When Bert's Not Here

Written by	Joe Raposo
Date	1985
Publisher	Jonico Music, Inc.
First	Episode 2208

"When Bert's Not Here" is a Sesame Street song sung by Ernie.

Ernie has trouble going to sleep, because Bert went to attend a pigeon festival with Bernice the Pigeon, and he sings about how lonely he feels when Bert is not around, and what usually happens around him as a result. At the end of the song, Ernie feels better from expressing his feelings and peacefully falls asleep.

A montage of various clips from Ernie and Bert sketches plays at the song's bridge, including Bert teaching checkers to Bernice, Ernie "friend-watching" Bert, Ernie planning for a flood, and "But I Like You."

Non-Muppet performances

• Justin Hayford covered the song on his 2001 album A Rare Find: Forgotten Gems from the American Popular Songbook.

Notes

• This segment was directed by Richard Hunt and was taped on January 2, 1986.

Releases

Video

• Playtime with Ernie (2005)

Publications

• The Sesame Street Songbook (1992 edition only)

See also

• Ernie and Bert songs