Search by Title

A	B	C	D	E	F	G
H	I	J	K	L	M	N
O	P	Q	R	S	T	U
V	W	X	Y	Z	#

Browse Categories Random Songfact Random Category Add to Songfacts Take the Quiz SongFAQ Get the Newsletter E-Mail Us Message Boards Full Interviews Lyrical Pursuit Song Fallacies

Songfacts:  You can leave comments about the song at the bottom of the page.

This first appeared on the TV show Monty Pythons Flying Circus and was performed by the psychotic barber. It later appeared in the film And Now For Something Completely Different and was sung by the pet shop owner from the dead parrot sketch.

This starts off with singer saying that he hates his job and wants to be a lumberjack. It ends with the singer telling us something he maybe didn't mean to. (thanks, Ross - Balloch, Scotland, for above 2)

George Harrison produced this. He helped out Monty Python a lot, funding and appearing in their movie Life Of Brian, and producing several of their singles.

The band also recorded a German version of this song titled "Der HolzfÄller". This version was used in an episode of their television show broadcast in Germany. (thanks, Jeff - Haltom City, TX)

At some live shows, Harrison and Tom Hanks would dress up like lumberjacks and sing backup.

There are several versions of this song. Two are by Michael Palin: the barber shop one from Flying Circus and the pet store one from And Now For Something Completely Different. There's also one by Eric Idle as a weather forecaster. (thanks, William - Colorado Springs, CO)

Eric Idle performed this at the Just For Laughs festival in 2000. (thanks, Douglas - Waterloo)

Comments:

Fred: The Rutles were never a Python bit. They were a Beatles parody done by Eric Idle and Neil Innes originally for Idle's post Python show Rutland Weekend Television and then a TV movie called "All You Need Is Cash."
- Claude, Kingston, MA

Well, dirk, Nashville, TN, there was a show after Monty Python at the Hollywood Bowl where they would redo sketches and they also had new sketches, I think it was called "The Secret Police Mans Balls"
- Zep, Cape May, NJ

On their Flying Circus TV show, the Pyhon gang also did a rather biting send-up of the Beatles, in which they portrayed a (fictional) band called "The Ruttles"
- Fred, Laurel, MD

"At some live shows..." What are you talking about? Are you suggesting that the Pythons toured and that George Harrison and Tom Hanks toured with them?
- dirk, Nashville, TN

And now for something completly different.....
- Nathan, Defiance, OH

My math teacher really likes things like The Beatles, Queen, The GooGoo dolls, etc. Sometimes he plays their music or concerts before class as well as Monty Python videos. I love this one, and have asked him to bring it in before. However, that would mean straying away from school-appropriate skits such as "Spam" and "Ministry of Silly Walks!"
- claire, Oak Ridge, TN

"George Harrison produced this." Huh? Getting a bit ahead of things, aren't we? Harrison had no official involvement with Python until they needed backing to make "Life Of Brian", when he fronted money and helped form Handmade Films in order to see that the film was made.
- Shell, Riverdale, GA

Michael Palin and a great crew of "extras" which included Tom Hanks...did this song in the "Concert For George" Special which was a tribute to George Harrison and done in England. Also, in interviews done for the show, it is explained that George and the Beatles thought that the humour and psychedelic cartoons and atmosphere of Monty Python was like a re-incarnation of the Beatles. Watch this Special and you will understand the connection.
- Jonnie, St. Louis, MO

Wasn't this sung by the BBC weatherman?
- Nick, Detroit, MI

"He puts on women's clothing And hangs around in bars?!!!!" "I thought you were so manly!!!!!!!!!" The first song to mention crossdressing on TV!
- Kent, Latrobe, PA

A quick thought. When performed on Monty Pythons Flying Circus, the Mounties would look confused and disturbed when the barber starts talking about dressing in womens clothing. Trust me. The response is classic and if you ever find that episode on video, GET IT! You won't regret it!
- AJ, Lawrenceville, GA