About the song
The Marmalade, a Scottish pop band, have left an indelible mark on the music scene with their infectious melodies and upbeat energy. One of their most iconic songs, “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da”, released in 1968, is a vibrant cover of the Beatles’ classic.
The Marmalade’s version of “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” retains the playful, upbeat spirit of the original while infusing it with their own distinctive style. Their rich harmonies and spirited arrangement make the song a joy to listen to. The song’s lyrics tell a light-hearted story about a couple, Desmond and Molly Jones, and their everyday life, emphasizing the idea that “life goes on” despite the ups and downs.
Upon its release, “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” quickly captured the public’s imagination, achieving significant commercial success. It reached number one on the UK Singles Chart, a testament to its widespread appeal and the band’s popularity at the time. The single’s success was a highlight in Marmalade’s career, helping to cement their place in the pantheon of classic pop music.
While the song may not have achieved the same level of impact in the United States as it did in the UK, it remains a cherished piece of Marmalade’s musical catalog. Its playful and upbeat nature continues to resonate with audiences, offering a nostalgic reminder of the 1960s pop era.
In summary, Marmalade’s “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” stands as a vibrant testament to the band’s ability to bring a fresh, enthusiastic energy to classic tunes. Its success on the UK charts and enduring popularity reflect the timeless appeal of the song and the band’s contribution to the era’s pop music scene.
Video
Lyrics
Ob-La-Di, ob-La-Da
Life goes on, whoa
La, la how their life goes on
Desmond has a barrow in the marketplace
Molly is the singer in a band
Desmond says to Molly girl I like your face
And Molly says this as she takes him by the hand
Ob-La-Di, ob-La-Da
Life goes on, whoa
La, la how their life goes on
Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da
Life goes on, whoa
La, la how their life goes on
Desmond takes the trolley to the jewellers store
Buys a twenty carat golden ring
Takes it back to Molly waiting at the door
And as she gives it to him she begins to sing
Ob-La-Di, ob-La-Da
Life goes on, whoa
La, la how their life goes on
Ob-La-Di, ob-La-Da
Life goes on, whoa
La, la how their life goes on
In a couple of years they have built a home sweet home
With a couple of kids running in the yard
Of Desmond and Molly Jones
Happy ever after in the marketplace
Desmond lets the children lend a hand
Molly stays at home and does his pretty face
And in the evening he still sings it with the band
Ob-La-Di, ob-La-Da
Life goes on, whoa
La, la how their life goes on
Ob-La-Di, ob-La-Da
Life goes on, whoa
La, la how their life goes on
In a couple of years they have built a home sweet home
With a couple of kids running in the yard
Of Desmond and Molly Jones (Desmond and Molly)
Happy ever after in the marketplace
Molly lets the children lend a hand
Desmond stays at home and does his pretty face
And in the evening he’s the singer with the band
Ob-La-Di, ob-La-Da
Life goes on, whoa
La, la how their life goes on
Ob-La-Di, ob-La-Da
Life goes on, whoa
La, la how their life goes on
And if you want some jam
Sing Ob-La-Di, bla-da, hey