Lyr Add: Turn 'Erbert's Face to the Wall (Fields)

Subject: Lyr Add: TURN 'ERBERT'S FACE TO THE WALL (Fields)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 24 Mar 11 - 01:55 AM

You can play or download this recording at The Internet Archive. It's song #8 on that page. Here's my transcription:


TURN 'ERBERT'S FACE TO THE WALL
Words and music by William Ellis, Max Kester, & Ronald Sidney Hill, ©1936.
As sung by Gracie Fields

We once were a most 'appy 'ouse'old, with smiles on our lips all the time,
Till some cruel an' black-'earted villain showed us the pathway to crime.

Young 'Erbert, 'e patronized racin', but none of 'is 'orses would win,
So 'e robbed a 'armless old bookie, an' went off to jail for 'is sin.
Turn 'Erbert's face to the wall, Mother. Nevermore mention 'is name,
For 'e's brought disgrace on the family an' bowed down our 'eads with shame.

Father took lessons in forgin'. Pound notes were 'is favourite line,
Till 'e offered one in the courthouse when 'e 'ad to pay a small fine.
Turn Father's face to the wall, Mother. 'Is photograph turn on its nail.
He won't see the last rose this summer. They've taken 'im back to jail.

Rosie she went to the pictures. An innocent girl she was then.
She forgot what 'er mother 'ad told 'er about takin' gifts from strange men.
Turn Rosie's face to the wall, Mother. 'Er picture shall 'ang on black string.
She may have 'er furs an' 'er jewels, but she's got no wedding ring.

Our 'ouse'old is scattered an' broken. Our future will ne'er be the same.
Young Alfred 'as now departed, an' Fanny 'as lost 'er good name.
Turn us all round to the wall, Mother. We're all just as bad as can be,
An' it's all through you meetin' poor Father. You've ruined the family!

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Turn 'Erbert's Face to the Wall (Fields)
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Mar 11 - 06:15 PM

What fun at that link! Thanks. I remember my family singing There Is A Tavern in the Town.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Turn 'Erbert's Face to the Wall (Fields)
From: alanabit
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 05:55 AM

I enjoyed that link immensely. I wonder if anyone can tell me whether Paul McCartney's "Honey Pie" was an overt reference to Gracie Fields?
I have vague memories of a Jake Thackray song "Family Tree", which was similar, because it told of a man whose ancestors had distinguished themselves in a variety of discreditable ways.