Working on the site from morning till night,
That’s livin’ alright, that’s livin’ alright.
Then a pint with the boys in a bar full of noise,
That’s livin’ alright, that’s livin’ alright.
Working all day for a pittance of pay,
Then blow it all on Saturday night.
And you kiss the dames, but you don’t ask their names,
That’s livin’ alright.
Working in the sun, drinking schnapps, having fun,
That’s livin’ alright, that’s livin’ alright.
Then a night in the town, spreadin’ it around,
That’s livin’ alright, that’s livin’ alright.
Working all day for a packet of pay,
And send a little back to the wife.
Still you keep a little here just to keep you in beer,
That’s livin’ alright.
Yeah, you play the game, then it’s Auf Wiedersehen,
That’s livin’ alright.
Telling the lie with a glint in your eye,
‘Cause tomorrow you’ll be back on the site.
And you kiss the dames, but you don’t ask their names,
That’s livin’ alright.
Yeah, you play the game, then it’s Auf Wiedersehen,
That’s livin’ alright.
(That’s livin’ alright…)
Original Opening Credits
The Anthem of the Expat Builder
The Auf Wiedersehen, Pet theme song, titled “That’s Livin’ Alright,” was performed by Joe Fagin. It became an instant hit, reaching number 3 in the UK Singles Chart in 1984. The song captures the essence of Thatcher-era Britain, where high unemployment drove skilled tradesmen to find work in West Germany. The lyrics perfectly balance the hardship of manual labor with the camaraderie and hedonism of life away from home.
The show followed seven builders from different parts of the UK—most notably the Geordie trio of Dennis, Oz, and Neville—as they lived in a hut on a building site in Düsseldorf. The series was praised for its authentic dialogue (penned by the legendary Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais) and its exploration of class, masculinity, and friendship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “Auf Wiedersehen, Pet” mean?
“Auf Wiedersehen” is German for “Goodbye” or “Until we meet again.” “Pet” is a common term of endearment in North East England (Tyneside), reflecting the Geordie roots of the main characters.
Was there more than one theme song?
Joe Fagin actually provided two songs for the first series: “That’s Livin’ Alright” (the upbeat opening theme) and “Breakin’ Away” (the more melancholy closing theme). Both were released together as a single.
How many series were made?
There were four series in total. The first two aired on ITV in the 1980s, and the show was revived for two more series and a special on the BBC in the early 2000s.
Who played the iconic character Oz?
The loud-mouthed, fiercely patriotic character Oz was played by Jimmy Nail, whose performance turned him into a major UK television star.
