^^EE WHEN I WERE A LAD
As sung by Keith Hancock on "This World We Live In" (1984)

CHORUS: Ee, when I were a lad, the times they were bad,
But not quite as bad as when me dad were a lad.
When me dad were a lad, it were nearly as bad
As when me dad's dad were a lad.

1. Oh, how often we say that the kids of today
Don't know what real hardship is!
Now when I were a lad, that's what I got from me dad,
And I'll bet that's what he got from his;
For in me dad's day, they were all on low pay.
His mother had nowt in her purse,
And when she were a lass, there were even less brass,
And things were a bloody sight worse.

2. In the days long gone by, all the summers were dry.
The kids ran around in bare feet,
And the sun got so hot all your cares were forgot,
And it melted the tar in the street.
Yes, the sun got so strong and the summers so long—
Twelve month it were all that we had—
But once more I'll say: you are lucky today,
'Cos, my, how the winters were bad!

3. Now, when I were quite small, we had no fears at all.
You could walk round the street late at night.
If you met someone else all alone like yourself,
You'd smile and you'd wish 'em goodnight.
It's not safe anymore; if you step through your door,
Then someone will kick in your brains.
When we were young, we had flair and we always fought fair
With flick knives and bicycle chains.

4. When me granddad were born, longer dresses were worn.
A girl had to cover her skin,
And an ankle or more no man ever saw,
'Cept the butler when his luck were in.
Now their chests are on view to me and to you
Every year when you walk on the beach.
In the warm open air, young girls everywhere
Show parts even lager can't reach.


Jack