NOW YOU'VE GOT YER KHAKI ON
(Charles Collins / Fred W Leigh 1915)
as recorded by Marie Lloyd
1916
Per'aps you don't know what a big surprise I've 'ad,
I never would 'ave dreamed of this before,
'Cause I used to look on blokes
As sort o' comic paper jokes,
A fing to 'ave a lark wiv, nothing more!
Per'aps you don't know Johnny Brown who sold the flowers and fruit,
I stood 'im 'cause he used to make me laugh!
The other day he rolled up in khaki, if you please,
I says, "Lummy! Don't is suit yer Jack, not 'alf!"
Now I do feel so proud of you, I do, honour bright!
I'm going to give you an extra cuddle tonight!
I didn't like yer much before yer joined the army, John,
But I do like yer, cocky, now you've got yer khaki on!
Once or twice he took me to a picture show,
He'd 'old me 'and all that kind of stuff,
And I don't mind saying this,
I used to let 'im have a kiss,
Until I said, "Now chuck it, that's enough!"
Then up he rolls in khaki, I says, "Lovely, ain't you grown!
You've altered, but you've altered for the best!
Once or twice I thought you meant to grow a derby kell', *
But they've took it off and stuffed it in yer chest!
See I do feel so proud of you, I do, honour bright!
I'm going to give you an extra cuddle tonight!
I didn't like yer much before yer joined the army, John,
But I do like yer, cocky, now you've got yer khaki on!
Standin' at the corner of the street last night,
He said to me, "Now what are you going to do?
Let's get married right away!",
I said, "Now what would people say?
They'd all begin to talk about us two!"
Well, he looked disappointed; I said, "let's say a month!",
Then on me word, the honest truth to speak,
He told me that his furlough might be cut short any day,
So I says, "Then I'll be ready in a week!"
For I do feel so proud of you, I do, honour bright!
I'm going to give you an extra cuddle tonight!
I didn't like yer much before yer joined the army, John,
But I do like yer, cocky, now you've got yer khaki on!
* Cockney rhyming slang - derby kelly - belly
(Transcribed by Peter Akers - October 2017)
