… Read Full Bio ↴Ian Dury (1942-2000) was an English singer, songwriter, and bandleader.
Born on 12th May 1942, he is best known as founder and lead singer of the British band Ian Dury and the Blockheads, though he began his musical career in pub-rock act Kilburn & the High Roads. He wrote many famous songs including "Hit Me with Your Rhythm Stick", "What a Waste", and "Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll". He died on 27th March 2000.
At the age of seven, Dury contracted polio; very likely, he believed, from a swimming pool at Southend on Sea during the 1949 polio epidemic. After six weeks in a full plaster cast in Truro hospital, he was moved to Black Notley Hospital, Braintree, Essex, where he spent a year and a half before going to Chailey Heritage Craft School, East Sussex, in 1951. Chailey was a school and hospital for disabled children, and believed in toughening them up, contributing to the observant and determined person Dury became.
Reasons to Be Cheerful Part 3
Ian Dury Lyrics
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Why don't you get back into bed?
Why don't you get back into bed?
Why don't you get back into bed?
Why don't you get back into bed?
Why don't you get back into bed?
Why don't you get back into bed?
Why don't you get back into bed?
Why don't you get back into bed?
Reasons to be cheerful, part three
1, 2, 3
Summer, Buddy Holly, the working folly
Good golly, Miss Molly and boats
Hammersmith Palais, the Bolshoi Ballet
Jump back in the alley and nanny goats
Eighteen wheeler Scammells, Dominica camels
All other mammals plus equal votes
Seeing Piccadilly, Fanny Smith and Willie
Being rather silly and porridge oats
A bit of grin and bear it, a bit of come and share it
You're welcome we can spare it, yellow socks
Too short to be haughty, too nutty to be naughty
Going on forty no electric shocks
The juice of a carrot, the smile of a parrot
A little drop of claret, anything that rocks
Elvis and Scotty, the days when I ain't spotty
Sitting on a potty, curing smallpox
Reasons to be cheerful, part three
Reasons to be cheerful, part three
Reasons to be cheerful, part three
Reasons to be cheerful, one, two, three
Reasons to be cheerful, part three
Health service glasses, gigolos and brasses
Round or skinny bottoms
Take your mum to Paris, lighting up a chalice
Wee Willie Harris
Bantu Steven Biko, listening to Rico
Harpo Groucho Chico
Cheddar cheese and pickle, a Vincent motorsickle
Slap and tickle
Woody Allen, Dali, Domitrie and Pascale
Balla, balla, balla and Volare
Something nice to study, phoning up a buddy
Being in my nuddy
Saying okey-dokey, sing-a-long a Smokie
Coming out of chokie
John Coltrane's soprano, Adie Celentano
Beuno Colino
Reasons to be cheerful, part three
Reasons to be cheerful, part three
Reasons to be cheerful, part three
Reasons to be cheerful, one, two, three
Yes, yes, dear, dear
Perhaps next year
Or maybe even now
In which case
Woody Allan, Dali, Domitrie and Pascale
Balla, balla, balla and Volare
Something nice to study, phoning up a buddy
Being in my nuddy
Saying okey-dokey, sing-a-long a Smokie
Coming out a chokie
John Coltrane's soprano, Adie Celentano
Beuno Colino
Reasons to be cheerful, part three
Reasons to be cheerful, part three
Reasons to be cheerful, part three
Reasons to be cheerful, one, two, three
I don't mind
I don't mind, don't mind, don't mind, don't mind
The opening lines of "Why don't you get back into bed?" in Ian Dury's "Reasons to Be Cheerful, Part 3" convey a sense of relaxation and a retreat from the bustle of life. The repeated refrain reinforces this idea of seeking solace from the world. However, the song's title is at odds with this apparent tranquility. From the first verse, Dury sings about seemingly unrelated subjects that invoke happiness or pleasure. His list of "reasons to be cheerful" includes such diverse things as Buddy Holly, the Bolshoi Ballet, nanny goats, yellow socks, cheddar cheese and pickle, and John Coltrane's music. The lyrics are a celebration of life's simple pleasures and a reminder to look around with an open heart and mind to find joy in the world.
The song is an eclectic mix of spoken verses, catchy hooks, and a repetitive chorus that creates a playful, exciting ambience. Despite it appearing initially nonsensical, the lyrics of the song ultimately convey a sense of hope that shines through the doubtful times. Ian Dury's unique style and lyrics made "Reasons to Be Cheerful, Part 3" one of his most successful recordings, and it remains a favorite among fans today.
Line by Line Meaning
Why don't you get back into bed?
The singer is suggesting going back to bed, perhaps to relax or consider how there are many reasons to be happy.
Reasons to be cheerful, part three
The song is called 'Reasons to be Cheerful Part 3', implying that there have been two previous parts with similar themes.
Summer, Buddy Holly, the working folly
The singer is reminding us of pleasant or nostalgic things, such as summertime and the music of Buddy Holly, to find happiness in the present.
Good golly, Miss Molly and boats
The song continues listing fun or interesting things, in this case a popular song and boats, to help find joy in the world.
Hammersmith Palais, the Bolshoi Ballet
The artist is listing cultural events or locations, like the Hammersmith Palais dance hall and the Bolshoi Ballet, to emphasize the diversity of things to appreciate in life.
Seeing Piccadilly, Fanny Smith and Willie
The singer references a famous street and people to highlight the idea that simple and everyday experiences can bring happiness.
A bit of grin and bear it, a bit of come and share it
This line encourages enduring hard times with a good attitude, and enjoying life by sharing it with others.
You're welcome we can spare it, yellow socks
The artist is again emphasizing the importance of generosity and sharing, this time even with something as simple as a pair of yellow socks.
Too short to be haughty, too nutty to be naughty
The artist is admitting their own quirks but suggesting that life is better when one doesn't take themselves too seriously and can enjoy it.
Going on forty no electric shocks
The artist is thankful to still be healthy and alive at middle age with the humor of avoiding an electric shock.
The juice of a carrot, the smile of a parrot
The singer continues playfully noting simple and pleasant things to enjoy in life, such as carrot juice and a parrot's smile.
Elvis and Scotty, the days when I ain't spotty
The song highlights more youthful or happy memories, in this case Elvis and his guitarist Scotty, as well as not having blemishes as a teenager.
Health service glasses, gigolos and brasses
The singer is again listing seemingly random things that may bring joy or a smile, including government-issued glasses, gigolos, and brass instruments.
Round or skinny bottoms
This line notes the diversity of bodies and the idea that everyone can be appreciated or find appreciation in others without judgment.
Take your mum to Paris, lighting up a chalice
This line is suggesting whimsical or fun ideas, like taking one's mother on an adventure or smoking from a fancy pipe (chalice).
Wee Willie Harris
This reference to a 1950s rock musician seems to be another example of remembering happy or nostalgic times.
Bantu Steven Biko, listening to Rico
The artist is listing cultural figures that may have meaning to them, highlighting that uniqueness is something to celebrate.
Harpo Groucho Chico
These names reference famous comedians from the 20th century, such as the Marx Brothers, providing joy in humor from the past.
Cheddar cheese and pickle, a Vincent motorsickle
The singer is again noting mundane but enjoyable experiences or things, such as a cheese and pickle sandwich and a cool motorcycle.
Slap and tickle
This phrase is a euphemism for romantic playfulness or flirtation, adding a lighthearted or playful tone to the song.
Woody Allen, Dali, Domitrie and Pascale
The song continues listing cultural figures, including artists and actors, which may inspire appreciation or nostalgia.
Balla, balla, balla and Volare
These are references to popular Italian music, adding to the diversity of cultural references in the song.
Something nice to study, phoning up a buddy
The singer is suggesting that even in mundane or unexciting times, taking the time to appreciate knowledge or connect with friends can be a reason to be happy.
Being in my nuddy
This phrase refers to being naked, further adding to the playful humor of the song.
Saying okey-dokey, sing-a-long a Smokie
The song continues listing fun or playful phrases and things to do, such as singing along to a song by the band Smokie.
Coming out a chokie
This phrase is again emphasizing the humor and playfulness of the song, referring to a euphemism often used in British slang for vomiting.
John Coltrane's soprano, Adie Celentano
The song continues listing cultural figures, this time including musicians, who inspire joy or nostalgia for the singer.
Beuno Colino
This name is likely another cultural reference that the artist feels reason to celebrate.
Perhaps next year, or maybe even now
The artist is admitting that even when not presently happy, there is always a potential for joy or something to look forward to.
Reasons to be cheerful, one, two, three
The song ends as it began, emphasizing that there are many reasons around us to be happy and find joy in life.
I don't mind, don't mind, don't mind, don't mind
This phrase is likely meant to be reassuring, that the singer is okay even if they are not currently happy or cheerful.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHARLES JEREMY JANKEL, DAVID STANLEY PAYNE, IAN ROBINS DURY, STANLEY PAYNE DAVID
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind