FOLLOWING IN FATHER'S FOOTSTEPS Written by E. W. Rogers in 1902 for Vesta Tilley. 1. To follow in your father's footsteps is a motto for each boy, And following in Father's footsteps is a thing I much enjoy. My mother caught me out one evening up the West End on the spree. She said, "Where are you going?" but I answered, "Don't ask me! CHORUS 1: "I'm following in Father's footsteps, I'm following the dear old dad. He's just in front with a fine big gal, So I thought I'd have one as well. I don't know where I'm going, but when he gets there, I'll be glad. I'm following in Father's footsteps, yes, I'm following the dear old dad." 2. Pa said that to the North of England he on business had to go. To Charing Cross he went, and there he booked, I booked first class also. I found myself that night in Paris. To the clergyman next door I answered when he said, "What are you in this gay place for?" CHORUS 2: "I'm following in Father's footsteps, I'm following the dear old dad. He's traveling now for his firm, you see, In fancy goods, it seems to me. I don't know where I'm going, but when he gets there, I'll be glad. I'm following in Father's footsteps, yes, I'm following the dear old dad." 3. At Margate with Papa, I toddled out to have a good old swim. I didn't know the proper place to bathe, so left it all to him. I found myself amongst some ladies and enjoyed it. So did Pa, Till Ma yelled, "Percy, fie! For shame!" Said I, "It's all right, Ma. CHORUS 3: "I'm following in Father's footsteps, I'm following the dear old dad. He's just out there with the fair Miss Jupp To show me how to hold girls up. I'm going to hold her next, Ma, so when he drops her, I'll be glad. I'm following in Father's footsteps, yes, I'm following the dear old dad." 4. To dinner up in town last night I went, and Pa went there as well. How many Pommery's we had, my word! I really couldn't tell. At two a.m., Pa started off for home like this, and so did I. Folks said, "Mind where you're going," but I simply made reply: CHORUS 4: "I'm following in Father's footsteps, I'm following the dear old dad. He's wobbling on in the front, you see, And 'pon my word, he's worse than me. I don't know where I'm going, but when he gets there, I'll be glad. I'm following in Father's footsteps, yes, I'm following the dear old dad." Doc
|