Lyr/Tune Add: Burlington Bertie From Bow^^

Subject: Lyr Add: BURLINGTON BERTIE FROM BOW
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 22 Dec 99 - 11:15 PM

This tune has been at Mudcat Midis for a couple of weeks, but I hadn't got around to submitting (part) of the lyrics. I know that there is at least one other verse. This has the feel of a music hall song, probably between the Wars, but I have no other details. Regards, John

BURLINGTON BERTIE FROM BOW

I'm Burlington Bertie, I rise at ten thirty and saunter along like a toff,
I walk down the Strand with my gloves on my hand, then I walk down again with them off,
I'm all airs and graces, correct easy paces, without food so long I've forgot where my face is
I'm Bert, Bert, I haven't a shirt, but my people are well off, you know!
Nearly ev'ry one knows me, from Smith to Lord Roseb'ry I'm Burlington Bertie from Bow!

---

Click for tune

Subject: RE: LYR/TUNE ADD: Burlington Bertie From Bow
From: Roger the skiffler
Date: 23 Dec 99 - 06:48 AM

I think it was sung by one of the music hall male impersonators around the turn of the century (?Vesta Tilley?). Usually sung by recreators in "tramp" version of evening dress,battered top hat etc., though I think from the photos I've seen Vesta Tiley always wore elegant male evening dress. Vague memories of Julie Andrews doing it in drag as well (? in Victor/Victoria?). As usual my memory is probably at fault, Steve Parkes is usually sound on music hall songs and will probably put me right
RtS!

Subject: RE: LYR/TUNE ADD: Burlington Bertie From Bow
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 23 Dec 99 - 07:56 AM

As it's Christmas, Roger, I won't contradict you! I'm not sure whether VT did do it, actually. Beryl Reid did an excellent version, but that's not Music Hall, is it? I can tell you it was a parody of a "straight" song called Burlington Bertie (from Burlington, presumably), which was very successful but completely unmemorable; Bow was a very downmarket area in those days - it's where yer real Cockeys come from, innit?. It enjoyed a new lease of life when His Royal Earness started courting the Lady Diana Spencer ...

I'm Burlington Bertie, I rise at ten thirty, to Buckingham Palace I stroll,
I stand in the yard while they're changing the guard [...]
The Prince of Wales' brother, along with some other
taps me on the back and says, "come and see mother!"

I'm Bert, Bert, and Royalty's hurt
When they ask me to dine, I say "No!
I've just had a banana with Lady Diana!"
I'm Burlington Bertie from Bow!

Ah, they don't write 'em like that any more! Maybe I'll get the chance to look it up while I'm home for the break.

See you sometime in the next thousand years!

Stainless Stephen II

Subject: RE: LYR/TUNE ADD: Burlington Bertie From Bow
From: Roger the skiffler
Date: 23 Dec 99 - 08:27 AM

Steve, sorry bab, but I found this on a Google search, Yah boo sucks!:

Vesta Tilley

Born Matilda Alice Powles in Worcester in 1864 and later became Lady de Frece. She was a male impersonator and did her first impersonation at the age of five. She adopted the name of Vesta Tilley and was one of the most celebrated of male impersonators in the English mucic hall of the late 1800's/early 1900's because of her sartorial elegance and attention to detail. She wrote her autobiography "Recollections of Vesta Tilley" in 1934. She died aged 88 in 1952. Her most well known songs were Burlington Bertie, I'm Following in Father's Footsteps", "Sweetheart May" and "Jolly Good Luck to the Girl who loves a Sailor". Details of her records can be found on Click here
But have a bostin' Christmas any way
Roger the smugbugger

Subject: RE: LYR/TUNE ADD: Burlington Bertie From Bow
From: Roger the skiffler
Date: 23 Dec 99 - 08:31 AM

Not so smug after all!
The link from the original source worked but not from here when I just tried it!. It is Music Hall on CD at: http://www.214b.com/MHDisco.html
RtS

Subject: RE: LYR/TUNE ADD: Burlington Bertie From Bow
From: Roger the skiffler
Date: 23 Dec 99 - 08:34 AM

...and the other female impersonator mentioned who recorded it was Ella Shields.
RtS

Subject: Lyr Add: BURLINGTON BERTIE FROM BOW
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 23 Dec 99 - 08:46 AM

Ha! Two can play at tat game, Roger!



BURLINGTON BERTIE FROM BOW
Words and music William Hargreaves 1915.

I'm Bert
P'raps you've heard of me
Bert
You've had word of me,
Jogging along
Hearty and strong
Living on plates of fresh air

I dress up in fashion
And when I am feeling depressed
I shave from my cuff all the whiskers and fluff
Stick my hat on and toddle up West

I'm Burlington Bertie I rise at ten thirty
and saunter along like a toff
I walk down the Strand with my gloves on my hand
Then I walk down again with them off
I'm all airs and graces correct easy paces
Without food so long I've forgot where my face is
I'm Bert, Bert, I haven't a shirt
But my people are well off you know.
Nearly everyone knows me from Smith to Lord Rosebr'y,
I'm Burlington Bertie from Bow.

I stroll
With Lord Hurlington,
Roll
In The Burlington
Call for Champagne
Walk out again
Come back and borrow the ink
I live most expensive
Like Tom Lipton I'm in the swim
He's got so much 'oof' he sleeps on the roof
And I live in the room over him.

I'm Burlington Bertie I rise at ten thirty
And saunter along Temple Bar
As round there I skip
I keep shouting 'Pip Pip!'
And the darn'd fools think I'm in my car
At Rothchilds I swank it
My body I plank it
On his front door step with 'The Mail' for a blanket
I'm Bert, Bert, and Rothchild was hurt
He said ' You can't sleep there' I said 'Oh'
He said 'I'm Rothchild sonny!' I said 'That's damn'd funny
I'm Burlington Bertie from Bow'

I smile
Condescendingly
While they're extending me
Cheer upon cheer
When I appear
Captain with my polo team
So strict are my people
They're William the Conqueror's strain
If they ever knew I'd been talking to you
Why they'd never look at me again

I'm Burlington Bertie I rise at ten thirty
And reach Kempton park around three
I stand by the rail, when a horse is for sale
And you ought to see Wooton watch me
I lean on some awning while Lord Derby's yawning
Then he bids two thousand and I bid Good Morning
I'm Bert, Bert, I'd buy one, a Cert
But where would I keep it you know
I can't let my man see me in bed with a gee-gee
I'm Burlington Bertie from Bow!

My pose,
Tho' ironical
Shows
That my monocle
Holds up my face, keeps it in place,
Stops it from slipping away.
Cigars,
I smoke thousands,
I usually deal in The Strand
But you've got to take care when you're getting them there
Or some idiot might stand on your hand.

I'm Burlington Bertie I rise at ten thirty
And Buckingham Palace I view.
I stand in the yard while they're changing the guard
And the queen shouts across "Toodle oo"!
The Prince of Wales' brother along with some other
Slaps me on the back and says "Come and see Mother"
But I'm Bert, Bert, and royalty's hurt,
When they ask me to dine I say no.
I've just had a banana with Lady Diana
I'm Burlington Bertie from Bow.


TTFN!

Subject: Lyr Add: BURLINGTON BERTIE FROM BOW
From: Roger the skiffler
Date: 23 Dec 99 - 08:49 AM

I meant MALE impersonator of course, here are the full words:
The writer of words and music is credited as William Hargreaves and the song appears to date from 1915.

BURLINGTON BERTIE FROM BOW

I'm Bert
P'raps you've heard of me
Bert
You've had word of me,
Jogging along
Hearty and strong
Living on plates of fresh air

I dress up in fashion
And when I am feeling depressed
I shave from my cuff all the whiskers and fluff
Stick my hat on and toddle up West

I'm Burlington Bertie I rise at ten thirty
and saunter along like a toff
I walk down the Strand with my gloves on my hand
Then I walk down again with them off
I'm all airs and graces correct easy paces
Without food so long I've forgot where my face is
I'm Bert, Bert, I haven't a shirt
But my people are well off you know.
Nearly everyone knows me from Smith to Lord Rosebr'y,
I'm Burlington Bertie from Bow.

I stroll
With Lord Hurlington,
Roll
In The Burlington
Call for Champagne
Walk out again
Come back and borrow the ink
I live most expensive
Like Tom Lipton I'm in the swim
He's got so much 'oof' he sleeps on the roof
And I live in the room over him.

I'm Burlington Bertie I rise at ten thirty
And saunter along Temple Bar
As round there I skip
I keep shouting 'Pip Pip!'
And the darn'd fools think I'm in my car
At Rothchilds I swank it
My body I plank it
On his front door step with 'The Mail' for a blanket
I'm Bert, Bert, and Rothchild was hurt
He said ' You can't sleep there' I said 'Oh'
He said 'I'm Rothchild sonny!' I said 'That's damn'd funny
I'm Burlington Bertie from Bow'

I smile
Condescendingly
While they're extending me
Cheer upon cheer
When I appear
Captain with my polo team
So strict are my people
They're William the Conqueror's strain
If they ever knew I'd been talking to you
Why they'd never look at me again

I'm Burlington Bertie I rise at ten thirty
And reach Kempton park around three
I stand by the rail, when a horse is for sale
And you ought to see Wooton watch me
I lean on some awning while Lord Derby's yawning
Then he bids two thousand and I bid Good Morning
I'm Bert, Bert, I'd buy one, a Cert
But where would I keep it you know
I can't let my man see me in bed with a gee-gee
I'm Burlington Bertie from Bow!

My pose,
Tho' ironical
Shows
That my monocle
Holds up my face, keeps it in place,
Stops it from slipping away.
Cigars,
I smoke thousands,
I usually deal in The Strand
But you've got to take care when you're getting them there
Or some idiot might stand on your hand.

I'm Burlington Bertie I rise at ten thirty
And Buckingham Palace I view.
I stand in the yard while they're changing the guard
And the queen shouts across "Toodle oo"!
The Prince of Wales' brother along with some other
Slaps me on the back and says "Come and see Mother"
But I'm Bert, Bert, and royalty's hurt,
When they ask me to dine I say no.
I've just had a banana with Lady Diana
I'm Burlington Bertie from Bow.

I never realised it had so many verses!
Fortunately it's like the Marie Celeste here at work and management are out to lunch!
RtS

Subject: RE: LYR/TUNE ADD: Burlington Bertie From Bow
From: Roger the skiffler
Date: 23 Dec 99 - 09:06 AM

Synchronised posting, new Olympic Sport!
My final word on this thread (honest!).
There are a lot of music hall lyrics like this from a Canadian site featuring "Cockney Geezers" (!)at:
http://www.vvv.com/home/spotlight/muschall.htm Click here
RtS

Subject: RE: LYR/TUNE ADD: Burlington Bertie From Bow
From: Peter T.
Date: 23 Dec 99 - 10:25 AM

Gentlemen, you are gentlemen and scholars. This thread has put some fizz in the old fizzoleum.
tiptop, Peter T.

Subject: RE: LYR/TUNE ADD: Burlington Bertie From Bow
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 23 Dec 99 - 06:00 PM

What great responses. I suspect that the tune I posted to Mudcat Midis is the chorus only. Not having heard the full original it's a bit hard to tell. Regards, John

Subject: RE: LYR/TUNE ADD: Burlington Bertie From Bow^^
From:
Date: 24 Dec 03 - 01:08 PM

Check my website http://burlingtonberties.co.uk/ for more on Burlington Bertie from Bow.

Subject: RE: LYR/TUNE ADD: Burlington Bertie From Bow^^
From: Joe Offer
Date: 24 Dec 03 - 01:54 PM

Well, that Burlingtonbertie seems to be a costume shop, not the subject of our song. Am I wrong?
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: LYR/TUNE ADD: Burlington Bertie From Bow^^
From: Billy Weeks
Date: 24 Dec 03 - 02:05 PM

A bit of confusion here. Vesta Tilley sang a song called 'Burlington Bertie', about a regular West End swell (toff). This song was was by Harry Norris, published in 1900. Ella Shields, also a male impersonator, sang a burlesque called 'Burlington Bertie from Bow' by William Hargreaves, published in 1914. This later Bertie was a shabby near-tramp ('so long without food I've forgot where my face is') and this is the song quoted at length by Roger and Steve, above.

I saw Ella Shields on stagein the 1950s singing BB from B, but claim no credit for these details, which were easily recovered from Michael Kilgarriff's monumental 'Sing Us One of the Old Songs' 1989, an essential time-saving reference for anyone interested in songs of this kind.

Both Tilley and Shields recorded their songs and both areavailable on modern CDs

Subject: ADD Version: Burlington Bertie
From: Joe Offer
Date: 06 Mar 04 - 08:06 PM

Billy Weeks sent this to me, and I thought I ought to pass it on:

This is the original 1900 song. The 1915 'shabby genteel' song by William Hargreaves, sung by Ella Shields is, in my opinion, a much
cleverer song.

BURLINGTON BERTIE
Harry B Norris (w & m) sung by Vesta Tilley
Frank Dean & Co.1900

Burlington Bertie's the latest young jay
He rents a swell flat somewhere Kensington way
He spends the good oof that his pater has made
Along with the Brandy and Soda Brigade.
A girl wants a brooch or a new diamond ring
And thinks a seal jacket is just now the thing
Or sees a new bonnet she likes oh! So much
Her simple remark is – 'Now who can I touch?'

(Chorus) What price Burlington Bertie,
the boy with the Hyde Park drawl,
What price Burlington Bertie,
the boy with the Bond Street crawl?
A nice little supper at the Savoy,
Oh! What a duck of a boy,
'So free' says she 'With LSD,
Burlington Bertie's the boy for me.'

When pretty young dancers are out of a shop;
When sweet little barmaids have just had to hop;
When singers cannot with their agents agree;
When trim little widows want someone for tea,
Who is it that turns up, the lonely girl's friend?
Who is it that nightly his club must attend?
Who is it drinks brandy and smokes strong cheroots?
Who is it that gets into bed with his boots?

(Chorus) What price Burlington Bertie,
the boy with the Hyde Park drawl,
What price Burlington Bertie,
the boy with the Bond Street crawl?
He drives from his club; what a lovely sight;
The cabby says ''Eres a wet night -
But free' says he 'With LSD
Burlington Bertie's the boy for me.'

When there are symptoms of warlike alarm
And Burlington Bertie sees his brothers in arms,
Altho' absent minded he does not forget
That Englishmen always must pay off a debt.
He drops all his pleasures, the polo, the hunt
And just like the rest he is off to the front;
Altho' he's a johnny, he'll fight in the ruck,
He's wealthy and foolish, but if you want pluck –

(Chorus) What price Burlington Bertie,
the boy with the Hyde Park drawl,
What price Burlington Bertie,
the boy with the Bond Street crawl?
He'll fight and he'll die like an Englishman.
Forgive all his folly we can;
Says old John Bull 'I plainly see
These Burlington boys are the boys for me!'

Note: 'oof = hoof = money;
Touch (vb) = wheedle money from
LSD = pounds, shillings and pence = money
Warlike alarms = a reference to the Boer War
Johnny = wealthy stage door hanger-on

Yours

JE

Subject: RE: LYR/TUNE ADD: Burlington Bertie From Bow^^
From: Billy Weeks
Date: 07 Mar 04 - 06:40 AM

Apologies for this bit of drift, but I've just noticed in Roger's December posting a reference to Marie Celeste.   Just about everyone calls her that and probably will for ever more, so not much point in going on about it, but the actual name of the famous ship was Mary Celeste. I believe Conan Doyle was responsible for the later Frenchifying of her name.

Subject: RE: LYR/TUNE ADD: Burlington Bertie From Bow^^
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 08 Mar 04 - 10:03 AM

You mean I actually got something wrong???? **BG**

RtS
(off to bark up another wrong tree)

Subject: RE: Lyr/Tune Add: Burlington Bertie From Bow^^
From: Billy Weeks
Date: 08 Mar 04 - 12:12 PM

Mary Celeste and Burlington Bertie both signed my genuine boring pedant certificate (first class hons)   - but, Roger, I don't know what **BG** means. Dare I ask?

Subject: RE: Lyr/Tune Add: Burlington Bertie From Bow^^
From: Billy Weeks
Date: 20 Jun 04 - 12:29 PM

Back again. For those who would like to hear a live performance of 'Burlington Bertie from Bow' recorded in 1950 by the original singer, Ella Shields, go to the the Music Hall Magazine website www.mysite.freeserve.com/music hall (sorry, I can't do the clicky bit) and order a copy of a CD called 'Live Music Hall' from Tony Barker.

This is the 1914 song, not the earlier 'Burlington Bertie' sung by Vesta Tilley.

Ellas Shields recorded 'BB from B' half a dozen times between 1915 and1950 and this one came at a time when she was knocking on a bit, but a recording in a real music hall (Collins's, Isligton) with a real music hall audience has a special flavour lacking in all the others.

(Apologies obscure technical language.   "Knocking on" is English for "approaching senior citizenship")

Subject: RE: Lyr/Tune Add: Burlington Bertie From Bow^^
From: Billy Weeks
Date: 20 Jun 04 - 12:37 PM

I should have mentioned that the CD is hot off the burner and contains several previously unissued performances by artistes who made their names a hundred years ago. The same CD also includes a glorious moment of Gus Elen singing 'Down the road, away went Polly' and Kate Carney with 'Are we to part like this, Bill' and my nomination for the finest music hall song ever written, 'Three Pots a Shilling'.

Oh, and if you can't find Isligton on the map, try Islington. Which is wot I meant to write.