Obladi Oblada
Scotts Lyrics

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Desmond has a barrow in the marketplace
Molly is the singer in a band
Desmond says to Molly, girl, I like your face
And Molly says this as she takes him by the hand

Ob la di, ob-la-da, life goes on, bra
La-la, how the life goes on
Ob-la di, ob-la-da, life goes on, bra

La-la, how the life goes on

Desmond takes a trolley to the jeweller's store
Buys a twenty carat golden ring
Takes it back to Molly waiting at the door
And as he gives it to her she begins to sing

Ob la di, ob-la-da, life goes on, bra
La-la, how the life goes on
Ob-la di, ob-la-da, life goes on, bra
La-la, how the life goes on

In a couple of years they have built
A home sweet home
With a couple of kids running in the yard
Of Desmond and Molly Jones

Happy ever after in the market place
Desmond lets the children lend a hand
Molly stays at home and does her pretty face
And in the evening she still sings it with the band

Ob la di, ob-la-da, life goes on, bra
La-la, how the life goes on
Ob-la di, ob-la-da, life goes on, bra
La-la, how the life goes on

In a couple of years they have built
A home sweet home
With a couple of kids running in the yard
Of Desmond and Molly Jones

Happy ever after in the market place
Molly lets the children lend a hand
Desmond stays at home and does his pretty face
And in the evening she's a singer with the band

Ob la di, ob-la-da, life goes on, bra
La-la, how the life goes on
Ob-la di, ob-la-da, life goes on, bra
La-la, how the life goes on

And if you want some fun,
Sing ob-la-di, bla-da

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of the song "Ob-la-di, Ob-la-da" by the Beatles' Paul McCartney, tell the story of Desmond and Molly Jones. Desmond is a man who owns a barrow, which is a small handcart or pushcart, and Molly is the singer of a band. Desmond likes Molly and they start a relationship after he compliments her. The chorus of the song is "Ob-la-di, ob-la-da, life goes on, bra, la-la how the life goes on." It's a fun and upbeat tune that tells how Desmond buys Molly a twenty-carat golden ring from a jeweler. This impressive gift shows his commitment to her and their relationship.

After they are together for a couple of years, they build a "home sweet home" and have a couple of kids. The chorus repeats itself and the story concludes with happy ever after. Molly lets their children lend a hand in the marketplace while Desmond stays at home and does his "pretty face." Molly still sings with her band in the evenings.

The song has connotations of love, family, and happiness, told through an infectious melody that makes you want to dance. It's lasting popularity is a testament to its timelessness.

Line by Line Meaning

Desmond has a barrow in the marketplace
Desmond has a cart in the town square

Molly is the singer in a band
Molly is a performer in a music group

Desmond says to Molly, girl, I like your face
Desmond compliments Molly's appearance

And Molly says this as she takes him by the hand
Molly responds to Desmond's compliment and holds his hand

Ob la di, ob-la-da, life goes on, bra
Life continues regardless of what happens

La-la, how the life goes on
Expressing the idea of life's ongoing nature through melody

Desmond takes a trolley to the jeweller's store
Desmond goes to the jewelry store by trolley

Buys a twenty carat golden ring
Desmond purchases a 20-carat gold ring

Takes it back to Molly waiting at the door
Desmond brings the ring to Molly who is at the door

And as he gives it to her she begins to sing
Molly sings as Desmond gifts her the ring

In a couple of years they have built
After a few years, they construct