FOLLOWING IN FATHER'S FOOTSTEPS
(E.W. Rogers)


Vesta Tilley - 1904





To follow in your father's footsteps
Is a motto for each boy
And following in father's footsteps
Is a thing I much enjoy

My mother caught me fair one evening
Up the West End out on the spree
She said, "Where are you going?"
But I answered, "Don't ask me......."

I'm following in father's footsteps
I'm following the dear old dad
He's just in front with a fine big girl
So, I thought I'd have one as well

I don't know where he's going
But when he gets there, I'll be glad
I'm following in father's footsteps
Yes, I'm following the dear old dad

Pa said that to the North of England
He on business had to go
To Charig Cross he went
And where he booked, I booked first class also

I found myself that night in Paris
To the clergyman next door
I answered when he said
"What are you in this gay place for?"

I'm following in father's footsteps
I'm following the dear old dad
He's travelling now for his firm, you see
In fancy goods, it seems to me

I don't know where he's going
But when he gets there, I'll be glad
I'm following in father's footsteps
Yes, I'm following the dear old dad

At Margate with Papa I toddled out
To have a good old swim
I didn't know the proper place to bathe
So left it all to him

I found meself amongst some ladies
I laughed, and so did Pa
Till Ma yelled, "Percy, fie for shame"
Said I, "It's all right, Ma......."

I'm following in father's footsteps
I'm following the dear old dad
He's gone out there with a fair Miss
Just to show me how to hold girls up

I'm going to hold her next time
When he drops her, I'll be glad
I'm following in father's footsteps
Yes, I'm following the dear old dad

To dinner up in town last night I went
And Pa went there as well
How many lemonades we had, my word
I really couldn't tell

At two a.m. he started off for home
Like this, and so did I
Folks said, "Mind where you're going"
But I simply made reply

I'm following in father's footsteps
I'm following the dear old dad
He's wobbling on in front, you see
And 'pon my word, he's worse than me

I don't know where he's going
When he gets there, I'll be glad
I'm following in father's footsteps
Yes, I'm following the dear old dad






(Transcribed by Mel Priddle - February 2015)