Right, Said Fred

Album: Golden Oldies (1962)
Charted: 10
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This novelty song - complete with sound effects - was the third release by and a big hit for Bernard Cribbins. Although he had a very transient career as a recording artist, Cribbins was already a name as a character actor and comedian when this song made the UK singles chart in 1962; he would later go on to become a narrator and children's TV presenter.
  • "Right, Said Fred" was written by the team of composer Ted Dicks and lyricist Myles Rudge. The song is narrated by one of three workmen who are moving an unnamed and quite awkward object. Eventually, after all but demolishing the client's house, they give up and go home, or at least two of them do. The song satirizes the stereotypical British tradesman in much the same way as the Flanders & Swann song "The Gasman Cometh." When Myles Rudge died in October 2007, his obituary in the Daily Telegraph said the object concerned was Ted Dicks' piano.
  • "Right, Said Fred" was produced by George Martin, who also produced the Beatles - it was released on Parlophone backed by "Quietly Bonkers." A humorous contemporary animated video of the song was also produced.
  • The sheet music was published by Noel Gay Music of London at 2s6d.
  • In 1989, the Fairbrass brothers named their new group "Right Said Fred" after this song. Cribbins appeared on their 1993 charity single, "Stick It Out." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for all above
  • In 2018, this was used in a commercial for the UK finance company Key.

Comments: 1

  • Mark from London, EnglandBernard Cribbins narrated the 70s animated UK TV series "The Wombles" but had no part in the chart run of singles made by a band of the same name based on the show (that was Mike Batt).
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Chris Fehn of Slipknot

Chris Fehn of SlipknotSongwriter Interviews

A drummer for one of the most successful metal bands of the last decade, Chris talks about what it's like writing and performing with Slipknot. Metal-neck is a factor.

Todd Rundgren

Todd RundgrenSongwriter Interviews

Todd Rundgren explains why he avoids "Hello It's Me," and what it was like producing Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell album.

Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MG's, Blues Brothers)

Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MG's, Blues Brothers)Songwriter Interviews

Steve Cropper on the making of "In the Midnight Hour," the chicken-wire scene in The Blues Brothers, and his 2021 album, Fire It Up.

Corey Hart

Corey HartSongwriter Interviews

The Canadian superstar talks about his sudden rise to fame, and tells the stories behind his hits "Sunglasses At Night," "Boy In The Box" and "Never Surrender."

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman Jack

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman JackSong Writing

The story of the legendary lupine DJ through the songs he inspired.

Producer Ron Nevison

Producer Ron NevisonSong Writing

Ron Nevison explains in very clear terms the Quadrophenia concept and how Heart staged their resurgence after being dropped by their record company.