ADD: All of a Sudden it Struck me (Formby)

Subject: Lyr Req: I went to the doctor because I was ill
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Dec 25 - 07:00 AM

Hello all,

I’m trying to identify the source of this short comic stanza, which has the flavour of an old British music-hall recitation or drinking song. I can’t find a published attribution anywhere.

I went to the doctor because I was ill,
He gave me a tonic and also a pill.
“Of course you’ve been drinking,” he said with a sigh.
“If you drink any more of that whisky you’ll die.”
And all of a sudden it struck me – I’ll not go to him any more.

Does anyone recognise this?
• Is it from a known music-hall song or monologue?
• Any performer attribution? (e.g., Gus Elen, Harry Champion, Will Fyffe, Stanley Holloway?)
• Any printed source (sheet music, songster, comic monologue book, or newspaper column)?

Many thanks for any leads.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I went to the doctor because I was ill
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 03 Dec 25 - 04:52 PM

Sounds like Billy Bennett to me Guest.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I went to the doctor because I was ill
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 03 Dec 25 - 05:57 PM

All of a Sudden it Struck Me Very early George Formby.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I went to the doctor because I was ill
From: cnd
Date: 03 Dec 25 - 07:02 PM

It's the final line of the song "All of a Sudden It Struck Me" by George Formby. I haven't yet checked the below lyrics, but you can listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iM2iGctwTkc

https://www.lyricsplayground.com/alpha/songs/a/allofasuddenitstruckme.html


ALL OF A SUDDEN IT STRUCK ME
(George Formby Sr)

George Formby Sr
recorded 1915

(banter)

Last week to a concert I chanced to go,
They asked me to sing but I answered, "No!"
I said, "I'm a conjuror, my name it is Cleggs,
I'll show you a trick if you'll lend me some eggs!"
Then all of a sudden it struck me,
I wished I'd 'ave said I could sing!

(banter)

I shared me bed with a pal, you see,
That's when he worked in the drapery.
He dreamt he was serving one night, and so
I thought he was tearing up calico.
Then all of a sudden it struck me,
I found he was tearin' me shirt!

(banter)

I went to the doctor's because I was ill,
He gave me some medicine, also a pill.
"Of course, you've been drinkin'!", he gave a sigh,
"If you drink any more of that whiskey you'll die!"
Then all of a sudden it struck me,
I'll not go to 'im anymore!

(banter)

(Transcribed by Peter Akers - July 2017)

Subject: RE: ADD: All of a Sudden it Struck me (Formby)
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Dec 25 - 04:27 AM

One from the man who gave Charlie Chaplin his tramp outfit then.

Thank you :)