Oo-De-Lally (Album Version) Lyrics
Roger Miller
Lyrics
Robin Hood and Little John
Walkin' through the forest
Laughin' back and forth
At what the other ne has to say
Reminiscin', this- n -thattin'
Havin' such a good time
Oo-de-lally, oo-de-lally
Golly, what a day
Never ever thinkin' there was danger in the water
They were drinkin', they just guzzled it down
Never dreamin' that a schemin' sheriff and his posse
Was a-watchin' them an gatherin' around
Robin Hood and Little John
Runnin' through the forest
Jumpin' fences, dodgin' trees
An tryin' to get away
Contemplatin' nothin'
But escape an finally makin' it
Oo-de-lally, oo-de-lally
Golly, what a day
Oo-de-lally, oo-de-lally
Golly, what a day
Song & Lyrics Facts
Oo-De-Lally is a song written by Roger Miller and released on his 1973 album, The Return of Roger Miller. It was also featured in the Disney animated film Robin Hood (1973).
This version of the song features backing vocals from the Jordanaires and was produced by Jerry Kennedy. The lyrics tell the story of Little John's journey to Nottingham with the words "Oo-de-lally, oo-de-lally, golly what a day". The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years including Giselle MacKenzie, Raffi, and Bing Crosby. The original single peaked at number ten on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. The song has become one of Miller's most popular songs and remains a staple of Disney films and theme parks today. The song has had its lyrics used in various contexts, such as being sung by characters in the movie Shrek 2 (2004) and referenced in the television series Family Guy (2005).