THEY WON'T KNOW I COME FROM THE COUNTRY

I've lived in the country all my life,
And I ain't got a chick nor a wife.
But I be a-goin' to London town next week
For the first time in my life.
I've heard talk about those rogues and thieves
They've got up London town:
When a fellow goes up from the country
Oh, they always takes him down

But they won't know I come from the country, no
Their little game I'll spoil.
I've bought these togs and the tailors say
They're the latest London style.
I've learned to talk like a Cockney
I can say "What ho!, not 'arf!"
But they won't know I comes from the country, no.
[laughter]
That's what makes I laugh

I'll go the Tower of London
That's where the Queen lives, so they say.
And of course I'll go to the Haymarket:
I'm a rare good judge of hay.
I'll see Piccadilly Circus,
For a circus show's all right
And I'll see those lovely performances
They have there every night.

But they won't know I come from the country, no
When for a stroll I go,
I'll wear my hat on the side like this
And I'll swing my stick like so
If a policeman says "Move on, there"
I shall say "What ho!, not 'arf!"
But they won't know I comes from the country, no.
[laughter]
That's what makes I laugh

Sung by Tom Smith on the Veteran cassette Many a Good Horseman