Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

"Always Look on the Bright Side of Life"
1991 7-inch reissue artwork
Single by Monty Python
from the album Monty Python's Life of Brian soundtrack
A-side"Brian"
Released16 November 1979
Recorded1979
StudioChappell Studios Bond Street – Friar Park, Henley-On-Thames
GenreComedy music
Length3:23
LabelVirgin
Songwriter(s)Eric Idle
Producer(s)
  • Andre Jacquemin
  • Dave Howman
Monty Python singles chronology
"Python On Song"
(1976)
"Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" / "Brian"
(1979)
"I Like Chinese"
(1980)

"Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" is a comedy song written by Monty Python member Eric Idle that was first featured in the film Monty Python’s Life of Brian and has gone on to become a common singalong at public events such as football matches as well as funerals.

Written in the British music hall tradition, the song touches on stoicism and the "stiff upper lip" spirit in the face of adversity, so often associated with British people. It became immensely popular, reaching No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart in 1991. Idle performed the song live to a global audience at the 2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony during the one-hour symphony of British Music segment.