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.

Let A Frown Be Your Umbrella
Sesame Street Lyrics

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(After Farley starts to sing "Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella", Oscar interrupts, saying that it really goes like this:)

Oscar: Oh, let a frown be your umbrella on a rainy, rainy day.
And if your grouchy cries
Just tell her that a frown will always pay.
Whenever skies are gray
Don't worry or fret.

A frown will bring the raindrops and you'll always get wet.
So let a frown be your umbrella on a rainy, rainy day!

(Then, I think, Oscar asks Farley if he understands how the song goes now. Farley says, "Yeah, but I'm not sure I like it.")

Overall Meaning

The song "Let a Frown Be Your Umbrella" from Sesame Street is an ironic twist on the classic idiom "Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella." The song's lyrics suggest that instead of approaching a rainy day with a cheerful attitude, one should embrace their grumpiness and let their frown shield them from the rain. Oscar the Grouch is the character who introduces this alternative version of the song, claiming that a frown will always pay off when you're feeling grouchy. The lyrics illustrate that there's no need to worry on a gray day since a frown will attract the raindrops and you'll always get wet.

This song is a great example of how Sesame Street's writers use humor and irony to teach important lessons to kids. The song's message is that it's okay to feel grumpy sometimes, and it's important to accept and embrace your emotions. Instead of encouraging children to suppress their negative emotions, this song validates and normalizes them. It's an excellent way to teach kids that they don't have to be happy all the time and that it's okay to feel different emotions as they navigate life.

Line by Line Meaning

Oh, let a frown be your umbrella on a rainy, rainy day.
When things are going badly, rather than forcing a smile, it’s better to let your negative feelings show.

And if your grouchy cries
If someone complains about your sour mood,

Just tell her that a frown will always pay.
Defend your negative emotions by arguing that showing them off pays off in some way.

Whenever skies are gray
When life feels dull and gloomy,

Don't worry or fret.
Don’t put in any effort to try and change your situation.

A frown will bring the raindrops and you'll always get wet.
Instead of shielding yourself from the rain, let it soak you completely.

So let a frown be your umbrella on a rainy, rainy day!
Embrace your negative emotions in tough times instead of trying to put on a happy face.

Contributed by Arianna L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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