OLD FATHER THAMES
(Lyrics: Raymond Wallace / Music: Betsy O'Hogan)


Peter Dawson - 1933
Bob & Alf Pearson - 1933
Foster Richardson - 1933
Gracie Fields - 1938
John Hanson - 1957
Neil Williams - 1964

Also recorded by: 
The Band Of The Coldstream Guards; Denis Hayward's Organisation; 
Bill Newman; Gregory Yurisich;  The Band Of The Grenadier Guards;
Wally Stott & His Orch.



There's some folks who always worry
And some folks who never care
But in this world of rush and hurry
It matters neither here nor there

Be steady and realistic
Don't hanker for gold or gems
Be carefree and optimistic
Like Old Father Thames

High in the hills, down in the dales
Happy and fancy free
Old Father Thames keeps rolling along
Down to the mighty sea

What does he know, what does he care 
Nothing for you or me 
Old Father Thames keeps rolling along
Down to the mighty sea

He never seems to worry
Doesn't care for fortune's fame
He never seems to hurry
But he gets there just the same

Kingdoms my come, kingdoms may go
Whatever the end may be
Old Father Thames keeps rolling along
Down to the mighty sea

The best way, a heaven blessed way
Just try to be always kind
It doesn't matter what the rest say
You're bound to leave them far behind

It's your job to do your duty
Be faithful to all your friends
For England and home and beauty
Like Old Father Thames

High in the hills, down in the dales
Happy and fancy free
Old Father Thames keeps rolling along
Down to the mighty sea

What does he know, what does he care 
Nothing for you or me 
Old Father Thames keeps rolling along
Down to the mighty sea

He never seems to worry
Doesn't care for fortune's fame
He never seems to hurry
But he gets there just the same

Kingdoms my come, kingdoms may go
Whatever the end may be
Old Father Thames keeps rolling along
Down to the mighty sea




(Transcribed by Mel Priddle - February 2017)