I'm Landing on a Lamp-post
A tribute to the romance of gulls and the talent of George Formby
Photo Copyright James Rainsford 2011
I'm landing on a lamp-post at the corner of the street,
In case a certain lady seagull flies by
Oh me, oh my,
I hope the lady seagull flies by.
I hope the lady seagull flies by.
I don't know if she'll get away,
She doesn't always get away,
She doesn't always get away,
But anyhow I know that she'll try,
Oh me, oh my,
I hope the lady seagull flies by.
I hope the lady seagull flies by.
There's no other gull I would wait for
But this one I'd break any date for,
I won't have to ask what she's late for,
She wouldn't leave me flat
She's not a gull like that.
She's not a gull like that.
Oh, she's absolutely wonderful
And marvellous and beautiful
And marvellous and beautiful
And anyone can understand why,
I'm landing on a lamp-post at the corner of the street
In case a certain lady seagull flies by.
Original lyrics by George Gay amended by James Rainsford.
Note to readers: Written to accompany the above photo. With apologies to George Gay who wrote the original lyrics to this iconic song and to George Formby, the brilliant ukelele playing music hall performer who made it famous. For those who don't know the original song, just click on the link below to hear George perform it in his own inimitable style.
Fabulous! I really enjoyed this... : )
ReplyDeletei am envisioning the gull from the Rescuers singing this...just saying...smiles...fun piece james...
ReplyDeleteOh, I think he'd understand. Delightful in the original or the new creative twist.
ReplyDeleteLovely - thanks for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteSuch a fun piece and as Brian said the Rescuers gull would be perfect singing this. Again a really fun post nice job.
ReplyDeleteThanks for including the link--it took me back in time, and this was a most charming turn on the song. Enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI think Scuttle from the Little Mermaid serves this piece much better (If we must reference Disney) I'm sure Brian and Pat will see the error of their ways :) James, once again you have lifted my spirits on a day when it was much needed. I dare say that's a lucky little lady seagull who would be foolish to not take a perch to talk to one as witty as the waiting gull! Happy Oneshot!
ReplyDeleteIsn't that song from the 1920s, if memory serves? (and, no, I'm not that old, I just like old things!) Very charming how Mr. Gull made it his own, with a little help from you, James!
ReplyDeleteI remember hearing this many, many times as a child and passed through his hometown on many occasions. There was a timelessness to George Formby's gift, and hence your poem seems entirely appropriate. I think George would have had a good chuckle at it himself (before proceeding to sing it of course!)Artists of all genres are SO creative, this what I love about them.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you shared the link to his song. It made the experience even more delightful :) Hope the lady seagull does fly by...
ReplyDeleteThis was just a delight - from your photo, to the words and the original video to watch too. Thanks, James.
ReplyDeleteThat was fun!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun-- she's not a gull like that...xxxj
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