If Snuffy has the same recording that I have (on a CD of music hall songs called "Music Hall Memories"), it was Lily Morris. (Castling, 7 June 1929. Unpublished).

If I've transcribed the words correctly they're as follows:


I'm slavey at a small hotel they call the Travellers Rest
I like the missus very well but I like the master best
Although I'm only 20 and he's nearly 63
I'd do anything for him and he'd do anything for me.

Why does he follow me about?
And wait up for me when it's my night out?
Why? Because he loves me
Why does he make my wages more?
And squeeze me behind the scullery door?
Why? Because he loves me.
He's rather short and fat and got no teeth or hair
And he's a bit knock-kneed but I don't care
Why does he help me shell the peas?
And stick a fork in the sausages?
Why? Because he loves me.

We go to Blackpool every year for weekends by the sea
I tell folks he's my uncle 'cos it pleases him d'you see
The missus hires a company chair and listens to the band
While we sit on the shingle there and hold each other's hand.

Why does he take me out to swim
And when I fall lets me fall on him?
Why? Because he loves me.
Why does he bob me up and down
And hold me tightly in case I drown?
Why? Because he loves me.
If I let go his hand when we are in the blue
His knock knees shake and he don't know what to do
Why does he give my arm a smack
And teaches me to float on my back?
Why? Because he loves me.

I got ten pounds a year to start, now I get twenty four
I've only got to smile at him and I get ten bob more
His left-off clothes he gives to me to sell to Ikey Moe
But I iron 'em out and give them to a soldier that I know.

Why does he rise each morn at four
And pop a cup of tea under my door?
Why? Because he loves me.
Why does he chase me round the sheds
And help me shake up the travellers' beds?
Why? Because he loves me.
And when he's got lumbago in his back I've got
To make him poultices all nice and hot
Why does he smile with never a frown
If it's made too hot and it slips right down?
Why? because he loves me.

Why does his wife wear bits of string
While I wear garters with diamonds in?
Why? Because he loves me.
Why when his wife gives me the sack
He throws her out and he takes me back?
Why? Because he loves me.

I have to lather him each morning when he shaves
I pile the lather on his little waves
Why does he sit in the chair and blush
When I tickle his chin with the lather brush?
Why? Because he loves me.


Kitty