I have left out a lot of patter from this transcription. It mainly establishes a military marching context. There are shouts of “Hey, I’ve got one,” and “Let the drummer have a go” and so on.


SHE WAS ONLY SOMEBODY’S DAUGHTER
Words and music by the Western Brothers (Kenneth & George), ©1932.
As recorded by Billy Cotton & His Band – found on YouTube

INTRO: Here’s a song for you to sing at morning and night.
Here’s a song for you to sing; you must get it right.
All about a sweetie who has strayed from the nest.
Listen to this ditty and imagine the rest:

1. She was only a corporal’s daughter (3x)
But now she’s an officer’s mess.

CHORUS: No wonder Dad was angry; no wonder he was wild.
She never had no mother, poor little orphan child.

2. She was only a busman’s daughter (3x)
But she never knew when to stop.

3. She were only a butcher’s daughter (3x)
But how this makes her chops(?).

4. She was only a drummer’s daughter (3x)
But she was always on the tap.

5. She was only a greengrocer’s daughter (3x)
But she gave ‘em raspberries too.

6. She was only a fisherman’s daughter (3x)
But she lost her plaice, poor sole.

7. She was only a sergeant’s daughter (3x)
But she never shouted “halt!”

8. She’s only a barber’s daughter (3x)
She’d do anything for a bob.

9. She was only a bookie’s daughter (3x)
But she came home at five to four.

10. She was only a poet’s daughter (3x)
But she said she wasn’t averse.

11. She was only a photographer’s daughter (3x)
But look you! She was overexposed.

CODA: Please don’t throw stones at her.
She’s only an orphan child.