Bucket List Feature
Norm Macdonald – Tiny White Coffin
Late Night with Conan O'Brien · Aired Unknown
Why this bit hits
Norm Macdonald's Norm Macdonald – Tiny White Coffin, often a follow-up to his "Make a Wish" bit, is one of his most infamous and darkest comedic offerings. The premise involves a supposed children's poem about a dying child's last wish. This setup, already laden with emotional weight, immediately signals to the audience that Norm is treading into uncomfortable territory, a hallmark of his unique comedic style. The juxtaposition of a heartwarming concept with the bleak reality of the poem creates a tension that is pure Norm.
The brilliance of this bit lies in Norm's unflinching deadpan delivery. He recites the morbid poem with such solemnity and sincerity that it leaves the audience in a state of stunned disbelief, unsure whether to laugh, cringe, or simply be horrified. Conan O'Brien's reactions are, as always, integral; his visible discomfort and attempts to interject or change the subject only amplify the awkward humor. Norm's refusal to break character, even in the face of such a dark subject, forces the audience to confront the absurdity and the inherent discomfort of the joke.
This joke works by pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable humor. It's a shocking anti-joke that deliberately aims for discomfort rather than traditional laughter. The humor comes from the audaciousness of telling such a bit on live television, Norm's complete disregard for conventional taste, and the sheer audacity of the poem itself. It's a testament to his willingness to plumb the depths of human discomfort for comedic effect, proving that humor can be found even in the most unsettling places, and solidifying his reputation as a fearless and truly original comedic voice.
"In a tiny white coffin, lies a little boy's face... he wanted to be cremated, and he took up so much space."
Transcript (excerpt)
Norm: So there was this little boy, and he was dying of cancer. And he only had one wish. He wanted to meet a clown. So they got him a clown. And the clown came to the hospital, and the little boy was so happy. And the clown says, "What's your name, little boy?" And the little boy says, "Billy." And the clown says, "Well, Billy, what's your wish?" And Billy says, "I wish I could be cremated, and put in a tiny white coffin."
Conan: (shocked silence)
Norm: "In a tiny white coffin, lies a little boy's face... he wanted to be cremated, and he took up so much space."