Well, Mudcat being originally a lyrics Website, many of us are interested in the lyrics. If you find a song that interests you, please consider posting it here. I found a broadside at the Bodleian Library:
THE MIDNIGHT RANGER
(as sung by Sam Bagnall)
I'm a boy that's fond of a midnight lark,
Some folks call me a gay young spark;
The reason is my deeds are dark,
And they call me the midnight ranger!
Music pealing, oft revealing,
O'er my senses softly stealing,
Gas lamps burning, home returning,
Just before the break of day.
CHORUS
Rollicking about on a starlight night,
Tickling the girls is my soul's delight,
I'm going to be married to the "Woman in White,"
And I really believe she's an angel.
Shouting and bawling with might and main,
Wetting our gills with bright champagne;
I never have a loss, it's always gain,
I find, for the midnight ranger.
Organs grinding, purses finding,
Hats all batter'd, torn or lost,
Umbrellas, drunken fellows;
To the Station, fines and costs.
Each pal I have is a gay young spark,
And good for a spree, when the night is dark;
Our howling makes the watch dogs bark,
And we laugh to scorn all danger.
Pebbles flinging, homeward singing,
Wrenching knockers, ringing bells;
Shutters marking, peelers chaffing,
Laughing and larking with the girls.
T. Pearson, Printer, 4 & 6, Chadderton St., Oldham Road, Manchester
Parts of the text at Bodleian are not very legible.
The one at The Full English is much more legible, but I'm still not sure of the word "shutters" in the penultimate line of the last verse. Am I right? Not that the Full English text leaves out some words in the second line of the last verse.
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sj
