Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life
Ensemble Michael McGrath & Tim Curry Lyrics


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This is a total bloody disaster
All my knights have fled
And we′re lost in a dark and very expensive forest
Well, it could be worse
Oh, how could it possibly be worse?
Oh, cheer up Sire, you know what they say
What do they say, Patsy?
Some things in life are bad
They can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse
When you're chewing on life′s gristle
Don't grumble, give a whistle
And this'll help things turn out for the best
And

Always look on the bright side of life
Always look on the right side of life (You give it a try)

If life seems jolly rotten
There′s something you′ve forgotten
And that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing

When you′re feeling in the dumps
Don't be silly chumps
Just purse your lips and whistle
That′s the thing

And always look on the bright side of life
Always look on the right side of life
For life is quite absurd
And death's the final word
You must always face the curtain with a bow

Forget about your sin
Give the audience a grin
Enjoy it, it′s your last chance anyhow

Always look on the bright side of death
Just before you draw your terminal breath
Life's a piece of shit, when you look at it
Life's a laugh and death′s a joke, it′s true
You'll see it′s all a show, keep 'em laughin′ as you go
Just remember that the last laugh is on you

Always look on the bright side of life
Always look on the right side of life

Always look on the bright side of life
Always look on the bright side of life
Always look on the bright side of life
Always look on the right side of life

Life is quite absurd
And death's the final word
You must always face the curtain with a bow

Excuse me, is that a shrubbery?
Oh yes, I′m throwing it out
The cat won't leave it alone
What a stroke of luck. I'll take it off your hands
Pay the lady, Patsy

Always look on the bright side of life
Always look on the bright side of life




Side of life
Side of life

Overall Meaning

The song "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" by Ensemble Michael McGrath and Tim Curry is a comical and ironic response to the struggles of life. The lyrics begin with a knight who has lost his followers in a forest, lamenting that it is a total disaster. However, his assistant Patsy encourages him to keep a positive attitude, referencing the saying that some things in life are bad, but you have to keep smiling and whistling anyway. The song goes on to mock the seriousness of life, suggesting that you should always look on the bright side, even when facing the absurdity of life and the inevitability of death.


The lyrics are presented in a very upbeat and comical way, highlighting the message of the song - to not take life too seriously, and to always try to see the bright side of things. The line "always look on the bright side of life" is repeated several times throughout the song, reminding the listener of the importance of positivity and humor in the face of adversity. The song ends with a reference to Monty Python's famous "shrubbery" sketch, further emphasizing the humorous and playful tone of the song.


Overall, "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" is a fun and light-hearted song that encourages listeners to stay optimistic and find humor in even the most challenging situations.


Line by Line Meaning

This is a total bloody disaster
The situation is extremely bad and chaotic


All my knights have fled
The people who were supposed to support me have left me alone


And we're lost in a dark and very expensive forest
We are in an unknown and costly place, and facing difficulties


Well, it could be worse
The present situation is not the most terrible case possible


Oh, how could it possibly be worse?
The present situation seems like the worst possible case despite it not being so


Oh, cheer up Sire, you know what they say
Don't lose hope, Your Highness, you're aware of the famous saying


What do they say, Patsy?
What's that saying you're referring to, Patsy?


Some things in life are bad
Life has its share of difficulties


They can really make you mad
These challenges can get on your nerves


Other things just make you swear and curse
There are other issues that can make you angry and frustrated


When you're chewing on life's gristle
When you're going through tough times in life


Don't grumble, give a whistle
Instead of complaining, try to find a reason to be positive


And this'll help things turn out for the best
Being optimistic will ultimately have a positive impact


Always look on the bright side of life
Try to stay optimistic and positive


Always look on the right side of life (You give it a try)
Keep your spirits up and find a reason to be positive


If life seems jolly rotten
If everything seems terrible


There's something you've forgotten
There's something you might be overlooking


And that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing
Laughing, smiling, dancing, and singing can help you feel better


When you're feeling in the dumps
When you're feeling down and discouraged


Don't be silly chumps
Don't be foolish and give up hope


Just purse your lips and whistle
Just try to stay optimistic and find a reason to be positive


That's the thing
That's the key


For life is quite absurd
Life is nonsensical


And death's the final word
Death is the ultimate end


You must always face the curtain with a bow
You must accept the end of life with grace and gratitude


Forget about your sin
Don't worry about your past mistakes


Give the audience a grin
Make the most of the time you have left and smile


Enjoy it, it's your last chance anyhow
Enjoy life while you still can


Always look on the bright side of death
Try to find positivity even in the face of death


Just before you draw your terminal breath
Even in your final moments, try to be optimistic


Life's a piece of shit when you look at it
Life is terrible when you see it's negative aspects


Life's a laugh and death's a joke, it's true
Life is a comedy and death is a part of it


You'll see it's all a show, keep 'em laughin' as you go
Life is a performance, so have fun and make people laugh


Just remember that the last laugh is on you
In the end, you are the one who will have the final laugh


Excuse me, is that a shrubbery?
Pardon me, are you holding a plant?


Oh yes, I'm throwing it out
Yes, I'm getting rid of it


The cat won't leave it alone
The cat won't stop playing with it


What a stroke of luck. I'll take it off your hands
What good fortune! I'll gladly take it from you


Pay the lady, Patsy
Give the woman her payment, Patsy


Side of life
Stay positive, always look on the bright side of life




Writer(s): Eric Idle

Contributed by Parker J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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