Osama Bin Laden

Album: Ukulele Hunt (2008)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Although Frank Skinner has a reputation for irreverent humor, this song does not overstep the mark. "Osama Bin Laden" is performed solo like a latter day banjo playing George Formby. There is after all something intensely comical about this Emmanuel Goldstein-like figure sitting in some rat infested cave on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border issuing videotaped fatwas against the Great Satan.
  • Non-UK listeners will probably miss the Michael Barrymore allusion. In March 2001, Barrymore, who was then one of the highest paid comedians on British TV, was embroiled in a scandal after a guest died in his swimming pool. He had been out clubbing, and took a group of strangers back to his place where the partying (and drug abuse) continued. Understandably, in view of his celebrity status, Barrymore found himself accused of complicity in the death; an open verdict was returned at the inquest, but that sort of mud always sticks. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2

Comments: 1

  • Alex from Newcastle Upon Tyne, United KingdomWow, I can't believe this song has it's own page on Songfacts! Amazing!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Incongruent Opening Acts

Incongruent Opening ActsSong Writing

Here's what happens when an opening act is really out of place with the headliner, like when Beastie Boys opened for Madonna.

Music Video Director David Hogan

Music Video Director David HoganSong Writing

David talks about videos he made for Prince, Alabama, Big & Rich, Sheryl Crow, DMB, Melissa Etheridge and Sisters of Mercy.

Kevin Godley

Kevin GodleySongwriter Interviews

Kevin Godley talks about directing classic videos for The Police, U2 and Duran Duran, and discusses song and videos he made with 10cc and Godley & Creme.

Superman in Song

Superman in SongSong Writing

Not everyone can be a superhero, but that hasn't stopped generations of musicians from trying to be Superman.

Grammar In Lyrics

Grammar In LyricsMusic Quiz

Lyrics don't always follow the rules of grammar. Can you spot the ones that don't?

Carl Sturken

Carl SturkenSongwriter Interviews

Hitmaker Carl Sturken on writing and producing for Rihanna, 'N Sync, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Donny Osmond, Shakira and Karyn White.