Reasons to Be Cheerful Pt. 3
Ian Dury Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

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?
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

Overall Meaning

The song Reasons To Be Cheerful PT. 3 by Ian Dury is an upbeat and optimistic anthem that lists various reasons to be happy and positive about life. The repeated line "Why don't you get back into bed?" can be interpreted as a playful command to the listener to take a break and indulge in a little rest and relaxation. The song then launches into a list of reasons to be cheerful, covering everything from pop culture references (Buddy Holly, Elvis) to political figures (Bantu Steven Biko), and from food (cheddar cheese and pickle) to silly activities (sitting on a potty). The lyrics are joyful and carefree, celebrating the simple pleasures in life and encouraging listeners to embrace them.


Overall, the song is a celebration of life and all the little things that can bring us joy. It encourages us to take a step back from our worries and troubles and appreciate the good things that are all around us. It's a fun and infectious song that reminds us that even when things seem tough, there are always reasons to be cheerful.


Line by Line Meaning

Why don't you get back into bed?
Questioning why the listener is up and not resting in bed.


Reasons to be cheerful, part three
Listing off reasons to be happy and optimistic.


Summer, Buddy Holly, the working folly
Summer, music by Buddy Holly, and a silly job are all reasons to be cheerful.


Good golly, Miss Molly and boats
Also included in reasons to be cheerful are fun phrases and boats.


Hammersmith Palais, the Bolshoi Ballet
Concert venues and cultural events can bring joy and reasons to be cheerful.


Eighteen wheeler Scammells, Dominica camels
Big trucks and exotic animals are also reasons to smile.


All other mammals plus equal votes
Perhaps it's political progress, but all mammals having equal representation is another reason to be cheerful.


Seeing Piccadilly, Fanny Smith and Willie
Sights like Piccadilly Circus and silly names also make the list of cheerful things.


Being rather silly and porridge oats
Silly behavior and oats provide additional happy reasons.


A bit of grin and bear it, a bit of come and share it
Facing difficulties with a good attitude and sharing with others can lead to cheerfulness.


You're welcome we can spare it, yellow socks
Generosity and colorful socks are additional reasons to be happy.


Too short to be haughty, too nutty to be naughty
Being a bit quirky and not taking oneself too seriously can lead to a cheerful outlook.


Going on forty no electric shocks
Reaching middle age without major health issues is another thing to be happy about.


The juice of a carrot, the smile of a parrot
Simple pleasures like carrot juice and bird smiles are yet another reason for cheerfulness.


A little drop of claret, anything that rocks
Enjoying both wine and good music add to the list of cheerful things.


Elvis and Scotty, the days when I ain't spotty
Having memories of Elvis and clear skin in youth are also reasons to be cheerful.


Sitting on a potty, curing smallpox
Childhood memories and medical progress are additional sources of cheerfulness.


Health service glasses, gigolos and brasses
Socialized healthcare, gigolos, and brass instruments are yet another reason for cheerfulness.


Round or skinny bottoms
Body positivity and a variety of body shapes are reasons to smile.


Take your mum to Paris, lighting up a chalice
Traveling with family and enjoying marijuana are also sources of cheerfulness.


Wee Willie Harris
Referencing a musician may be a small thing, but it's still cheerful.


Bantu Steven Biko, listening to Rico
Social activism and music both bring reasons to be cheerful.


Harpo Groucho Chico
Naming the Marx Brothers is another small source of happiness.


Cheddar cheese and pickle, a Vincent motorsickle
Food and a cool motorcycle add to the list of cheerful things.


Slap and tickle
Some playful physical interaction is yet another reason to smile.


Woody Allen, Dali, Domitrie and Pascale
Referencing artists is yet another reason for cheerfulness.


Balla, balla, balla and Volare
Dancing and Italian music are additional reasons to be happy.


Something nice to study, phoning up a buddy
Learning something new and chatting with friends are sources of cheerfulness.


Being in my nuddy
Feeling comfortable enough to be in the nude is a small source of happiness.


Saying okey-dokey, sing-a-long a Smokie
Small phrases and singing along to music add to the list of cheerful things.


Coming out of chokie
A humorous reference to getting out of jail brings a bit of joy.


John Coltrane's soprano, Adie Celentano
Music remains a source of cheerfulness with references to jazz and an Italian singer.


Beuno Colino
Another Italian-Spanish phrase adds to the list of small things that bring happiness.




Lyrics Β© 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
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Comments from YouTube:

@bokehintheussr5033

the most life affirming song... helps me in my depressed phases. This wonderful intelligent man and his lust for life will never cease to be an inspiration to me.

@KevinWatson-hv5io

8

@timothygrayson

This man did so much for disabled people and deserves recognition for his musical contribution to a sad period where I was lacking direction. Ta bro.

@sharonsmithers3711

Ian Dury was a true a legend he made words make sense with his great songs such as this ! How can you not love his music ? Thanks Ian .

@annamac7551

Great memories

@garyproffitt5941

Truly marvelous character Ian Dury and the Blockheads and great songsπŸ˜‡πŸ‘

@westboundbadger

His son is also talented, Baxter Dury !

@sharonsmithers3711

I know Baxter Dury is very talented too thank you.

@hifibrony

The Blockheads were one of the truly brilliant and sadly underappreciated bands. Β They had that great tight-as-a-duck's-arse but still loose quality that can't be faked or learned. You can either play like that or you can't. Β  Norman and Charley were one of the greatest rhythm sections ever. Β Period.

@allertonoff4

nobody else seems to know who Chaz Jankel iswas .. only the secret mastermind behind that audacious groove.

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