Ob La Di, Ob La Da – Marmalade

About the Song

Few songs capture the carefree spirit of the 1960s quite like “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” by Marmalade. This infectious track, originally penned by Paul McCartney and recorded by The Beatles for their White Album, found new life in Marmalade’s vibrant rendition, which brought it mainstream chart success in 1968. With its sunny disposition, playful lyrics, and irresistible rhythm, Marmalade’s version became an anthem of joy and resilience, standing out as one of the era’s most memorable pop hits.

Marmalade, a Scottish pop-rock band, was known for their knack for turning great songs into chart-topping hits. Their cover of “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” soared to the top of the UK Singles Chart, making them the first Scottish band to achieve this milestone. While The Beatles’ version carried a certain quirky charm, Marmalade injected the track with a fresh energy, emphasizing its reggae-inspired beats and feel-good vibe. The band’s crisp harmonies and upbeat instrumentation gave the song an accessibility that made it a favorite among fans of all ages.

The song itself tells a whimsical story about Desmond and Molly Jones, a couple navigating the ups and downs of life with humor and love. Its lyrics, though simple, resonate with their universal message of perseverance and finding happiness in the everyday. The refrain, “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, life goes on, bra!” became a cultural mantra for moving forward, no matter the challenges.

Marmalade’s success with “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” helped establish their place in pop history and remains one of their most celebrated achievements. The track’s lively tempo and cheerful mood make it a timeless classic, one that continues to light up playlists and bring smiles to listeners worldwide. For anyone seeking a reminder that life’s trials are best faced with a bit of humor and a catchy tune, this song is the perfect pick-me-up.

Video

Lyrics: “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da”

Ob-la-di, ob-la-da, life goes on, whoa
La, la, how the 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 the life goes on
Ob-la-di, ob-la-da, life goes on, whoa
La, la, how the life goes on”

Desmond takes a trolley to the jeweler store
Buys a twenty carat golden ring
Takes it back to Molly waiting at the door
And as he gives it to her she begins to sing

“Ob-la-di, ob-la-da, life goes on, whoa
La, la, how the life goes on
Ob-la-di, ob-la-da, life goes on, whoa
La, la, how the 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 her pretty face
And in the evening she still sings it with the band

“Ob-la-di, ob-la-da, life goes on, no
La, la, how the life goes on
Ob-la-di, ob-la-da, life goes on, whoa
La, la, how the 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 she’s a singer with the band

“Ob-la-di, ob-la-da, life goes on, whoa
La, la, how the life goes on
Ob-la-di, ob-la-da, life goes on, whoa
La, la, how the life goes on”

And if you want some jam
Say ob-la-di-bla-da, hey!