,
I assure you, young man, it will be exciting
I said young man, you will soon get the hang of it,
You will quickly become accustomed to it, young sir
it will be OK, why worry
So do not fret, and worry not
Young man, you will soon get the knack,
Before long, young fellow, you will acquire the necessary skills
I said young man, you'll be copping your whack
And I must tell you, young man, it will be worth it
I said young man, we will bend over backwards to make you feel you're wanted.
We will go to great lengths to ensure you feel welcomed and desired, young sir.
In the Brownies, everybody is your friend.
Once you join the Brownies, everyone will be your friend
In the Brownies, they're all waiting round the bend.
All the Brownies are eagerly awaiting your arrival
In the Brownies, sticking with you to the end.
The Brownies will stick with you through thick and thin
In the Brownies, in the Brownies,
It's all about the Brownies, my friend
In the Brownies, everybody goes to camp.
All Brownies attend camp, it's a given
In the Brownies, there is nothing like a tramp.
There is no experience quite like a Brownie camping trip
In the Brownies, grab your mouth organ and
When you're in the Brownies, be sure to bring your mouth organ and
In the Brownies, in the Brownies.
Because, you know, it's all about the Brownies
Young man, stop bumming around.
Enough of your idleness, young man
I said young man, keep your ear to the ground.
Stay alert, young man
I said young man, now's the time to go down, to your local branch and join us.
This is the perfect time to head down to your local chapter and become one of us, young sir.
Young man, stop looking behind.
Stop dwelling on the past, young man
I said young man, you know you're going to find.
You will certainly discover, young man.
I said young man, you're sure to go blind, if you don't eat up your carrots.
If you do not consume your carrots, young man, you might just go blind.
In the Brownies, you won't be tying many knots.
Don't expect to tie a lot of knots when you join the Brownies
In the Brownies, you'll enjoy a certain lot.
There is much to enjoy as a Brownie
In the Brownies, you can give it your best shot.
Give it your all while in the Brownies
In the Brownies, in the Brownies.
Once again, let's emphasize that it's all about the Brownies
In the Brownies, a canteen that never shuts.
In the Brownies, you will have access to an always-open canteen
In the Brownies, never any ifs or buts.
No ambiguity in the Brownies
In the Brownies, ginger beer and fruit and nuts.
Sit back and enjoy some ginger beer, fruit, and nuts while in the Brownies
They want you, they want you, they want you as a new recruit.
The Brownies would be thrilled to have you as a new member
In the Brownies, everybody is your friend.
Once again, everyone is your friend when you're a Brownie
In the Brownies, they're all waiting round the bend.
The Brownies eagerly anticipate your arrival
In the Brownies, sticking with you to the end.
The Brownies will support you until the very end
In the Brownies, in the Brownies.
Just in case you forgot, it's all about the Brownies
In the Brownies, everybody goes to camp.
All Brownies attend camp, it's a Brownie tradition
In the Brownies, there is nothing like a tramp.
A Brownie camping trip is an experience like no other
In the Brownies, grab your mouth organ and
And, once again, do not forget to bring your mouth organ to a Brownie camping trip
In the Brownies, in the Brownies.
We conclude with a reminder that it's all about the Brownies
Lyrics Β© O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@stuartwatson9546
There is only one and ever will be Billy Connolly
@davinastanton3865
Pure dead brilliant.
Sir Billy Connolly a Legend and a Gentleman.
Lots of love fae Bonnie Scotland. β€ π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ
Thankyou for this upload.
@gremlinuk1968
There was the video of Billy, of this song , but can't find it now, or YouTube most have taken it down,,! Ggrrrr,,,!
@bruceleighton4948
The photo is part of the video
@gremlinuk1968
@@bruceleighton4948 yes, it's a photo from the video,, but am talking about the video of the song that was on YouTube, back a few years ago,,, it's not on YouTube any more,,,,! Cause dumb ,assholes on YouTube have taken it down, cause people now can't take a joke,,
@lindsaycooke544
I enjoyed the video. I wondered if it was taken down due to gerry rafferty passing away or the humble bums probate went through
@exsappermadman25055
Same...
@ayrshireman94
@@gremlinuk1968
I'll have a wee look
@ianwinter90
PURE LEGENDARY AND GENIUS!!!
@sharptoothtrex4486
William Connolly did a great Village People parody even with both parodies of YMCA and In The Navy both together.