One of the advantages shared by an older generation growing up in a household before the arrival of radio and television was that sheet music, played on a piano, was the norm for transmission of popular songs. Reference in an earlier item in this issue to the Burlington Peninsula in Newfoundland,"Appeal for preservation of geological wonder" brought back memories of hearing one such song, originally popularized in 1915, and later resurrected by the incomparable Julie Andrews of latter-day fame. Its recurring "I'm Burlington Bertie, I rise at ten thirty" may jog the recollections of others who have enjoyed it down through the decades. The abridged version below, 'tho slightly modernized in its ending, reflects the earlier age of class distinction which it satirizes.
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'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'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!
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.
