Monty Python's classic work is, as of this writing, still under copyright. In order that the Everthing2 community and its visitors may nonetheless appreciate at least some of the flavour of its lyrical beauty, there follows a translated excerpt from some programme notes regarding the song, written for the benefit of concert-goers with little or no knowledge of the language of Yorkshire on the occasion of a recent performance by the Hanoi Gay Men's Glee Club.
Verse 1 (Ooooh, aah'm…)
The poet speaks of his chosen profession, as a harvester of lumber, and his satisfaction with his lot. His song is taken up by the chorus, which repeats and reaffirms his statements.
Verse 2 (Ah coot…)
The poet tells of the daily cycle of toil, feasting and purification that characterises his life as a lumberjack, and of the weekly variation in it that is occasioned by his forays into the world beyond the forest. These allow for the enjoyment of minor luxuries, providing a spiritual counterpoint to the hard physical toil of his occupation. Once again, the poet's disquisition is repeated and reaffirmed by the chorus, which then returns to the theme of vocation and satisfaction.
Verse 3 (Ah coot…)
The theme of productive toil is addressed anew. The vital joy springing from the exercise of a manly profession leads the poet to express his feelings through physical revelry. He is moved by the transient beauties that surround him, and attempts to capture them in permanent form. However, the solitude of the woodsman's lot may nonetheless lead him to seek company in unconventional ways. As the chorus takes up the themes just adumbrated, its reaffirmation shades into questioning, before the underlying themes of professionalism and eudaimonia are reasserted.
Verse 4 (Ah coot…)
The world of labour is briefly touched upon before the poet treats us to a partial (or so it is to be hoped) inventory of his wardrobe. Breaking free of traditional stereotypes, he is proud to sport items that are seldom associated with his chosen occupation. In this he seeks to emulate the subversive example of his father, who affirmatively chose femininity before it was a recognised lifestyle option for a man. The chorus notes the initial reference to the poet's labour, but then loses coherence as it expresses its disapproval of the sartorial and lifestyle choices exposed. However, harmony is restored as it once again triumphantly returns to the shared values of arboricide and happiness.