DUTY CALLS
From the London Stage Musical "Blitz" (1962)
(Lionel Bart)


Tom Kempinski & Chorus (London Production) - 1962




Farewell, I've 'ad my share of comfort and rest
'igh time to heed the battle cry
No time for me to pack, so boys pat me on the back
And I'll kiss the girls goodbye

Duty calls, duty calls
And a man can't stick around when duty calls
No your lover nor your mother will be there to wash your smalls
Duty calls, got to go now, duty calls

One day Sir Francis Drake was out playin' bowls
Spaniards were sailin' in from.......Spain
Would we be in a mess, we would if the good Queen Bess
Had never sung this refrain

Duty calls, duty calls
You must answer, dear Sir Francis, duty calls
The Armada presses harder while you play with wooden balls
Duty calls, dear Sir Francis, duty calls

Where can a married man escape to each night
Where can he fly to find some peace
Find one, he's doin' fine and blimey, it's half-past-nine
And his piece of fun must cease

'Cos duty calls, duty calls
Have a nice time on the tiles till duty calls
Save some kisses for the missus with 'er rollin' pin aboard
Duty calls, mind your barnet, duty calls

We know we 'ave to go to 'eaven or 'ell
We don't 'ave any other choice
But when the day is near, I'm not goin' till I 'ear
These words from an angel's voi-oi-oi-oi-oice

Duty calls, duty calls
Though you've been a villain, 'arry, duty calls
Yeah, they'll take me to an angel, no more bunkin' over walls
Duty calls, 'allelujah, duty calls, Oh! No!

(Duty calls, duty calls)
(Though you've been a villain, Harry, duty calls)
(Yes, they'll take you to an angel, no more bunkin' over walls)
(Duty calls, Hallelujah) Ta-ta, Mum (Duty calls)



(Transcribed by Mel Priddle - March 2009)
(Contributed by Jean-Marie DelFabbro - March 2009)