Composed in the 1920s by Leslie Sarony, who survived long enough into the 20th century to have appeared in the Sweeney and Monty Python
lyrics
Lately there's nothing but trouble, grief and strife.
There's not much attraction about this bloomin' life.
Last night I dreamt I was bloomin' well dead.
As I went to the funeral, I bloomin' well said:
Look at the black 'earse, bloomin' great 'orses.
Ain't it grand, to be bloomin' well dead!
And look at the corfin, bloomin' great 'andles.
Ain't it grand, to be bloomin' well dead!
I felt so 'appy to think that I'd popped off.
I said to a bloke with a nasty, 'acking cough:
Look at the mourners, bloomin' well sozzled.
Ain't it grand, to be bloomin' well dead!
Look at the children, bloomin' excited.
Look at the neighbours, bloomin' delighted.
Some people there were praying for me soul.
I said, "It's the first time I've been off the dole."
Look at the Missus, bloomin' well laughin'.
Ain't it grand, to be bloomin' well dead!
Look at me Sister, bloomin new 'at on.
And look at me Brother, bloomin' cigar on.
"Spend the insurance," I murmured, "for — Alack! —
You know that I shan't be with you going back."
Look at the florists, countin their profits
Ain't it grand, to be bloomin' well dead!
Now it’s all over, look at them scarpering
Look at the earthworms, bloomin’ well wriggling!
We come from clay and we all go back they say.
So don't aim a brick — it might be your Auntie May.
Look at the tombstone, granite with knobs on!
Ain't it grand, to be bloomin' well dead!
Songs of the British Music Hall as no one intended them to be heard!
A London based
musical rabble (as in Websters definition of ‘a large group of loud people who could become violent.’). A group of individuals now busy dragging up evil smelling offerings from demolished music halls, deconsecrated chapels and boarded up public houses....more
The most disgraceful nonsense, recorded at a period nearly as old as us. Who let these people into the house? Buy now, at all costs! The Blood Tub Orchestra
supported by 5 fans who also own “Ain't It Grand To Be Bloomin' Well Dead”
I am new to this band - what kept me? I just love this track - it has a very updated klezmer feel. I've just subscribed after reading about the group in Songlines and am pleased so far. Frank Parry