Ian Dury and The Blockheads - Reasons To Be Cheerful, Pt. 3 (Official HD Video)

“Reasons To Be Cheerful, Pt. 3” was released by Stiff Records in 1979 and reached number 3 in the UK singles chart.
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LYRICS:
(Why don’t you get back into bed, why don’t you get back into bed Why don’t you get back into bed, why don’t you get back into bed …)
Reasons to be cheerful, part three
Some of Buddy Holly, the working folly, good golly Miss Molly and boats
Hammersmith Palais, the Bolshoi Ballet, jump back in the alley, add nanny goats
Eighteen-wheeler Scammels, Dominecker Camels, all other mammals plus equal votes
Seeing Piccadilly, Fanny Smith and Willy, being rather silly and porridge oats
A bit of grin and bear it, a bit of come and share it, you're welcome we can spare it, yellow socks
Too short to be haughty, too nutty to be naughty, going on forty, no electric shocks
The juice of the carrot, the smile of a parrot, a little drop of claret, anything that rocks
Elvis and Scotty, the days when I ain't spotty, sitting on the potty, curing smallpox
Reasons to be cheerful, part three
Reasons to be cheerful, part three
Reasons to be cheerful, part three
Reasons to be cheerful, one, two, three
Health service glasses, gigolos and brasses, round or skinny bottoms
Taking Mum to Paris, lighting up the chalice, Wee Willy Harris
Bantu Stephen Biko, listening to Rico; Harpo, Groucho, Chico
Cheddar cheese and pickle, the Vincent motorsickle, slap and tickle
Woody Allen, Dali, Dmitri and Pasquale, Balabalabala and Volare
Something nice to study, phoning up a buddy, being in my nuddy
Saying okey dokey, sing-a-long-a Smokey, coming out of chokey
John Coltrane's soprano, Adi Celentano, Bonar Colleano
Reasons to be cheerful, part three
Reasons to be cheerful, part three
Reasons to be cheerful, part three
Reasons to be cheerful, one, two, three
#IanDury #TheBlockheads #ReasonsToBeCheerful

[@andycole3442]

My god there is no one like this man or band anymore .

[@smoly37]

No. There's no man like Bach anymore, either. And I'm sure there are people like Ian Dury around, but not in the mainstream scene. That's been ruined by money, as so many things are. I'm from '63, people will continue to make and create music.

[@smugsheep3307]

Not one person with a fraction of his intellect. No even close!

[@savethezombies]

@@smugsheep3307 I don't think anyone sweats like him anymore either. Imagine if James Brown, Meatloaf, and Ian went on tour together? People would drown.

[@justkidding9751]

I have really great memories of Ian, I was the assistant sound and light engineer at the Top Rank Birmingham in 1979, they were a great live band. It was great working with them. Happy Memories and great times. We were free in those days proper free.

[@suzpro8165]

The behind the scenes crew is never ever spoken for nor acknowledged!:)

[@dianamiino7391]

❤❤❤

[@timothygrayson]

This man did so much for disabled people and deserves recognition for his musical contribution to a sad period where I was lacking direction. Ta bro.

[@stevet603]

Never mind that bollocks, it was good stuff!

[@timothygrayson]

@@stevet603 Indeed

[@smugsheep3307]

The funkiest spaz on the planet.

[@corvideity]

*why don't you get back into bed* hits hard lmao

[@silaslizzie43]

It's so popular to view things through the lens of his disability. Fuck that. He was a great musician.

[@hyerculezaxkillis440]

he was spitting bars better than half the rappers today

[@manweller1]

True

[@darrylmars]

better than all of them lol

[@suzpro8165]

And much more colorful imagery! The smile of a parrot! Gotta love it!:)

[@Juliofiasco]

@@darrylmarsnot all of them, the wu tang clan is one of the most incredible and luxurious pieces of art of the 20 century

[@user-vv6gj8fq7n]

Cutting edge whats not to love just like a great wine

[@bokehintheussr5033]

the most life affirming song... helps me in my depressed phases. This wonderful intelligent man and his lust for life will never cease to be an inspiration to me.

[@KevinWatson-hv5io]

8

[@suzpro8165]

This is one of those songs that salespeople need, before they start their work day!:)

[@bokehintheussr5033]

@@suzpro8165 no what salespeople need is to get a job that isn't in sales

[@skooshy621]

@bokehintheussr5033 Your comment is another reason to be cheerful 😃 This song means exactly the same for me. And so does Ian.

[@stehughes75]

Iam now 60..This was All Part of Growing Up..F*****G LOVE IT ❤ 😍

[@pontiacssholden2032]

64 and bought this album new,fkn great band and and still sound fantastic

[@TerryTanktop]

A talented man whose disability did not get in the way of success. Amazing man.

[@EllaBananas]

@bill Bloggs I didnt know they were disabled.

[@hebneh]

@bill Bloggs In the USA we never saw Ian interviewed on TV, or in person, so the extent of his polio-caused infirmity wasn't really obvious or known.

[@banditman62davis]

WHAT WAS HIS DISABILITY ?

[@pherrington13]

@@banditman62davis He was left partially paralyzed by the effects of contracting Parkinson's Disease at an early age. Although some of the paralysis went away over time, the muscle damage became permanent. His passion for performing is what made him an over-achiever and his denial that he was disabled. He wouldn't accept that label.

[@bgtrev]

@@pherrington13 Polio not Parkinson's but the rest you are spot on with, humble and honest bloke.

[@sheilawells100]

The juice of the carrot, the smile of the parrot. Love it.

[@helenstillburn7311]

The Blockheads, best backing group ever, bar none.

[@skooshy621]

Funketeers, every one 👯👯👯

[@daveluck5717]

That sax break .... Damn !!!

[@Alji3dom]

Out of nowhere comes the sax..like it was a different song. Great memories of that summer.

[@suzpro8165]

This is a song that has absolutely everything!:)

[@liambowbrick3917]

Goddamn SO sweet

[@Ash_18037]

John Coltrane's soprano

[@user-zn5jh5jf1l]

❤l. Love. This😊

[@deanosaur808]

The world is f**ked, but we've still got Reasons To Be Cheerful! 😎

[@glynn4302]

For sure mate...😂❤

👍

[@willemschudspeer9569]

I (at the time a Dutch tourist in London) saw Ian Dury and his band when I was young and green, some time early in the '80s. My friend and I liked his hit record 'Hit me with your Rhythm Stick', so we bought the tickets. The venue - I can't quite remember what the name was, might have been a cinema, red seats - but it didn't take the band long to get the spectators standing on top of these seats, jumping up and down, moving to the music. Great experience, great time, great band. An unforgettable landmark.

[@stevet603]

The original rapper? But with brilliant musicians with him? Tight as!

[@geminirhythmspirit2573]

Flipping heck these guys, truly amazing, Ian Drury rapping way back when❤

[@zetetick395]

Ian Drury Never not awesome! Life passed him *a BIG ol' pile of lemons* - and 50 years later, we're ALL still enjoying his delicious sweet lemon-based beverages! \😸/

[@starjunkie2804]

Ian Dury is the best reason to be proud of being British. He was the original rapper before rap was a "thing." What a talent, shame he is no longer with us.

[@patriciofernandez2711]

Not really, I love Ian but by 1979 hip hop had already taken off in the New York underground. Like many of Ian's songs this was influenced by funk and disco, which also were essential to the rap music being developed overseas.

[@MrNemo-oi8cl]

@@patriciofernandez2711 he was doing his own thing and it was bloody great.

[@sharonrebibo6015]

@@patriciofernandez2711 A kind of rap - music plus rap was made popular by The Liverpool Scene in the 60's and 70's in Liverpool and of course by your own Beat poets before then.

[@jonserp783]

He was a dynamite writer and arranger

[@Soundpj]

I agree xx

[@hifibrony]

The Blockheads were one of the truly brilliant and sadly underappreciated bands. They had that great tight-as-a-duck's-arse but still loose quality that can't be faked or learned. You can either play like that or you can't. Norman and Charley were one of the greatest rhythm sections ever. Period.

[@allertonoff4]

nobody else seems to know who Chaz Jankel iswas .. only the secret mastermind behind that audacious groove.

[@g13flat]

@@allertonoff4 Imho Chaz Jankel is one of the best bass players of all time along with Will Heggie of the Cocteau Twins and Bernard Edwards of Chic.

[@eckeynecker]

The only one ird say is better ,is Kieth Moon and The Ox ,

[@kenbrooks6517]

Saw them live so many time's Classic

[@martingemmell1401]

@@allertonoff4 chaz jankel on guitar. Norman Watt Roy on bass. Chaz left and was replaced by Wilko Johnson. Saw Wilko and Norman playing together at Queens Hall Edinburgh 2019 with @mark Robinson.

[@retrosad]

The English citizenship test should include being able to recite all the words to this song accurately

[@moneymentum]

...with that accent only.

[@dustysmitty2783]

Unless you're a filthy Arab or Hindu, in which case you can come into the UK and not assimilate.

[@spacealien2174]

​@@moneymentum whatevershire?

[@moneymentum]

@@spacealien2174Oi! Innit!

[@AngelApprentice]

Yes!!

[@tyroon81]

The guitar solo at the end is probably the best ending to a song ever!!👏👏👏😍

[@grahamelliott7276]

The great, great John Turnbull.

[@carolshaw8916]

I agree but the saxophone in the middle is wonderful

[@patrickkelly4619]

Ian Dury ... The BEST FRONTMAN IN THE HISTORY OF ROCK N ROLL !!! And what a band . Signed : PROUD to be BLOCKHEAD !!! And ...You're all BLOCKHEADS TOO !!!

[@davidbroadley126]

Nah paul rodgers and free love ian and the blackhead thou👍

[@herrbohnen]

Ian was a great wordsmith

[@Alji3dom]

Incredible musicians Totally underrated wow 👌

[@lloydlyall8120]

They really were bro🤟

[@andycole3442]

We will never see the like of this kind of talent ever again

[@sharonsmithers3711]

Ian Dury was a true a legend he made words make sense with his great songs such as this ! How can you not love his music ? Thanks Ian .

[@annamac7551]

Great memories

[@garyproffitt5941]

Truly marvelous character Ian Dury and the Blockheads and great songs😇👍

[@westboundbadger]

His son is also talented, Baxter Dury !

[@sharonsmithers3711]

I know Baxter Dury is very talented too thank you.

[@danieltaylor3359]

Strewth how much funk is there in these few minutes ?!?!?!?! What a band with Dury as the cherry on the cake

[@ruthdixon7807]

the NME dissed this as just a shopping list - but it's without doubt one of the best in pop history. fantastic sax solo.

[@grahamelliott7276]

The music press is full of poseurs and under-achievers.

[@macronencer]

Right now I feel SO lucky that I grew up in England in the 70s and 80s.

[@Lynnimod]

Me too! What's good about youtube is we can re-live it all over again :)

[@VixenEve]

god damn it your lucky :/ i grew up here in the late 90s

[@Lynnimod]

Not so lucky in other ways, I'm nearly 54 now lol!

[@stevebez2767]

macronencer how many times you recall that?

[@Marzy5821]

50s and 60s not too bad too ...

[@sholaebofin6090]

Listening to this and realising how blessed we were growing up with seriously talented inspirational musicians what a great time to be alive 😎

[@shortofalength]

The guy wasa fighter for the downtrodden and those who get a rough deal in life. The ability to make songs that either take the piss or make us look at ourselves and think was his gift. Onya Ian you will be missed!!!

[@rickdee7179]

Love the guitar solo at the end - everything about this song is perfection.

[@bsdgffishtuna5186]

from a different planet. thankfully ian visited us.

[@colinforrestal3819]

A brilliant ensemble. What a privilege to have had them in my life.

[@AcousticUplift]

I had no idea this was an actual song until my mum just started singing it. What great production! So funky. I like the sunny jazz interlude.

[@grandwonder5858]

A jazzy rap song.

[@michaelcandon2971]

This song should be played multiple times on daytime radio...bring back great music and happiness.

[@willsmith6150]

One of the best ever.

[@stylincarrie1]

the first Rap single...came out 6 months before Rapper's Delight.

[@MrRyan-wu4jx]

King Tim by Fatback Band predates this by another few months. This very well may be second.

[@pseudonayme7717]

@@MrRyan-wu4jx There's actually an Italian guy who did it way back in the 60's or thereabouts. It was an answer on QI, I forget his name, sorry.

[@DS-qu2rs]

Way ahead of his time, I went to see the Who in 1974/75 and Kilburn and the Highroads were supporting, punk rock 2-3 years before Malcolm McLaren 'invented it'. (the Who fans hated it!)

[@douglasparkinson4123]

Noah by the Jubalaires predates every record put forward by people on this thread.

[@daos3300]

he's not rapping, no point even comparing the two entirely different genres

[@bobblowhard8823]

A musical masterpiece.

[@markmoore2625]

That sax and the killer guitar solo at the end, elevate this song to true greatness, it's better than 'Rhythm stick' in my opinion.

[@Haberdashery22]

The very best of live bands. We were so lucky back then. Love you, Ian Dury and every Blockhead. . . .

[@j.f.greaney]

Ian was a genius in my opinion. And the band, damn.

[@saanzacs]

Yes, yes, dear dear, perhaps next year or maybe even never, in which case.....

[@banditman62davis]

THIS SONG WAS VERY BIG IN AMERICA BACK THEN , EVEN IF WE COULDN'T UNDERSTAND HALF OF WHAT HE WAS SAYING . WE STILL LOVED IT .

[@TheGreatoutdoorsAndGourmetVic]

Why? CAN'T you speak English?

[@TheGreatoutdoorsAndGourmetVic]

Yeah. I remember when the net was GOOD! (You only met SMART people!)

[@hsmith1180]

Awww I think they were just being funny. It's not a bad comment.

[@lilianaverona355]

Which words didn't you understand?

[@donmcbass]

@@TheGreatoutdoorsAndGourmetVic Like us Scots we don't speak LONDON which is a weird language of its own.

[@rowley1950]

70's and 80's: This bloke made it for me. God Bless you Ian RIP mate

[@walterceuppens6988]

Totally agree

[@Soundpj]

Me too Steve...I feel 18 again....Ian dury helped me alot...to feel its OK to be a bit quirky.

[@victormartial2668]

I am sure that Prince was a big fan of The Blokheads ever, this sax solo is pure style of what Prince wanted in some breaks sessions, and at last but not least this musical diction of Ian inspired him . Love these two genius of the po music.

[@victormartial2668]

OH... i forget the guitar solo tooo.....

[@SteveSmith-mo6gb]

I'm 70, and they were good back then...

[@paullee3660]

The greatest wordsmith in rock, ever.

[@BR0K3NM1ND]

My dad used to play this to me when i was young, never appreciated it until now (35) .. Now i cant get anough of Ian Dury. PROPER music.

[@hertfordable]

I’m originally from Watford but worked on a holiday camp in the 70s, Warner’s in Seaton Devon. I remember people all singing this song, loved Ian Dury.

[@davewilson9738]

Its an eclectic mix of sounds that could be 3 or 4 different songs and they just nail them all - effing amazing.

[@cymro6537]

Sterling musicianship , amazing front man and lyrics 👏

[@PandoraNYC1]

My mom bought this record for me in 1978 when I was ten years old. I still have it.

[@diceyr6056]

This bloke was a genius. Does anybody remember 'Really glad you came'?

[@user-gm2by9bc2z]

I agree with all the comments it is a shame that there is not more like him

[@sheilamaclean968]

Wow..brilliant blistering guitar riff. What a great group of musicians and this playing live - you won't get that calibre nowadays - anywhere.

[@eyebrowes1886]

The riff is out of the blue and makes the song

[@princessgrace66]

Reminiscing as A Sr. with Friends,.Yes My Dear Perhaps Next Year...Oh & that Sax..123.❤😂🎉

[@johnmccabe1974]

I been looking for parts 1 and 2 for decades.

[@Jannie-]

Pmsl 🤣

[@robinsalario4372]

you savwed me a lot of searching. :)

[@chrisrosales4219]

True originals. Ian Dury was a proper poet and the Blockheads are one of the tightest backing bands in the history of history. Unfortunately it's getting harder and harder these days to answer why we don't all just get back into bed. At least there's still Ian Dury and the Blockheads videos to keep us going.

[@MsEsCee]

Weird reading your comment this morning. And heartening. The reason I chose to listen to this song this morning is that I have a dear friend going thru a very difficult time in the acute phase following brain surgery, and then a stroke, which has nearly paralyzed his left side and much more. He has a long way back to recovery, health and walking again. He's a young 53. You do have reasons to be cheerful, almost all of us do, and it's so cool you know it. Thanks for the attitude and inspiration.

[@banditman62davis]

I DIDN'T KNOW THAT HE HAD TO OVERCOME THOSE OBSTACLES , WE STILL LOVED HIS MUSIC .I WOULD SNEAK THIS TUNE INTO THE MIX WHEN I D.J.'D AT WEST INDIAN CLUBS , AND THEY LOVED IT . AND TO THOSE WHO COMMENTED ABOUT IF I SPEAK ENGLISH , YES I DO .

[@mitergelaj7691]

Thinking about this song. Remember this toooooo well. Amazing fun.

[@markmitchell450]

Loving the guitarist

[@kimspanswick883]

Bloomin Brilliant 😋 My Only Regret I never Got to See Em Live Legendary Ian Dury And The Blockheads 🎼🎤🎸🎹🎺🎷🥁📻🎧

[@paulgosling6886]

I managed to see him live as a supporting act for Madness at Madstock back in 1992. He was amazing & a very funny man.

[@Soundpj]

That's funny and true

[@kathryngoulden148]

Right now I think it's the funniest shit I ever laughed about when in 1978 I put this on my Christmas list. Previously (from what I understand) the record was llegal to market in the US because it was too dirty. So my parents bought me the blockheads for Christmas when I 16yo and I played it full blast that Christmas morning. LMAO! They already knew they were in trouble.! "Reasons to be Cheerful part 3"

[@xaviermartinez7325]

An incredible musician and person. Ian liked to me since I was young, and now to my daughters😂. What a special music

[@thingsss]

one of the funkiest bands on the planet, right up there with the JB's, parliment and Fatback

[@JuiceSkyy]

You heard 🤘🏾

[@MrSeaSquirtz]

When I was a 19 yr old kid, just learning who I was in the world, this was the fun track to my life....in fact, all their hits. I knew they made me feel great but I never thought beyond it. Life was just to packed with new adventures to think about it. Now, 45 yrs or thereabouts, later, I am listening to the Blockheads again and wow, how did I not notice the musicianship from all these guys? Well done Ian and all the Blockheads, you really did enrich so many peoples lives. Thanks.

[@Antipodean33]

Such a groovin' tune and uplifting song, they rarely make this kind of music anymore

[@DrCrabfingers]

Man these guys are just having it large...the lyrics and funky Latino influence...so cool!

[@chrisbowers85]

A GREAT LONDON SOUND!.........WILL NEVER TIRE.....LISTENING TO THIS!

[@senordeviscaya]

RIP. IAN!! GREWUP IN SAN DIEGO 91X FM IAN WAS.AMAZING!!❤🤘👍👌😉😎😁🌞💎🤗😍

[@steveoshow4832]

The wonderful and brilliant Ian Drury who put Brap on the map😎👌

[@MjKestrel]

All time Classic, Timeless will last forever. From MJK Wales August 2024 🦅⚪✴️ Hi if you are reading.

[@ellenatkinson6912]

This never fails to cheer me up - Masterpiece then, now and forever ❤️

[@paulconnelly4050]

I love this song. RIP Ian Dury.

[@Nae395]

Pure Class Mr Dury was

[@terryrussell1385]

In my personal opinion this Gentlemen were a bloody genius weren't you Ian? But also what a brilliant Saxophone Player my favourite instrument stay safe everyone Pompey Trucker Tex ✴️🌙✴️🌙play up Pompey!!!.

[@deanhodgetts1177]

All these years later and it is still SOOOOOO good. Ian Dury on the lyrics and Chaz Jankel on the funk. Timeless.

[@cheezencrackers]

“…coming out of chokie…” So VERY Ian!

[@sports872]

What's the chokie?

[@karensouren3130]

This song keeps me sane 🎶💕🎶💖🎶

[@femfromholland]

I loved the little man. He was brilliant and he still is.

[@BigDaveC001]

This man and his band made me smile so much my face hurt!

[@tonyburns9430]

The original rapper. First and the rest followed.

[@deanosaur808]

First white maybe 😅 Ian definitely didn't invent it 😂

[@sparkymlarky]

Just .........incredible The End

[@philipmartin183]

Ian Dury and the band were absolutely brilliant. The Band are still.

[@mrnoisy3851]

classic Ian Dury. the sax solo section is awesome those brilliant keyboards just float...

[@mi1964amigo]

I still miss this legend.

[@motardasavenidas]

Very very good. We miss you Ian...

[@eyebrowes1886]

A great man

[@cjknotty]

A reason to be cheerful? The way the sax eases it's way into the song around 2:40.

[@steveportsmouthevans]

20 years ago today we lost the legend, the genius Ian Dury. I was very fortunate to see him perform live in 1999. Im now listening to his son Baxter Dury and he is just as fantastic as his dad. RIP Ian & long live Baxter

[@christianhalstead6063]

Welcome to Miami 👍

[@novo611]

Ian a poet. Genius 🙏🇮🇪

[@stevechabalik6985]

One of the Greatest Records by one of The Greatest Artists and one of the Greatest Bands EVUH.

[@moviemad56]

In 2020 we need Ian Dury more than ever!

[@lorraineellis8066]

I feel really lucky that I grew up in Essex in the best days. X

[@TrickyNinjaProds50]

This band! Those songs! Ian Dury and Chas Jankel wrote hella awesome tunes, and The Blockheads were the perfect band to play them either in the studio or live on stage. That rhythm section was one of the best ever! And this song always brings a smile to my face while my feet are dancing like crazy. RIP Ian and Charley.

[@hebneh]

This came into my brain this afternoon, and I haven't heard this song probably for nearly 30 years. I'd forgotten how strongly dance-oriented it was. It's really good, especially the end. Not being British, I never understood most of the lyrics and still don't, but that's OK because all you need to hear and understand is "Reasons to be cheerful - 1, 2, 3."

[@cjstore8416]

This song came into my head last nite. It's 12th July 2020 now, with Covid19 rife around the world. I grew up with this music. My brother Barry, was always the first on the scene when new music came out..Talking Heads, U2, Bauhaus, American Funk, etc. He bought all the latest records and this album was one. It was never off the turntable and we knew all the songs. Singing and dancing around the house. Top of the Pops was our programme! Yes the 70s and 80s were the best years of our lives ..just didnt know it. I'm in Victoria, Australia now and hope that we all stay safe and that I get to see my family again in the UK.

[@MjKestrel]

Same as me rediscovered this tune and forgot about it and how uplifting it is especially during hard times. From MJK Wales 🦅⚪✴️

[@richardhoulton4016]

What a band!

[@markcf83]

Absolutely magical lyrics from Uncle Ian. Sorely missed.

[@stephenryan7698]

One of the greatest quintessential English poets a Diamond in the ruff.

[@Greg-io1ip]

Ian and The Blockheads are always good for some fun. Talented lads. Razzling pocket or not. Immortals.

[@waterstreet68]

Cheddar cheese and pickle SLAP AND TICKLE!!! I recall a DJ--either Garth or Jeno--playing this as the "last" last song well after the lights had gone on. It was at this monthly club night called Community at a club called 1015 Folsom put on by the boys of Wicked soundsystem on a Tuesday night. They were famous for throwing in an "oldie" not from the house or techno genre as a last song; my other fave was Bill Withers "Use Me". Anyhoo, this track sent people who had already been up dancing since the previous Thursday into spasms of utter rapture. People were losing their minds to this track; pure genius. Great memories of the still *very* underground house/techno/rave scene in the San Francisco of 1989 - 1992 or so.

[@Sherbet4ever]

Blissfully unaware at the time, this song was probably more beneficial than any single thing in keeping me on the right side of sanity in my mid to late 20s. Not realizing at the time that I was suffering from what one might describe as clinical depression, I drew upon this song to give me reasons to keep going. I still have a list entitled "Reasons to Be Cheerful, Part 3" with all the positive aspects of my life at the time.