THEY'RE ALL SINGLE BY THE SEASIDE
(Worton David / C W Murphy 1911)

as recorded by Ella Retford
1911


When a fellow goes down beside the seaside once a year
For a holiday, he feels so bright and gay.
If he's married or single, in the swim he's going to be
When he's down beside the silvery sea.
Now take the poor old married men, who never smile at home,
Why do they look so happy when they're down beside the foam?

They're all single by the seaside,
All single by the sea.
Oh, see them on the pier each night,
All busy in the twi-twilight,
All happy as can be!
When they see a pretty face,
Or a dainty piece of lace,
They're all single by the sea!

When old Brown, at the seaside, spends his fortnight's holiday,
There beneath the moon, A different girl he'll spoon!
She says, "Harold, oh tell me, have you ever loved till now?"
He says "Never, darling, that I vow!" 
Then he feels for his handkerchief to wipe her tears away,
Pulls out a baby's stocking, and the wild waves seem to say -

They're all single by the seaside,
All single by the sea.
Oh, see them on the pier each night,
All busy in the twi-twilight,
All happy as can be!
When they see a pretty face,
Or a dainty piece of lace,
They're all single by the sea!

They're all single by the seaside,
All single by the sea.
Oh, see them on the pier each night,
All busy in the twi-twilight,
All happy as can be!
When they see a pretty face,
Or a dainty piece of lace,
They're all single by the sea!




(Transcribed by Peter Akers - July 2017)