The group includes Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle (the trio from Cambridge, who are all taller than all the other members of the group, and known as the more "aggressive" half of the group), Terry Jones (from Wales), Michael Palin (from Oxford) and Terry Gilliam (Minnesota in the United States). Chapman wrote the sketches with Cleese, Jones wrote with Palin, Idle wrote alone and Gilliam did the animations. Neil Innes and Carol Cleveland have both on occasion been mentioned as the "7th Python".
Graham Chapman, widely known as "The Dead One", died of cancer on October 4, 1989, the day before Python's 20th anniversary (thus being called "the greatest party pooper of all time" by Terry Jones), is tagged as the greatest actor among the group by his fellow Pythons. He had problems with alcohol and was a dedicated smoker of the pipe (he appears with a pipe in his hand in most of the Python sketches). He was known for his outstanding and abstract sense of humour; Cleese states that during their sketch-writing partnership Chapman did not say much, but when he said something it was often brilliant. The term "pepperpot" which is used to describe middle-aged ladies was found by Chapman.
John Cleese, probably the most famous Python on the other side of the Atlantic, is most widely known for his silly walk - the famous walk that he invented for Monty Python's Flying Circus, and repeated in one episode of Fawlty Towers, where he tries very hard not to remind his German visitors of the World War II by doing impersonations of Hitler. He lives in the USA. He played the lead as Basil Fawlty in "Fawlty Towers". He has been reported to be the first man to say "shit" on British TV and the first man to say "fuck" at a British memorial service.
Eric Idle is the composer of most Python songs (along with Neil Innes) such as the Python anthem "Always Look on the Bright Side Of Life" (which is also played after Iron Maiden's shows). His outstanding linguistic abilities have earned him the name "Master of the One-Liner". He created the Beatles parody "The Rutles" along with Neil Innes, and recently adapted the Python movie "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" as a Broadway musical called "Monty Python's Spamalot". His most famous Python role is the character he plays in the "Nudge Nudge" sketch. He is the self-acclaimed third tallest and sixth nicest Python.
Terry Gilliam was the only American in the group and has one of the most successful post-Python careers among the six, as he is the director of hugely popular movies like Brazil, 12 Monkeys, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, and The Fisher King. His part was instrumental in helping Python gain their reputation as a unique comedy group, his animations helping them link sketches (which, of course, don't have punch lines) in an unprecedented manner. He has become a British citizen in early 2006 and renounced his American citizenship shortly afterwards. He acknowledges The Goon Show, a radio show aired in the 1950s on BBC radio, written by Spike Milligan and performed by Spike Milligan, Harry Secombe and Peter Sellers, as the main reason he chose Britain as his homeland.
Terry Jones is the most successful actor of the woman role (as demonstrated in the Spam sketch, which is only one of numerous occasions in which he has voiced the trademark of a high-pitched female impersonation). He is the director (or co-director) of all Python movies. He has also written, directed and appeared in a few more movies which featured some of his Python mates; despite the fact that these movies aren't quite a match for his work in the Flying Circus, they include some hilarious scenes, such as the singing scene in Erik the Viking. He is the writer of such excellent songs as "I'm So Worried" and "Traffic Lights". He has done a few historical documentaries, and in one of them he briefly acts the part of King Richard III (called "Ring Kichard the Thrid" by the Eric Idle character "the man who speaks entirely in anagrams", which prompts Michael Palin the interviewer to suggest that "Ring Kichard is surely a spoonerism and not an anagram", which results in Eric Idle's character leaving the studio, saying "If you are going to split hairs, I'm going to piss off" (which can serve as a pointer to the Eric Idle-John Cleese movie "Splitting Heirs")).
Michael Palin, known as the nicest python, and the favorite Python to work with for John Cleese, has done numerous travel documentaries during his post-Python career. His amazing sense of humour has inevitably permeated into what would otherwise be just ordinary documentaries (occasions like the Polushka Pole incident and thanking the goddess for her "nice mountain", to name a couple). This nice man, who finds it very difficult to say "no", is the only one who said "no" to a reunion in their 30th year. He is the inventor of the threat "If you don't cooperate, I will get nasty and start using some Dutch words".
As admitted on several occasions, the group likes to dress up as women.
Having said all that, Terry Jones is actually Welsh.
Argument
Monty Python Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Certainly, sir. Have you been here before?
No, this is my first time.
I see. Well, were you thinking of taking a five minute argument or a course?
Well, what's the cost?
It's 1 for a five minute argument, but it's 8 for a course of ten.
I think I'll take the five minutes and see how it progresses.
Very well. Now, Mr. Hayward isn't free at the moment, nor is Mr. Baker.
Thank you.
What do you want?!
Well, I was told outside--
Don't give me that, you snotty-Faced heap of parrot droppings!
What?!
Shut your festering gob, you t**!
Your type really makes me puke, you pervert!
What are you doing?! I came in here for an argument!
Oh! I'm sorry, but this is abuse.
Oh, that explains it.
Yes, you want Room 12A. Next door.
Thank you.
Not at all. (Door shuts) Stupid git.
Is the right room for an argument?
I've told you once.
No, you didn't.
Yes, I did.
When?
Just now.
No, you didn't.
Yes, I did.
No, you didn't.
Excuse me. Is the five minute argument or the half hour?
Oh, just the five minute.
Thank you. Anyway, I did tell you.
No, you most certainly did not.
Let's get one thing straight: I most definitely told you.
No, you didn't.
Yes, I did.
No, you didn't.
Yes, I did.
No, you didn't.
Yes, I did.
This isn't an argument!
Yes, it is.
No, it isn't. It's just contradiction.
No, it isn't.
Yes, it is. You just contradicted me.
No, I didn't.
Yes, you did.
No, no, no.
You did just then.
That's ludicrous.
Oh, this is futile.
No, it isn't.
I came in here for a good argument.
No, you didn't. You came in here for an argument.
Well, argument isn't the same as contradiction.
Can be.
No, it can't.
An argument is a collective series of statements intended to establish a proposition.
No, it isn't.
Yes, it is. It isn't just contradiction.
Look, if I argue with you. I must take a contrary position.
But it isn't just saying No, it isn't.
Yes, it is.
No, it isn't. Argument's an intellectual protest,
Contradiction just the automatic opposite of any statement the other person makes.
No, it isn't.
Yes, it is.
Not at all.
Now, look-- (Bell dings)
Good morning.
What?
That's it. Good morning.
I was just getting interested.
I'm sorry, the five minutes is up.
That was not five minutes.
I'm afraid it was.
Oh, no, it wasn't. (Argument professional looks around the room)
I'm sorry, but I'm not allowed to argue anymore.
What?
If you want to go on arguing you'll have to pay for another five minutes.
But that was not five minutes, just now. (Professional whistles) Oh, come on.
If you want to continue arguing, you must pay for another five minutes.
Oh, fine. Here.
Thank you.
Well?
Well what?
That was not five minutes, just then.
I told you, you have to pay.
I just paid.
No, you didn't.
Yes, I did.
No, you didn't.
I don't want to argue about that.
Well, you didn't pay.
Ah, but if I didn't pay, why are you arguing? Aha! Got you.
No, you haven't.
Yes, I have. If you're arguing, I must have paid.
Not necessarily. I could be arguing in my spare time.
Oh, I've had enough of this.
No, you haven't.
Oh, shut up!
The lyrics to Monty Python's "Argument" song depict a man entering a place seeking an argument. He encounters several individuals who misunderstand his intentions, leading to a series of exchanges that are not quite arguments, but rather a series of contradictions and misunderstandings. Overall, the song satirizes the concept of arguing for the sake of arguing, highlighting the absurdity of such interactions and the difficulties in communicating effectively.
The exchanges between the characters in the song highlight the different ways in which people interpret and engage in argumentation. The man seeking an argument is frustrated by the lack of understanding and the failure to engage in a genuine argument, while the individuals he encounters seem more preoccupied with proving themselves right or demonstrating their superiority. Through their interactions, the song reflects a broader theme of misunderstanding and miscommunication in everyday interactions, poking fun at the way in which people engage in verbal sparring without actually achieving anything.
Overall, the lyrics to Monty Python's "Argument" are a humorous take on the concept of arguing and highlight the challenges of engaging in effective communication.
Line by Line Meaning
I'd like to have an argument, please.
Customer requests an argument
Certainly, sir. Have you been here before?
Argument professional questions if customer is new
No, this is my first time.
Customer confirms it's their first time
I see. Well, were you thinking of taking a five minute argument or a course?
Argument professional presents options for argument length
Well, what's the cost?
Customer inquires about argument cost
It's 1 for a five minute argument, but it's 8 for a course of ten.
Argument professional provides argument cost information
I think I'll take the five minutes and see how it progresses.
Customer decides to take 5 minute argument
Very well. Now, Mr. Hayward isn't free at the moment, nor is Mr. Baker.
Argument professional informs customer of employee availability
Here we go, Mr. Maynard, Room 12.
Customer is directed to the appropriate room
Thank you.
Customer expresses gratitude
What do you want?!
Employee greets customer aggressively
Well, I was told outside--
Customer attempts to explain their presence
Don't give me that, you snotty-Faced heap of parrot droppings!
Employee insults customer
What?!
Customer expresses shock and confusion
Shut your festering gob, you t**!
Employee continues to insult customer
Your type really makes me puke, you pervert!
Employee adds to the insults
What are you doing?! I came in here for an argument!
Customer reiterates their original purpose
Oh! I'm sorry, but this is abuse.
Employee apologizes but tries to deflect the situation
Oh, that explains it.
Customer seems to accept the explanation
Yes, you want Room 12A. Next door.
Employee directs customer to the correct room
Thank you.
Customer expresses gratitude
Not at all. (Door shuts) Stupid git.
Employee insults customer after they leave
Is the right room for an argument?
Customer seeks confirmation
I've told you once.
Employee has given information previously to customer
No, you didn't.
Customer contradicts employee's statement
Yes, I did.
Employee insists they provided information
When?
Customer challenges employee to provide specific time
Just now.
Employee answers customer's question
This isn't an argument!
Customer disagrees with employees
Yes, it is.
Employee insists it is an argument
No, it isn't. It's just contradiction.
Customer argues that it's just contradiction
No, it isn't.
Employee disagrees with customer
Yes, it is. You just contradicted me.
Customer believed he had just contradicted the employee
No, I didn't.
Customer disagrees with employee's assessment
Yes, you did.
Employee believes customer contradicted them
No, no, no.
Customer denies that he contradicted the employee
You did just then.
Employee believes customer just contradicted them
That's ludicrous.
Customer believes employee's statement makes no sense
Oh, this is futile.
Customer loses interest in arguing
No, it isn't.
Employee disagrees with customer
I came in here for a good argument.
Customer clarifies their original intent
No, you didn't. You came in here for an argument.
Employee accuses customer of lying
Well, argument isn't the same as contradiction.
Customer attempts to differentiate between argument and contradiction
Can be.
Employee disagrees with customer, saying contradiction can be part of an argument
No, it can't.
Customer disagrees with employee
An argument is a collective series of statements intended to establish a proposition.
Customer presents his definition of an argument
No, it isn't.
Employee disagrees with customer's definition of an argument
Yes, it is. It isn't just contradiction.
Customer disagrees and presents his argument
Look, if I argue with you. I must take a contrary position.
Customer explains his stance on argumentation
But it isn't just saying No, it isn't.
Customer notes that an argument isn't just saying 'no'
Yes, it is.
Employee disagrees with customer
No, it isn't. Argument's an intellectual protest,
Customer's stance
Contradiction just the automatic opposite of any statement the other person makes.
Customer provides her own definition of contradiction
No, it isn't.
Employee disagrees with customer's definition of contradiction
Yes, it is.
Customer disagrees with employee
Not at all.
Employee disagrees with customer
Now, look-- (Bell dings)
Argument professional interrupts the argument
Good morning.
Argument professional greets customer
That's it. Good morning.
Argument professional ends argument
I was just getting interested.
Customer expresses an interest in continuing
I'm sorry, the five minutes is up.
Argument professional says the five minutes have passed
That was not five minutes.
Customer argues about the length of the argument
I'm afraid it was.
Argument professional insists time is up
Oh, no, it wasn't. (Argument professional looks around the room)
Customer seeks support from others in the room
I'm sorry, but I'm not allowed to argue anymore.
Argument professional ends the argument
If you want to go on arguing you'll have to pay for another five minutes.
Argument professional provides an option to continue
But that was not five minutes, just now. (Professional whistles) Oh, come on.
Customer argues again
If you want to continue arguing, you must pay for another five minutes.
Argument professional insists on payment
Oh, fine. Here.
Customer begrudgingly gives payment
Well?
Argument professional prompts customer to start arguing again
Well what?
Customer appears confused
That was not five minutes, just then.
Customer still believes they haven't had their alloted time
I told you, you have to pay.
Argument professional repeats their demand for payment
I just paid.
Customer insists they already paid
No, you didn't.
Argument professional believes customer didn't pay
Yes, I did.
Customer insists they paid
No, you didn't.
Argument professional refuses to believe customer
I don't want to argue about that.
Customer doesn't want to argue over payment
Oh, shut up!
Customer expresses frustration and closes out the exchange
Contributed by Grace A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@squishydough2866
"Taking a contrary position isn't just saying 'no it isn't'!"
"Yes it is."
"No it isn't!"
@Analogbrain
That's the highlight for me too. I laugh every time.
@dawoool
@@Analogbrain Ironically brilliant!
@patriciayeiser6405
T'is. T'isnt.
@marsmancho
That's the gold in the skit, that took me multiple watchings, before I had to shake my head, and rattle that nugget out. (It's like the reverse Bugs Bunny). Kind of makes me think, that Looney Tunes might have been, just as intelligent, as these great comedic legends became, (for their respective times).
@Eli-uu4vt
@@marsmancho They're actually using that old Bugs Bunny skit multiple times and flipping the script just as many times.
@TheSilentGentleman
The Brexit negotiations make sense now.
@hitlerssecondcoming2523
KEK
@LWYRUP05
No they don’t
@KillerofGods
@@LWYRUP05 yes they do