Album: Unbeatable Bygraves (1954)

Charted: 7

License This Song 

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

More Songfacts:

Thinking Out LoudEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran wrote the 2014 love song "Thinking Out Loud" about his girlfriend at the time, Athina Andrelos. They split the following year, and Ed started seeing Cherry Seaborn, whom he married in 2019; songs like "Perfect" and "No Strings" are about her.

When I'm With YouSheriff

Sheriff had been disbanded for years when "When I'm With You" hit #1 in America thanks to rediscovery by radio stations. The group never re-formed and never made a video for the song.

Dancing In The DarkBruce Springsteen

Before she was famous on Friends, Courteney Cox danced on stage with Bruce Springsteen in his "Dancing In The Dark" video.

That's What Friends Are ForDionne & Friends

Elton John didn't win a Grammy until 1986, when he got one for singing on "That's What Friends Are For."

PanamaVan Halen

"Panama" by Van Halen is not about the country or the canal, but about a stripper David Lee Roth met in Arizona.

Super FreakRick James

The Temptations sang backup on "Super Freak" by Rick James. He mentions them in the song when he says, "Temptations, sing!"

Editor's Picks

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)Songwriter Interviews

The former Metallica bassist talks about his first time writing a song with James Hetfield, and how a hand-me-down iPad has changed his songwriting.

History Of RockSong Writing

An interview with Dr. John Covach, music professor at the University of Rochester whose free online courses have become wildly popular.

Gilby ClarkeSongwriter Interviews

The Guns N' Roses rhythm guitarist in the early '90s, Gilby talks about the band's implosion and the side projects it spawned.

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & FireSongwriter Interviews

The longtime bassist of Earth, Wind & Fire discusses how his band came to do a holiday album, and offers insight into some of the greatest dance/soul tunes of all-time.

Julian LennonSongwriter Interviews

Julian tells the stories behind his hits "Valotte" and "Too Late for Goodbyes," and fills us in on his many non-musical pursuits. Also: what MTV meant to his career.

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.