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Brian Song
Brian Song
Brian Song
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"Brian"
Single by Monty Python
from the album Monty Python's Life of Brian
A-side"Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" (double A-side)
Released16 November 1979
Genre
LabelWarner Bros.
Composers
  • Andre Jacquemin
  • Dave Howman
LyricistMichael Palin
Producers
  • Andre Jacquemin
  • Dave Howman
Monty Python singles chronology
"Python On Song"
(1976) 		"Brian" / "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life"
(1979) 		"I Like Chinese"
(1980)

"Brian Song" is the title song from the 1979 film Monty Python's Life of Brian.[1] It was released as a single in the UK on 16 November 1979 as a Double A side with "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life". The song, which charts the growth of the Brian character to manhood, was composed by Andre Jacquemin and Dave Howman with lyrics by Michael Palin. It was performed by sixteen-year-old Sonia Jones,[2] pastiching the vocal style of Shirley Bassey, with a string and brass accompaniment in the style of a John Barry film theme (the entire brass section was performed via extensive multitracking by John Du Prez). It is included on the Monty Python's Life of Brian album and on the CD Monty Python Sings.[3] In 2013 Martin Chilton, the culture editor for The Telegraph website, listed it as one of the five best Monty Python songs.[1]

In 2009, Jones re-recorded the song for the opening credits of the six-part documentary series Monty Python: Almost the Truth (Lawyers Cut), with altered lyrics referring to "Python" rather than "Brian". Five different versions were used for the first five episodes, with Jones sounding increasingly fed up with performing the song. On the sixth and final episode she was replaced by Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson.

References

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Brian Song

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from Grokipedia
"Brian" (also known as "Brian Song") is a written by the British surreal comedy group , with music composed by , for their 1979 Monty Python's Life of Brian. Performed by members of the troupe including , , and , the song opens the film by whimsically chronicling the birth of the protagonist Brian Cohen on the same night as , leading to mistaken identity as the . Released as a double A-side single with "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" in the on 16 November 1979 by (catalogue CBS 9458), it promoted the film's soundtrack album, which peaked at number 63 on the . The track runs approximately 2:39 in length and features orchestral elements alongside the group's signature absurd lyrics.

Background and development

Origins in Monty Python's Life of Brian

"Brian" serves as the opening for the film , introducing the protagonist Brian Cohen's birth under the same star as Christ and tracing his life through a satirical parallel that underscores his accidental entanglement with messianic expectations. The sequence visually evokes grand religious epics while the song narrates Brian's ordinary existence in an exaggerated, heroic manner, highlighting the film's core theme of amid religious fervor. Directed by , Monty Python's Life of Brian parodies biblical epics by juxtaposing historical and religious solemnity with absurd comedy, and the song establishes this mock-heroic tone from the outset, presenting Brian's mundane life—marked by teenage awkwardness and reluctant —as a grandiose saga. It mimics the style of epic film themes, such as those in openings, to contrast the Pythons' irreverent humor with the of serious religious narratives, thereby immersing audiences in the film's satirical framework immediately. The song was written specifically for the film's release, conceived during the production as a bold to launch the movie and integrate seamlessly with its storyline of comedic biblical . Principal photography occurred in from September 16 to November 12, 1978, after which the song was developed in to finalize the ahead of the film's .

Writing process

The lyrics for "Brian Song" were written by Michael Palin, who crafted them to humorously trace the protagonist's unremarkable progression from birth to maturity, culminating in an absurdly heroic portrayal that underscores the film's satirical take on messianic figures. The music was composed by André Jacquemin and David Howman, who designed it as an orchestral piece evoking the dramatic flair of James Bond theme songs, complete with sweeping strings and bold brass to amplify the ironic grandeur. A central creative decision involved Palin collaborating with the Monty Python team to parody the bombastic diva vocals popularized by in Bond films, subverting expectations of epic heroism by juxtaposing them with the song's emphasis on Brian's everyday normalcy amid surrounding chaos. Initial lyric drafts reinforced this theme by detailing mundane physical and behavioral developments, such as the acquisition of limbs and basic habits, to heighten the comedic contrast with the messianic confusion in the narrative. Terry Gilliam further shaped its integration by envisioning a title sequence in the vein of a grand religious epic, ensuring the track's "big, ballsy " style provided ironic weight to Palin's whimsical words.

Composition

Lyrics

The lyrics of "Brian Song" follow a straightforward yet repetitively emphatic structure designed to epic ballads, beginning with a simple introductory proclamation: "Brian. The babe they called ''." This sets an immediate tone of inflated significance for the character's ordinary origins, mirroring the film's overarching narrative of accidental messianic status. The verses then chronicle Brian's physical and developmental growth through mundane stages, using insistent repetition to build a sense of heroic progression, as in "He grew, grew, grew and grew / Grew up to be, yes he grew up to be / A boy called '' / A boy called ''." Subsequent lines detail banal childhood achievements, such as learning to walk, talk, and eat, rendered in grandiose phrasing that mocks the conventions of biographical odes typically reserved for legendary figures. The chorus reinforces this absurdity with variations on "This man they call Brian / The man they call Brian," evoking the rhythmic cadence of religious incantations or chants but stripped of any reverence, instead highlighting the ridiculousness of elevating an everyday individual to mythic proportions. A bridge shifts to , introducing humorous with lines like "And he started to shave / And have one off the wrist," which underscore the song's progression from infancy to through increasingly relatable, unheroic details. This escalation of normalcy— from babbling and crawling to awkward teenage discoveries—satirizes heroic biographies by contrasting epic language with prosaic life events, thereby amplifying the film's central theme of , where Brian is repeatedly confused for a savior despite his profound reluctance to embrace such a role. Through these elements, the lyrics employ escalating normalcy to emphasize Brian's desire for amid the chaos of false , poking fun at religious grandeur by reducing a purported prophet's life to a series of comically ordinary milestones. The repetitive phrasing not only builds rhythmic momentum but also parallels devotional refrains, subverting them to reveal the folly of blind hero-worship.

Musical style

The "Brian Song," the opening title track of , is styled as a of 1960s and 1970s themes, particularly evoking the dramatic flair of songs like Shirley Bassey's "Goldfinger." Composed by André Jacquemin and Dave Howman with lyrics by , it draws direct inspiration from John Barry's orchestral scores for Bond films, featuring sweeping string sections and bold brass motifs to build tension and grandeur. This extends to religious , amplifying the film's satirical take on biblical narratives through cinematic exaggeration. Instrumentation emphasizes a full orchestral , beginning with playing a rendition of "" to set a mock-heroic tone before transitioning into lush strings that create soaring swells and underlying tension. The brass section, extensively multitracked by arranger , delivers fanfares that evoke heroism and epic scale, while the overall sound incorporates elements of big-band swing for rhythmic drive, contrasting sharply with the song's mundane narrative progression. Vocals by 16-year-old mimic Bassey's powerful, sassy delivery, adding to the theme's overblown sensuality. The song follows a verse-chorus structure typical of Bond ballads, with repetitive motifs like a simple two-chord progression and rhythmic "bam bammm" pulses that accelerate the sense of epic momentum, culminating in a triumphant flourish. This build-up mirrors the film's title sequence animation by , enhancing the parody through synchronized dramatic rises. Comedic effect arises from the deliberate dissonance between the music's hyperbolic and the lyrics' banal depiction of , turning an ordinary biography into an ironically heroic saga. The over-the-top elements—such as the strings' tension-building glissandos and heroism—underscore the , forcing listeners to confront the mismatch for humorous impact without relying on verbal gags alone.

Recording and production

Performers

The lead vocals for "Brian Song" were performed by , a 16-year-old session singer at the time of recording. Jones, who had recently moved from to pursue a singing career, was selected for her distinctive and ability to deliver powerful, emotive performances. Her rendition emulated the dramatic, belting style of , evoking the grandiose flair of songs, which added a layer of satirical pomp to the track's hyperbolic lyrics about the film's protagonist. Jones's youth contributed a contrasting element of innocence to the song's over-the-top delivery, enhancing the ironic tone inherent in the production. As a rising session vocalist known for backing major pop acts in the late , her involvement marked an early highlight in a career that later included tours with artists like The Who and . The song was supported by a full , providing lush string and brass arrangements that amplified its cinematic bombast. The brass section was led by arranger , who also crafted additional musical flourishes to underscore the satirical narrative. Du Prez's contributions marked the beginning of his long-term collaboration with Monty Python member , beginning with the title music for the film. While none of the troupe provided direct vocals on the track, it integrated seamlessly with the film's , including Graham Chapman's role as the titular , whose spoken elements in the surrounding sequence complemented the song's introductory pomp.

Production details

The production of "Brian Song" was overseen by André Jacquemin and Dave Howman, who served as both composers and producers, during sessions held at in in the summer of 1979. The recording process employed multi-track layering to combine lead vocals by with orchestral elements, including string and brass sections arranged in a dramatic, film-score style reminiscent of John Barry's work. Brass overdubs were added to heighten the theatrical impact, with conducting the orchestra. Technical decisions included applying reverb to the vocals to amplify the song's epic, satirical grandeur, while the final mix—handled by engineer Garth Marshall—was carefully balanced to align precisely with the visuals of the film's opening . The project faced challenges from a tight deadline linked to the film's premiere on August 17, 1979, necessitating rapid iterations on the and to capture the movie's satirical without further delays.

Release

Single release

The single "Brian" was released on 16 November 1979 in the United Kingdom by Warner Bros. Records as a double A-side 7-inch vinyl featuring "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" on the other side. It achieved limited commercial success and did not chart on the UK Singles Chart, hampered by limited promotion amid the controversy over Monty Python's Life of Brian but supported by the group's dedicated fanbase. Marketing efforts linked the single directly to the film's UK theatrical rollout, with the sleeve artwork incorporating posters from Life of Brian, while radio airplay highlighted the track's satirical and parody elements to appeal to audiences familiar with the Python style.

Album inclusions

"Brian Song" first appeared on the Monty Python's Life of Brian original motion picture soundtrack album, released in 1979 by Warner Bros. Records, where it serves as the second track following the introduction. The song was later included in the compilation album , issued in 1989 by as a CD reissue collecting various Python musical tracks, appearing as track 15. A re-recorded version of "Brian Song" was produced in 2009 for the BBC documentary series Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut), with vocalist returning to perform adapted lyrics tailored to each of the six episodes' themes for the opening credits. The 1979 soundtrack was reissued digitally in 2006, making "Brian Song" available on platforms like , where it is often included in bundles alongside tracks from the Monty Python and the soundtrack album.

Reception and legacy

Critical reception

Brian's Song received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, praised for its emotional depth, strong performances, and restraint in handling themes of , race, and illness. On , the film holds an 85% approval rating based on 13 critic reviews, with an average score of 7.5/10. The site's consensus reads: "Buoyed by standout performances from and , Brian's Song is a touching tale of ." Critics highlighted the film's avoidance of sentimentality and its authentic portrayal of the Piccolo-Sayers relationship. A Dallas critic noted the script was "highly restrained, steering clear of overt [yet conveying] genuine affection." described it as a "guy cry flick" that earned multiple Emmys for its impactful storytelling. While some contemporary reviews, such as John J. O'Connor's in , acknowledged it added little to cinematic art but excelled as a heartfelt , it was generally regarded as one of the finest made-for-TV movies. In a 2005 readers' poll, it ranked seventh among the best "guy-cry" films.

Cultural impact

Brian's Song had a profound cultural impact, popularizing the made-for-television movie format and addressing interracial friendship and in a groundbreaking manner for television. Aired on November 30, 1971, it drew an estimated 23 million viewers, achieving a Nielsen rating of 32.9 and an audience share of 48%, making it the highest-rated TV movie of the year. The film influenced the sports movie genre, inspiring works like by emphasizing personal growth through adversity and male bonding. It was named the fifth greatest American TV movie by critic in 2016 and has been called "the definitive guy cry movie" by Filmink, blending cancer, race, football, and . The story's themes of racial harmony contributed to its enduring legacy, with a 2001 remake updating the narrative while preserving its emotional core. Additionally, it received a Peabody Award for excellence in television entertainment and was distributed to U.S. schools in 1972 for educational use.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079470/soundtrack/
  2. https://www.allmusic.com/song/brian-mt0000173164
  3. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/20698/monty-python/
  4. https://www.discogs.com/release/2480253-Monty-Python-Brian-Always-Look-On-The-Bright-Side-Of-Life
  5. https://www.montypython.com/music_MontyPythonsLifeofBrian(1979)/18
  6. http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/463571/index.html
  7. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079470/
  8. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079470/locations/?item=lc0192180
  9. https://www.montypython.com/music_Monty%20Python%27s%20Life%20of%20Brian%20%281979%29/18
  10. https://headlinerhub.com/andre-jacquemin-monty-pythons-maestro.html
  11. https://www.discogs.com/release/2307175-Monty-Python-Monty-Pythons-Life-Of-Brian-Original-Motion-Picture-Soundtrack
  12. http://pop-sheet-music.com/Files/92289824ca1b7534610d74d80458724b.pdf
  13. https://www.montypython.com/music_Monty%20Python%27s%20Life%20of%20Brian%20(1979)/18
  14. https://www.christopherfowler.co.uk/blog/music-makes-me-laugh
  15. https://screenrant.com/monty-python-flying-circus-best-songs-movies-tv/
  16. https://www.bandwidthconversations.com/sonia-jones
  17. https://thecriticaleye.me/2015/05/05/monty-python-sings/
  18. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pum0oMQN57c
  19. https://www.laphil.com/press/releases/810
  20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1SOFcJ6Of8
  21. https://www.discogs.com/release/693881-Monty-Python-Life-Of-Brian
  22. https://www.discogs.com/release/3551460-Monty-Python-Monty-Pythons-Life-Of-Brian
  23. https://www.richardgregory.org.uk/history/life-of-brian.htm
  24. https://www.discogs.com/master/540775-Monty-Python-Life-Of-Brian
  25. https://musicbrainz.org/release-group/84613f49-2be3-3d31-aa81-c6ccc4547dd1
  26. https://www.discogs.com/release/613887-Monty-Python-Life-Of-Brian
  27. https://www.discogs.com/master/58511-Monty-Python-Monty-Pythons-Life-Of-Brian-Original-Motion-Picture-Soundtrack
  28. https://www.discogs.com/release/3557283-Monty-Python-Monty-Python-Sings
  29. https://thecriticaleye.me/2015/08/01/monty-python-almost-the-truth-the-lawyers-cut/
  30. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1003076_brians_song
  31. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/guy-cry-flick-brians-song-won-emmys-1971-1227775/
  32. https://www.si.com/more-sports/2011/11/30/brians-song
  33. https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2021/11/30/brians-song-turns-50-how-classic-tv-movie-brought-tears/8719473002/
  34. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2020-09-24/gale-sayers-dead-brians-song-sports-movies-male-friendship
  35. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0289873/
  36. https://peabodyawards.com/award-profile/brians-song/
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