Lyr Req: Champagne Charlie Is My Name

Subject: Chords Add: CHAMPAGNE CHARLIE
From: Mark E
Date: 24 Dec 98 - 04:40 AM

Anybody know the complete lyrics to this "public domain" song covered by Leon Redbone in '78 or where I might find it on the web. I've looked at many lyrics sites - no luck.

Chorus:

(G)Champagne Charlie is my name
Champagne Charlie is my (D7) name
Champagne Charlie is my (Em7) name by golly
and (Am7) roguein' and (D7) stealin' is my game

a verse: (G) Well, I got drunk (C) last night and (Am7)
all the nights before (G)
ain't gonna get (Em7) drunk no more (Am7-D7)
drunk no more (G).

It's a great song!

Subject: RE: lyrics-- Champagne Charlie is my name
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 24 Dec 98 - 06:52 AM

It's not the one I remember, Mark. George Laybourne, the English Music Hall star, sang one that eventually became an add for Moet & Chandon. The chorus goes:

Champagne Charlie is my name,
Champagne Charlie is my game.
Good for any game at night, boys,
Good for any game at night, boys.
Champagne Charlie is my name,
Champagne Charlie is my game.
Good for any game at night, boys,
Who'll come and join me on the spree?

Easy to remember (I've forgotten the verses)! Tommy Trinder sang it with slightly different words in the 1930's film of the same name.

Merry Christmas,

Steve

Subject: Lyr Add: CHAMPAGNE CHARLIE (Leybourne, Lee)
From: Earl
Date: 24 Dec 98 - 02:16 PM

I don't know if Leon Redbone did all these verses and I have no idea what the P.R.F.G. game is.

Happy Holidays!

CHAMPAGNE CHARLIE
Written by George Leybourne and Alfred Lee in 1868

I've seen a deal of gaiety throughout my noisy life.
With all my grand accomplishments I ne'er could get a wife.
The thing I most excel in is the P. R. F. G. game,
A noise all night in bed all day and swimming in champagne.

CHORUS: For Champagne Charlie is my name.
Champagne Charlie is my name,
Good for any game at night, my boys,
Good for any game at night, my boys.
Champagne Charlie is my name.
Champagne Charlie is my name,
Good for any game at night, boys.
Who'll come and join me in a spree?

From coffee and from supper rooms from Poplar to Pall Mall,
The girls on seeing me exclaim, "Oh! What a champagne swell!"
The notion it is of everyone, if it were not my name,
And causing so much to be drunk, they'd never make champagne. CHORUS

The way I gained my title's by a hobby which I've got
Of never letting others pay, however long the shot.
Whoever drinks at my expense are treated all the same.
From dukes and lords to cabmen down, I make them drink champagne. CHORUS

Some epicures like burgundy, hock, claret and moselle,
But Moet's vintage only satisfies this champagne swell.
What matter if to bed I go and head is muddled thick?
A bottle in the morning sets me right and very quick. CHORUS

Perhaps you fancy what I say is nothing else but chaff,
And only done, like other songs, to merely raise a laugh.
To prove I'm not in jest, each man a bottle of cham.
I'll stand fizz round, yes, that I will, and stand it like a lamb. CHORUS

Subject: RE: lyrics-- Champagne Charlie is my name
From: Mike Billo
Date: 24 Dec 98 - 02:41 PM

It appears that there are two completely different songs named "Champagne Charlie". Sorry that I'm not able to help out on the lyrics, but I do know that the one Leon Redbone sang was originally done by '30's fingerpicking hot shot Blind Blake. Hope that helps

Subject: RE: lyrics-- Champagne Charlie is my name
From: Bobby Bob, Ellan Vannin
Date: 24 Dec 98 - 03:40 PM

Just the chorus, I'm afraid, but from a copy saying that the original words were by George Leybourne, music by Alfred Lee.

For Champagne Charlie is my name.
Champagne drinking is my game.
There's no drink as good as fizz! fizz! fizz!
I'll drink ev'ry drop there is, is, is!
All round the town it is the same.
By Pop! Pop! Pop! I rose to fame.
I'm the idol of the barmaids
And Champagne Charlie is my name.

Bobby Bob
(Isle of Man Breweries beer drinker)

Subject: RE: lyrics-- Champagne Charlie is my name
From:
Date: 24 Dec 98 - 04:02 PM

Seem to be some slightly discrepant stories of authorship. A link mentioned below describes the lyrics as being by "G.C.H.", but the music is down as for Alfred Lee.

I also spotted this first link, so thought it would be of interest. George Leybourne's daughter was married to Albert Chevalier, whose own stage career started in straight acting in 1877, but who turned to the variety stage (that developed out of the music halls) in the early 1890s. In this piece (Harvey's Song Sheet covers), it says "Leybourne Christopher's" song. However, George Leybourne seems to be the gentleman.

"Music Halls proliferated throughout the 1850s and 1860s and the most important figure was the singer. Singers, mostly male, performed quick-moving racy ditties, pertinent comments on contemporary events and the occasional sentimental ballad. They were the pop idols of their time - paid over £100 per week, provided with carriages and horses by Music Hall proprietors, idolised by audiences and saved for posterity on innumerable sheet music covers. It was said that Leybourne Christopher's 'Champagne Charlie' was subsidised by the champagne shippers to the extent of £20 a week.

The songs had specific appeal for urban audiences - often sharp, cynical and anti-authoritarian; delighting in songs which cut the new police force down to size, against income tax, the penny post, the omnibus, the aesthetic movement; songs about scandals involving public figures. During this 'golden period' of Music Hall, the wealthier patron became hooked, and his regular attendance was reflected in the form of the numbers, their subject matter (hence the countless songs on champagne and fine wine) and the costumes of the performers.

The Music Hall declined in the 1870s but not before Victorian music publishers contributed to the success of popular sheet music with the development and use of lithographic printing instead of engraving, which was an expensive process. The lithographic process meant as many as 4,000 prints could be run off before quality started to deteriorate and for the first time in the history of printing, a true reproduction of colour was achieved by careful registration and skilled workmanship, the artists themselves pooling their technical knowledge with the printers.

GEORGE LEYBOURNE had a magnificent voice, stage presence and magnetic personality combined with great elegance. This glamour was well-exploited by his manager who encouraged him to affect the full dress and manners of 'the swell' in both public and private. His best known songs include Champagne Charlie, Cool Burgundy Ben, The Flying Trapeze and Up in a Balloon."

There's another link through Berkeley which would probably yield the full lyric, but it doesn't seem to be available at the moment.

Shoh slaynt,

Bobby Bob

Subject: RE: lyrics-- Champagne Charlie is my name
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 24 Dec 98 - 04:29 PM

When I took a quick look at the Lester Levy sheet music site, I found 19 pieces of sheet music in response to a request for Champagne Charlie.

Subject: Lyr Add: MOET AND SHANDON FOR ME
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 25 Jan 04 - 08:02 PM

CHAMPAGNE CHARLIE was so popular it spawned several sequels.

From the sheet music at The Lester S. Levy Collection of Sheet Music.

(The Library of Congress American Memory Collection also has a song sheet.)

MOET AND SHANDON FOR ME: SEQUEL TO CHAMPAGNE CHARLIE.
Words, H. Hurrille. Music, George Leybourne. [no date]

What care I if the world's turned 'round?
No! let it turn and turn again.
No matter if it's upside down,
It still produces good Champagne.
Never care I how the times may go.
Oh! I oh! oh! I oh!
Moet and Shandon still drowns each woe.
Oh! I oh! I oh!

CHORUS: Champagne Charlie was my name.
Champagne-drinking gained my fame.
So, as of old when on the spree,
Moet and Shandon's the wine for me.

The people may of Paris talk,
And call that city fine and gay.
Whene'er I visit La Belle France,
Esparnay's where I make my stay,
Down on the banks where the streamlets flow.
Oh! I oh! oh! I oh!
Purple and gold do the grape-vines grow.
Oh! I oh! I oh! CHORUS

White wines are pale and have no taste.
The red indeed have too much hue.
Moselle in pleasing often fails;
Still Hock's too slow and suits but few.
Burgundy, Sherry, Greek wines, Bordeaux,
Oh! I oh! oh! I oh!
Like Port from Spain, do but taste so-so.
Oh! I oh! I oh! CHORUS

Champagne's the wine for giving toasts.
Let husbands toast their buxom wives,
Whilst lovers drink to sweethearts true,
And bachelors to married lives.
They'll not keep single for long, I know.
Oh! I oh! oh! I oh!
Bachelors by "Cham" will be turned to beaux.
Oh! I oh! I oh! CHORUS

So, come: who'll join my jolly crowd?
At midnight, we'll commence the spree.
"Hurrah for 'Cham!'" we'll shout aloud,
And laugh, and chaff, and sing with glee.
Popping of corks shall let people know,
Oh! I oh! oh! I oh!
"Cham" does as freely as water flow.
Oh! I oh! I oh! CHORUS

Subject: Lyr Add: CHAMPAGNE CHARLIE WAS HIS NAME
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 25 Jan 04 - 08:04 PM

From The Lester S. Levy Collection of Sheet Music.
(The Library of Congress American Memory Collection also has a song sheet.)

CHAMPAGNE CHARLIE WAS HIS NAME
Words, H. J. Whymark. Music, Alfred Lee. 1867.

Some time ago, I had a beau, and Charlie was his name:
A smart young fellow, fond of show, who wished my hand to claim;
But from my feet, I spurned the swell, as I will now explain:
Although he liked me very well, he better loved champagne!

CHORUS: For Champagne Charlie was his name.
Champagne Charlie was his name,
Always kicking up a frightful noise,
Always kicking up a frightful noise.
Champagne Charlie was his name.
Champagne Charlie was his name,
Kicking up a row, at night, boys,
And always ready for a spree.

One moment still he couldn't rest. He passed whole nights and days
In drinking Madame Cliquot's best, and smoking Henry Clays.
Then, to bed he'd homeward go, with wild disordered brain.
He'd lay it to his studies, though I knew 'twas to champagne! CHORUS

He promised me, of times a score, that he the pledge would take,
But acted just like many more, and soon his word did break.
Yes, if for one half-day complete, from drink he could abstain,
He'd go and resolution treat to his revered champagne! CHORUS

He was an artist, in his way; drew herons, cranes and storks;
Yet for all that, he passed the day in simply drawing corks.
Though he'd a palette for his paints, to use it he'd not deign,
Because he'd, like some other saints, a palate for champagne! CHORUS

His cash did quickly disappear, which did not well suit me,
For champagne's dear. Had he drank beer, things different now would be.
I might have been his slave for life, but now 'tis all in vain,
For how can he require a wife, when wedded to champagne? CHORUS

Subject: Lyr Add: BOURBON BOB (CHAMPAGNE CHARLIE'S BROTHER)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 25 Jan 04 - 08:08 PM

From The Lester S. Levy Collection of Sheet Music:

BOURBON BOB (CHAMPAGNE CHARLIE'S BROTHER)
Words, Saul Ser-trew. Music, Rollin Howard. 1869.

Of all the chaps I ever saw, so jolly and so gay,
I sing of one could give you points and beat you ev'ry day.
He dressed himself in gorgeous style, and when a friend he'd meet,
From drinks he never would back out, although he would retreat.

CHORUS: Oh! Yes he was gay and nobby.
They called him Bourbon Bobby.
Like a gay and festive sporter, he spent his money free,
And none in town could take him down on a jolly jamboree.

He used to carry lots of stamps, no matter where he went,
And if he knew a friend was poor, he'd give him ev'ry cent.
He was the pet of all the girls and kept the latest hours.
The reason why he talked so sweet, he lived on bourbon sours. CHORUS

He always smoked the best cigars no matter what the cost.
He played at Keno like a man and paid up when he lost.
At dinner when he took his seat, he took his little nip.
Whenever trouble troubled him, he always let her rip. CHORUS

He sat behind the fastest nag of any on the road.
I tell you what: he always threw three aces when he throwed.
In every gay accomplishment, the boy was most complete.
Although quite "reddish" in the nose, he never was a "beat." CHORUS

Oh, now I end my little song about this gay old sport,
Who, though he practiced at the bar, yet never was in court.
And so he led a jolly life wherever he might be,
And just the happy lad to meet upon a jamboree! CHORUS

Subject: RE: lyrics-- Champagne Charlie is my name
From: masato sakurai
Date: 25 Jan 04 - 08:17 PM

From Bodleian Library Broadside Ballads:

champagne chalie [sic] [title]

champagne charlie [title]

champagne charlie is my name [title]

Subject: RE: lyrics-- Champagne Charlie is my name
From: Billy Weeks
Date: 26 Jan 04 - 06:47 AM

Not much to add to Earl's and Bobby Bob's detailed contributions.   I have the original sheet music with the lively character portrait of George Leybourne (where did Christopher come in?) on the cover. Kilgarriff's great index ('Sing Us Oneof the Old Songs') credits Leybourne and Lee with the original 1866 version, but nearly all really popular music halls songs (and this was easily the biggest hit of its time) spawned parodies, 'replies' and 'ladies versions' , so different authors and dates will, inevitably, be found.

The version with 'fizz, fizz, fizz' was a rewrite for Cavalcanti's 1944 film of the same name.

Subject: RE: lyrics-- Champagne Charlie is my name
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 27 Jan 04 - 09:32 PM

Here's another verse from the song sung by Blind Blake. (Leon Redbone sings something very similar, but he mumbles a lot.):

I went down to Louisville and I ain't been there before.
And a great big bully knocked me down and I betn't (?) go back no more.
Champagne Charlie is my name.
Champagne Charlie is my name.
Champagne Charlie is my name, by golly,
An' roguin' an' stealin' is my game.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Champagne Charlie Is My Name
From: GUEST,sabrina
Date: 25 Sep 05 - 12:09 PM

I'm curious...does anyone know that the meaning of the acronym P R F G game means in this song?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Champagne Charlie Is My Name
From: Billy Weeks
Date: 25 Sep 05 - 12:51 PM

My friend, the late John Stanton, music hall historian, said that it meant 'private rooms for gentlemen' and I found this convincing. The earliest music halls (c 1840s to 60s), which had more of the character of barrooms than theatres, were normally attached to pubs, which had often acquired adjoining houses so as to build a big supper-room style hall across the united back land.

This meant that the front building tended to be an agglomeration of linked houses with a warren of rooms and passages. The publican had plenty of scope to let rooms for private functions, masonics and so on - and to provide... 'private rooms for gentlemen' where a music hall patron with coin to spare could retire with a companion for a quiet meal tete-a-tete, with reasonable certainty that there would be no interruption while the peace was preserved.

Arrangements of this kind have led to a common supposition that most early music halls were thinly disguised brothels. They were not. Prostitutes were evident in all music halls and some of the earliest of them certainly had friendly arrangements with neighbouring knocking shops, but no proprietor who had spent a great deal of money in building a hall, employing staff and engaging stage talent would have imperilled his licence by going down this path. 'Private rooms for gentlemen' may have been places of assignation and no doubt many an item of clothing was disturbed after supper, but the key word was 'private'.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Champagne Charlie Is My Name
From: GUEST,me
Date: 26 Jun 08 - 07:26 PM

pure rum for game

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Champagne Charlie Is My Name
From: Mr Happy
Date: 27 Jun 08 - 06:30 AM

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ2yuw1IN5Y

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Champagne Charlie Is My Name
From: GUEST,Sabrina
Date: 09 Nov 08 - 12:06 PM

It's been a few years since visiting this page, but thanks for the explanation of PRFG game :)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Champagne Charlie Is My Name
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 10 Nov 08 - 02:11 PM

"Pure rum for game" sounds rather doubtful, since the only place Google finds that phrase is in this very thread.

Besides, it still doesn't make sense without further explanation.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Champagne Charlie Is My Name
From: SPB-Cooperator
Date: 10 Nov 08 - 02:15 PM

I have the sheet music of two versions that were published at the time and have come across a shanty fragment in the Carpenter collection - Limejuice Tommy is my Name

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Champagne Charlie Is My Name
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 10 Nov 08 - 02:50 PM

Catfish Keith does a really nice version of the song the OP was interested in, and he's touring the UK at the moment:

http://www.catfishkeith.com/tourdates.htm


really enjoyable performer.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Champagne Charlie Is My Name
From: GUEST,chris
Date: 10 Nov 09 - 07:54 PM

Thank you so much to Billie Weeks for providing an explanation of P.R.F.G. It was driving me mad not knowing and I could find nothing on internet searches to go on. It makes sense that such rather taboo activity as prostitution in disguise would have been hidden in a sort of code form.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Champagne Charlie Is My Name
From: GUEST,S. Costa
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 10:54 PM

I heard Leon Redbone sing "Champagne Charlie" many years ago on "Saturday Night Live". I swear I heard him sing one verse that has been censored in the recording releases. He sang.."I got drunk last night, and the night before, ain't gonna get drunk no more and I ain't gonna pee on the floor". I can't verify this, but if someone could dig up the recording of him on Saturday Night Live from circa 1978, I think this is what he sang.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Champagne Charlie Is My Name
From: GUEST,GUEST, Christopher Beeching
Date: 04 Apr 11 - 02:08 PM

With regards PRFG game - Volume I of my just published [March 2011] biography of George Leybourne [title - The Heaviest of Swells] has another explanation of the letters, for which I have found proof in print.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Champagne Charlie Is My Name
From: GUEST,Christopher Beeching
Date: 04 Apr 11 - 02:14 PM

Here's the link to my George Leybourne biography for anyone who is interested: Champagne Charlie, George Leybourne

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Champagne Charlie Is My Name
From: GUEST,Christopher Beeching
Date: 04 Apr 11 - 02:18 PM

Apologies - the above link does not work - my fault for being a non-techie! Try - www.heaviestofswells.com

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Champagne Charlie Is My Name
From: Billy Weeks
Date: 05 Apr 11 - 05:33 AM

Christopher Beeching's 'The Heaviest of Swells' is highly recommended (by me, of course!) as the best researched, best illustrated and most astonishingly comprehensive biography of a great music hall singer so far attempted. Essential for anyone interested in the early music hall, it covers the 'classic' period, 1860s to 80s, well before the final flowering in the 1890s and early 1900s. And if you doubt my assessment of its comprehensiveness, take aboard the fact that this is called 'Volume 1'!

Beeching is an accomplished performer, whose presentation of George Leybourne's songs bring the man and the period to life. I beg leave to doubt (just a bit) his new explanation of 'PRFG', attractive though it is, but that's an unimportant 'by the way'.

What we need now is an equally detailed account of Harry Clifton and his songs.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Champagne Charlie Is My Name
From: GUEST, Sminky
Date: 05 Apr 11 - 07:37 AM


The Greatest and Newest
Comic Songs, All Illustrated

"Champagne Charlie" (Leybourne)

London: C.SHEARD, 192, High Holborn


Era Magazine, Sept 30, 1866

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Champagne Charlie Is My Name
From: Jack Campin
Date: 06 Apr 11 - 06:50 AM

Another thread on this:

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=125965