Gilly, Gilly, Ossenfeffer, Katzenellen Bogen By The Sea by Max Bygraves

Album: Unbeatable Bygraves (1954)

Charted: 7

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Songfacts®:

In his autobiography, Max Bygraves said of this and similar songs that he recorded in the early days that they were bad and got worse. This is one that Bobby Crush would have said is for the sick bucket, except actually it's not as bad as "Orville's Song." Part novelty song, part silly love ballad, it actually did him proud in chart terms. And no, it is not quite the longest song title ever, although it is arguably the longest place name mentioned in a song, with the same caveat as Honaloochie (of "Honaloochie Boogie" fame), it does not actually exist.

It was co-written by Al Hoffman, who also co-wrote another well known novelty song, "If I Knew You Were Comin' I'd've Baked A Cake." Dick Manning is the other name on the sheet music, a long term collaborator of Hoffman. "Gilly, Gilly..." was also recorded in German, by Bibi Johns Und Die Starlets, although the title was the same in German, with lyrics by Heino Gaze. >>>
Suggestion credit:
Alexander Baron - London, England

Comments: 4

Lcl from EnglandI have no idea where I first heard this song but for some reason I've been singing it almost every week for the last 20 years or so.
Only today did I think of looking up the lyrics so I could add the second verse to it xD
It's a lovely sweet song and great for lullabies.
Mark Swafford from Apple Valley CaliforniaWe were taught "Gilly Gilly. . .by the sea" in my second grade classroom by Miss Brown. She played her piano which was always in the classroom and we sang along with her, laughing as we struggled to get the name of the town right. I always enjoyed singing the song at home to Mom and my sister and brother and being proud after I learned "to pronounce it's name". For some reason I hadn't thought of or remembered the song for many years and suddenly one day it just popped back into my brain when my kids were little. I sang it to them and we all laughed as my classmates and I had so long ago. I will always remember it now and yes, I sing it to myself or anyone who will listen every now and then. I have never listened to the record. Maybe some day. . .
Andavane from Fordham It's lovely! It's in the land of my distant childhood dreams!
Ron from Melbourne, AustraliaThis is a song that brings back childhood memories

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