Lyr/Tune Req: Any Old Iron? (Harry Champion)

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Any old iron?
From: GUEST,Newbie
Date: 22 Jan 08 - 03:51 PM

Ok, I've never used a forum site before so forgive me if this is posted in the wrong place or anything.

I am trying to find the words to 'cover it over quick'. I was brought up on chas n dave which might not be quite the same as proper music hall but it has left me with an interest and a desire to hear more from the original artists.

Any help would be appreciated.

I get the impression that Harry Champion was a big influence and I do like that quick, tongue twisty style of delivery - if anyone can recommend other music hall greats I'd be grateful.

Ta.

Subject: music hall
From: GUEST,Laurie
Date: 06 Apr 08 - 11:10 AM

Can anyone help me with this one Vesta Tilly used to sing a song with the words "Off went the van with me home packed in it, I need to know what the tune is.

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Any old iron?
From: goatfell
Date: 06 Apr 08 - 11:15 AM

it's an old BRITISH MUSIC HALL SONG NOT UNLESS LONDON WAS TRAVELED TO IRELAND

Subject: RE: Vesta Tilly
From: GUEST,Edhat1
Date: 25 Feb 09 - 10:01 AM

Hi, i wonder if anybody can direct me to a Vesta Tilly song called
'I've a bit of a blighty one' OR I'm glad I'va bit of a blighty one. need the words urgently, and cannot find it when googled. Cheers.

Subject: Lyr Add: ANY OLD IRON? (Harry Champion, WW2 era)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 31 Jan 11 - 01:07 PM

This is obviously not the original recording from 1911, but an extended version from the WW2 era. You can hear it at YouTube:


ANY OLD IRON
(Original words and music by Chas. Collins, E.A. Terry & Fred Terry.)
As sung by Harry Champion.

1. Oh, just a couple of weeks ago my poor old Uncle Bill,
Went and kicked the bucket and he left me in his will.
The other night I popped around to see my Auntie Jane.
Auntie said, "Your Uncle left to you his watch and chain."
I put it on right across my vest.
Thought I looked a dandy as it dangled on my chest.
Just to flash it off a bit, I walked around about.
A lot of kiddies followed me and all began to shout—

CHORUS: "Any old iron? Any old iron?
Any, any, any old iron?
You look neat. Talk about a treat!
You look a dapper from your napper to your feet.
Dressed in style, with a brand-new tile,
And your father's old green tie on.
I wouldn't give you tuppence for your old watch chain.
Old iron, old iron."

2. I shan't forget when I got married to Selena Brown.
The way the people laughed at me, it made me feel a clown.
I began to wonder when the dial began to crack,
If by mistake I'd got my Sunday trousers front to back.
I put the chain on my Darby Kell,
The sun was shining on it; it made me look a swell.
The organ started playing, the bells began to ring,
My chain began to rattle, and the choir began to sing— CHORUS.

RECITED:
Now, ladies and gentlemen:
I love the place where I was born. That's good old Bethnal Green
I'm what you call a Britisher. I love my king and queen.
But now we've got some trouble on with Jerry once again
Let us do just what we are told to uphold England's name
We've got the men, the pluck and the courage, too
I'm speaking on behalf of every mother's son of you
Give old England all you can. Be generous and kind,
And before you go to bed tonight, just see if you can find—

SUNG:
Any old iron? Any old iron?
Any, any, any old iron?
An old iron pot, an old iron cot,
An old iron bicycle or anything you've got,
An old iron plate, an old iron grate,
Your mother used to fry on,
And I'm going to let my country have my old watch chain.
Old iron, old iron!