Have a Cuppa Tea
Great Big Sea Lyrics
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And she's always puffin and pantin'
And she's always screamin' and shoutin'
And she's always brewin' up tea
Grand pappy's never late for his dinner
'Cause he loves his leg of beef
And he washes it down with a brandy
Have a cuppa tea, have a cuppa tea
Have a cuppa tea, have a cuppa tea
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, rosie lea
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, rosie lea
If you feel a bit under the weather
If you feel a little bit peeved
Take granny's standby potion
For any old cough or wheeze
It's a cure for hepatitis
It's a cure for chronic insomnia
It's a cure for tonsillitis
And for water on the knee
Have a cuppa tea, have a cuppa tea
Have a cuppa tea, have a cuppa tea
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, rosie lea
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, rosie lea
Tea in the morning, tea in the evening, tea at suppertime
You get tea when it's raining, tea when it's snowing
Tea when the weathers fine
You get tea as a mid-day stimulant
You get tea with your afternoon tea
For any old ailment or disease
For Christ sake have a cuppa tea
Have a cuppa tea, have a cuppa tea
Have a cuppa tea, have a cuppa tea
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, rosie lea
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, rosie lea
Whatever the situation, whatever the race or creed
Tea knows no segregation, no class nor pedigree
It knows no motivations, no sector organization
It knows no one religion nor political belief
Have a cuppa tea, have a cuppa tea
Have a cuppa tea, have a cuppa tea
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, rosie lea
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, rosie lea
The song "Have a Cuppa Tea" by Great Big Sea is an ode to the beloved beverage and its ability to bring people together regardless of their differences. The song describes a lively household with Granny always shouting and brewing tea, and Grand Pappy enjoying a leg of beef and a brandy alongside his cup of tea. The lyrics also suggest that tea is an effective remedy for various ailments, curing everything from coughs to hepatitis. The chorus encourages everyone to have a cuppa tea, emphasizing that tea is a constant in any situation, regardless of race or beliefs.
The song's lyrics speak to the British tradition of tea-drinking, where tea is not just a beverage but a symbol of community, hospitality, and healing. The lyrics reference various benefits of tea, such as its stimulant effects, warmth on a cold day, and its curative properties. The song embodies the notion that any problem can be solved or eased with a cup of tea in hand. The overall message is that tea brings people together, regardless of their differences, and embodies a sense of unity and comfort.
Line by Line Meaning
Granny's always ravin' and rantin'
Granny is always talking excessively and complaining.
And she's always puffin and pantin'
Granny is always out of breath and gasping for air.
And she's always screamin' and shoutin'
Granny is always yelling and making a fuss.
And she's always brewin' up tea
Despite all her commotion, Granny always manages to make a cup of tea.
Grand pappy's never late for his dinner
Grandfather is always on time for dinner.
'Cause he loves his leg of beef
He enjoys eating his meat for dinner.
And he washes it down with a brandy
He drinks brandy after dinner to help digest his food.
And a fresh made cup of tea
He also enjoys a fresh cup of tea with his meal.
If you feel a bit under the weather
If you are feeling unwell or not your best.
If you feel a little bit peeved
If something is bothering or upsetting you.
Take granny's standby potion
Use Granny's tried and true remedy.
For any old cough or wheeze
It can help with any kind of cough or breathing difficulty.
It's a cure for hepatitis
Granny's tea is said to be a cure for liver disease.
It's a cure for chronic insomnia
The tea is also said to help with chronic sleeplessness.
It's a cure for tonsillitis
The tea is said to relieve inflammation of the tonsils.
And for water on the knee
It is even said to help with swelling of the knee.
Tea in the morning, tea in the evening, tea at suppertime
Tea is a beverage that can be enjoyed at any time of day.
You get tea when it's raining, tea when it's snowing
Tea can also be enjoyed in any weather or climate.
Tea when the weathers fine
Tea can be enjoyed even in good weather.
You get tea as a mid-day stimulant
Tea can also be used to help boost energy levels mid-day.
You get tea with your afternoon tea
Tea can be served alongside other types of foods, including other teas.
For any old ailment or disease
Tea is said to have health benefits for many different kinds of conditions.
For Christ sake have a cuppa tea
For goodness' sake, just have a cup of tea.
Whatever the situation, whatever the race or creed
Tea can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of their background.
Tea knows no segregation, no class nor pedigree
Tea does not discriminate against anyone based on their social status or background.
It knows no motivations, no sector organization
Tea is not influenced by any particular motives or organizations.
It knows no one religion nor political belief
Tea is enjoyed by people of all religions and political beliefs.
Contributed by Natalie O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.