This is how it was taught to me by my dad in the 1950s. He grew up in Newcastle NSW Australia in the 30s

When I was a nipper and a tiny lad
I had an awful fright
Our house caught fire one night
my face went chalky white
I was bundled down the fire escape
without the slightest fuss
The fireman came and turned the hose
right on top of us
Right in the middle of the road
Right in the middle of the road
There was Pa ,half undressed
lying in the gutter with a mangle on his chest
and oh those flames ,what a wonderful picture show
Mother had a bath in the washing basin
Right in the middle of the road......