Premiering in 1969, this educational television show aimed at preschoolers … Read Full Bio ↴Premiering in 1969, this educational television show aimed at preschoolers has charmed generations of youngsters ever since. The show - featuring a lovable cast of characters including Big Bird, Bert and Ernie, Oscar the Grouch, Elmo, Snuffy, Grover and many others - has delighted and educated children and adults alike, with its collection of songs, skits, and celebrity guest appearances.

I Refuse To Sing Along
Sesame Street Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Ernie: Gee, Bert, it's so much fun, I know you'll like it once we've begun

Bert: Ernie, I've gotta wash my hair, I've gotta scrub my toes

Ernie: We Bert, will have a ball, if I can get you to sing at all

Bert: No, I refuse to sing along I won't
So please don't ask me if I want to 'cause I don't

Although for you I would do almost anything
Along is one way which I do not want to sing

Ernie: Ole Buddy, it'll make you happy
When you start to sing a snappy
Little number that will bounce you right along

Bert: No!

Ernie: Like "Farmer In The Dell" or "Old McDonald Had A Farm" or maybe "What's The Name Of That Song"

Bert: No

Ernie: So if you have a lot of choice,
You'll love it that you've got a voice
And even though the notes you sing are wrong

Bert: ERNIE!!

Ernie: You'll do a favor for us
If you lift your voice in chorus
For a swinging sing along song

(Duet: singing these parts at the same time)

Bert: I refuse to sing along I won't
So please don't ask me if I want to 'cause I don't
Although for you I would do almost anything
Along is one way which I do not want to sing

Ernie: Ole Buddy, it'll make you happy
When you start to sing a snappy
Little number that will bounce you right along
Like "Farmer In The Dell" or "Old McDonald Had A Farm" or maybe "What's The Name Of That Song"
So if you have a lot of choice,
You'll love it that you've got a voice
And even though the notes you sing are wrong
You'll do a favor for us
If you lift your voice in chorus
For a swinging sing along song

Bert: Ernie!!!

Ernie: Please Bert, you'll like it too
We'll sing together, just me and you

Bert: AARGH!!
No, I refuse to sing along that's it!!!!
And in the bathroom it's ridiculous, I quit!! That's that!
That's that!

Ernie: Gee Bert, that was terrific!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Sesame Street's song "Sing Along" depict a playful and lighthearted interaction between two characters, Ernie and Bert. Ernie is enthusiastically trying to convince Bert to join him in singing a song, while Bert, on the other hand, is determined not to participate. Ernie believes that singing will make Bert happy and suggests several catchy songs they can sing together. However, Bert adamantly refuses, stating that he doesn't want to sing along and that it's not something he enjoys.

Throughout the song, Ernie attempts to persuade Bert by emphasizing that singing along would be a favor to them and that even if his notes are wrong, it would still be enjoyable. However, Bert remains steadfast in his refusal and even expresses frustration, declaring that he quits and finds the whole situation ridiculous. Despite Bert's resistance, Ernie compliments his response, finding it amusing.

This song showcases an amusing banter between two beloved Sesame Street characters, highlighting the different personalities and preferences of Ernie and Bert. It also emphasizes the idea that everyone has their own preferences and it's okay to not enjoy certain activities, even if others find them enjoyable.

Line by Line Meaning

Gee, Bert, it's so much fun, I know you'll like it once we've begun
Bert, this is going to be a really enjoyable experience for both of us. I am certain that once we start, you will start to enjoy it as well.

Ernie, I've gotta wash my hair, I've gotta scrub my toes
Ernie, I have other tasks I need to complete like washing my hair and scrubbing my toes, so I don't have time for singing right now.

We Bert, will have a ball, if I can get you to sing at all
Bert, if I can convince you to join me in singing, we will have a fantastic time together.

No, I refuse to sing along I won't
I absolutely and categorically refuse to sing along with you, Ernie. It's not something I want to do.

So please don't ask me if I want to 'cause I don't
Do not bother asking me if I have any desire to sing along because the answer is an emphatic no.

Although for you I would do almost anything
Even though I have no interest in singing along, I am willing to do almost anything else for you, Ernie.

Along is one way which I do not want to sing
Out of all the ways to sing, the concept of singing along is something I do not wish to partake in.

Ole Buddy, it'll make you happy
Hey, buddy, singing along will bring you joy and happiness.

When you start to sing a snappy
Once you begin singing a lively and catchy song

Little number that will bounce you right along
A small musical piece that will elicit a sense of energy and keep you moving along with it.

No!
I am still firm in my decision and will not sing along.

Like 'Farmer In The Dell' or 'Old McDonald Had A Farm' or maybe 'What's The Name Of That Song'
Songs such as 'Farmer In The Dell', 'Old McDonald Had A Farm', or even 'What's The Name Of That Song' can be examples of the types of songs we might sing along to.

So if you have a lot of choice
If you have many options to choose from

You'll love it that you've got a voice
You will appreciate the fact that you have a voice and can participate in singing.

And even though the notes you sing are wrong
Even if the notes you sing are not accurate or correct

You'll do a favor for us
By singing along, you will be doing us a favor.

If you lift your voice in chorus
If you join in and sing along with others

For a swinging sing along song
To enjoy a lively and upbeat song meant for singing along.

Ernie!!!
Ernie, I have reached my limit and am becoming frustrated.

Please Bert, you'll like it too
I beg of you, Bert, you will eventually come to enjoy this experience as well.

We'll sing together, just me and you
We will sing together, just the two of us, strengthening our bond and enjoying the moment.

AARGH!!
I am expressing my frustration and annoyance through this exclamation.

No, I refuse to sing along that's it!!!!
I am putting my foot down and firmly stating that I will not participate in singing along, end of discussion.

And in the bathroom it's ridiculous, I quit!! That's that!
And the idea of singing in the bathroom is absurd and unreasonable. I am done with this conversation, no further arguments.

Gee Bert, that was terrific!
Bert, that was fantastic! It turned out to be even better than I anticipated.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: AXLEROD, POTTLE, DAVID AXLEROD, SAMUEL H. POTTLE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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