Food, Glorious Food

Album: Oliver! (1960)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is the one of the more memorable songs from the award winning musical Oliver!, which was written in its entirety by the London-born composer Lionel Bart (1930-99). The show is an adaptation of the famous Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist; it opened in the West End in 1960, and on the big screen (directed by Carol Reed) in 1968.
    "Food, Glorious Food" is the opening number, and is based on the famous scene in the book where a half-starved Oliver Twist has the temerity to ask for more gruel. Sung as a chorus, it is an obviously whimsical homage to fine cuisine, something that was just as obviously in short supply for workhouse boys in Victorian England.
  • The title has become a cliché, and the song lends itself readily to parody; it has for example been hijacked to advertise McCain French fries as "Chips, Glorious Chips." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Graham Parker

Graham ParkerSongwriter Interviews

When Judd Apatow needed under-appreciated rockers for his Knocked Up sequel, he immediately thought of Parker, who just happened to be getting his band The Rumour back together.

Dennis DeYoung

Dennis DeYoungSongwriter Interviews

Dennis DeYoung explains why "Mr. Roboto" is the defining Styx song, and what the "gathering of angels" represents in "Come Sail Away."

Chris Frantz of Talking Heads

Chris Frantz of Talking HeadsSongwriter Interviews

Talking Heads drummer Chris Frantz on where the term "new wave" originated, the story of "Naive Melody," and why they never recorded another cover song after "Take Me To The River."

Dar Williams

Dar WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

A popular contemporary folk singer, Williams still remembers the sticky note that changed her life in college.