Oliver! (musical cast recording) comes from the hit musical written by Lionel Bart, based on Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist.
The original West End Production opened in 1960, and its cast recording quickly became popular for its catchy and memorable songs like “Consider Yourself” and “Food, Glorious Food.”
The success of the stage show led to a Tony Award for Best Original Score and multiple successful cast recordings, including the acclaimed 1963 Broadway cast album.
The songs from Oliver! Continue to be performed worldwide, loved for their lively tunes and sing-along appeal. The musical’s recordings have played a big part in keeping its songs popular across generations.
About the Song
“It’s a Fine Life” from Oliver! is a lively song about making the best of tough times.
Sung with energy, it shows characters enjoying life despite their hardships. The tune is catchy and fun to sing. It remains a favorite from the musical for its playful style.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Released | 1960 (West End Production) |
| Album | Oliver! (Original London Cast Recording) |
| Writers | Lionel Bart |
| Producers | Original production team (West End Cast Recording) |
Lyrics of Its a Fine Life
NANCY (spoken)
Plummy and slam!
FAGIN (spoken)
Nancy! Wake up boys! The ladies is ‘ere
DODGER (spoken)
Ladies?! Cor! ‘Ark at him!
NANCY (spoken)
‘Ere, we’ll have less of that if you don’t mind!
‘Ere, so where’s the gin, then, Fagin?
FAGIN (spoken)
All in moderation, my dear, all in moderation
Too much gin can be a dangerous thing for a pure, young girl
NANCY
Ooh, and what’s wrong with a bit of danger then, eh, Mr. Fagin ?
After all it’s about the only excitement we get
And who would deny us that small pleasure?
Small pleasures, small pleasures
Who would deny us these?
Gin toddies large measures
No skimpin’ if you please!
I rough it, I love it
Life is a game of chance
I never tire of it —
Leading this merry dance
If you don’t mind having to go without things
It’s a fine life
ALL
It’s a fine life
NANCY
Tho’ it ain’t all jolly old pleasure outings…
It’s a fine life
ALL
It’s a fine life
NANCY
When you got someone to love
You forget your cares and strife
Let the prudes look down on us
Let the wide world frown on us
It’s a fine
ALL
Fine life!
NANCY (spoken)
Ain’t that right, Bet? Go on, you tell ’em girl
BET
Who cares if straightlaces
Sneer at us in the street?
Fine airs and fine graces
NANCY
Don’t have to sin to eat
BOTH
We wander through London
NANCY
Who knows what we may find?
BOTH
There’s pockets left undone
On many a behind
NANCY
If you don’t mind taking it as it turns out
It’s a fine life!
ALL
It’s a fine life!
NANCY
Keep the candle burning until it burns out
It’s a fine life
ALL
It’s a fine life
NANCY
Though you sometimes do come by
The occasional black eye
You can always cover one
‘Til he blacks the other one
But you don’t dare cry
BET
No flounces, no feathers
No frills and furbelows
All winds and all weathers
Ain’t good for fancy clo’es
NANCY
That’s true
These trappings
BET
These ta’ers
BOTH
These we can just afford
NANCY
What future?
BET
What ma’ers?
BOTH
We’ve got our bed and board
NANCY
If you don’t mind having to deal with Fagin
It’s a fine life!
ALL
It’s a fine life!
NANCY
Though diseased rats threaten to bring the plague in
It’s a fine life!
ALL
It’s a fine life!
NANCY
But the grass is green and dense
On the right side of the ‘fence’
BOTH
And we take good care of it
That we get our share of it
And we don’t mean pence
No! If you don’t mind having to like or lump it…
It’s a fine life
ALL
It’s a fine life!
NANCY
Tho’ there’s no tea-sipping and eating crumpet
It’s a fine life!
ALL
It’s a fine life!
NANCY
Not for me, the happy home
Happy husband, happy wife
Tho’ it sometimes touches me
For the likes of such as me
Mine’s a fine
ALL
Fine life!
Similar Songs Like Its’ a Fine Life
Here are some similar songs from the musical that share its lively energy and playful tone:
- Oom-Pah-Pah: A fun and bold pub-style number, filled with energy and playful lyrics, much like It’s a Fine Life.
- I’d Do Anything: It’s a sweet and spirited tune about loyalty and fun promises carried by a joyful group performance.
- Be Back Soon: A lively farewell song sung by Fagin and his boys, filled with cheeky charm and catchy lines.
- Pick a Pocket or Two: This playful song teaches survival tricks. Its bouncy rhythm and clever lyrics echo the style of It’s a Fine Life.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does It’s a Fine Life Happen in Oliver!?
The song appears early in the musical, after Oliver meets Fagin’s gang, giving insight into their daily life.
Is It’s a Fine Life a Solo or Group Song?
It is a lively group song, mainly sung by Nancy with chorus support, bringing energy and humor to the scene.
Does It’s a Fine Life Appear In the Film Version of Oliver!?
Yes, it is featured in the 1968 film adaptation of Oliver! as one of the key musical numbers.
