Stick In The Mud
Gilbert O'Sullivan Lyrics


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Roll out the barrel bring in the beer
Hell bent for leather rousing good cheer
Don't let your best friend down
He wouldn't like it to be done
Don't be a stick in the mud
Be a little cleaner one
Right up this ladder write down this note
Dear sir or madam pardon my quote
And while we're about it please
Let's have no more of this carry-on
Don't be a stick in the mud
Be a little cleaner one
And anytime I see your face
I'm reminded of a meal I once had
Boy it was really good to look at
But it sure tasted bad
Don't be a stuck in the mud
Hang out your window sit on your floor
Don't let it get up not like before
When it sat down on you
Who would have thought it could be done
Don't be a stick in the mud
Be a little cleaner one
And anytime I see your face
I'm reminded of a meal I once had
Boy it was really good to look at
But it sure tasted bad
Don't be a stuck in the mud
Roll out the barrel bring in the beer
Hell bent for leather rousing good cheer
Don't let your best friend down
He wouldn't like it to be done




Don't be a stick in the mud
Be a little cleaner one

Overall Meaning

Gilbert O'Sullivan's song "Stick in the Mud" is a catchy and uptempo tune that encourages listeners to let loose and have some fun. The first verse sets the tone, with the lyrics "Roll out the barrel bring in the beer / Hell bent for leather rousing good cheer." The song tells the listener not to be a "stick in the mud", and instead, urges them to "be a little cleaner one." The phrase "stick in the mud" is a metaphor for someone who is boring, conventional, or unadventurous. The song goes on to say that there is no need for "carry-on," meaning drama or fuss.


The second verse starts with the lines "Right up this ladder write down this note / Dear sir or madam pardon my quote." This verse seems to suggest that the singer is addressing someone who is overly formal or stuffy, and is suggesting that they loosen up a bit. The song then reminds listeners that they should not be like a bad meal - something that looks good but tastes terrible. The lyrics "Don't be a stick in the mud / Hang out your window sit on your floor / Don't let it get up not like before / When it sat down on you / Who would have thought it could be done" encourage listeners to let go of their inhibitions and do something unexpected, even if it might seem silly or unconventional.


Overall, "Stick in the Mud" is a lighthearted and fun song that encourages listeners to embrace their playful side and not take themselves too seriously.


Line by Line Meaning

Roll out the barrel bring in the beer
Let's have a good time and celebrate


Hell bent for leather rousing good cheer
We're full of energy and excited to have fun


Don't let your best friend down
Be a reliable and supportive friend


He wouldn't like it to be done
We should treat others the way we would like to be treated


Don't be a stick in the mud
Don't be stubborn or uncooperative


Be a little cleaner one
Be more open-minded and willing to participate in a good time


Right up this ladder write down this note
Let's take action and communicate effectively


Dear sir or madam pardon my quote
I apologize if what I'm about to say is offensive


And while we're about it please
Let's address this issue and move forward


Let's have no more of this carry-on
Let's put an end to this inappropriate behavior


And anytime I see your face
You remind me of something unpleasant


I'm reminded of a meal I once had
You look good, but you disappoint me in some way


Boy it was really good to look at
You have a pleasing appearance


But it sure tasted bad
Your actions or personality are unpleasant


Hang out your window sit on your floor
Let's try something new and unconventional


Don't let it get up not like before
Don't let something negative happen again


When it sat down on you
When something bad happened to you


Who would have thought it could be done
We can overcome challenges and be successful




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: GILBERT O'SULLIVAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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