A popular song from 1923
Words by Edward Lockton
Music by William G. James
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- I warrant there’s never a fair like our fair
On Michaelmas Day it is fine to be there
The young men and maidens, the folk each one
They crowd to the Show at the set of the sun
The old village green is a wonderful sight
The shouthing, the hustle, the songs and the light
And there stands the Showman a-beating his drum
And calling and bawling “Step up now!
Oh! Come! Step up! Sweet ladies and gentlemen
Come, come to the Show!
The organs are braying, the fiddles are playing
The cocoanuts stand in a row
There peep-shows a penny and swings for the many
And dancing booths crowded, I know
And plays that are tearful and lions that are fearful
All of them down at the Show” - I warrant there’s never a fair like our fair
On Michaelmas Day it is grand to be there
And when it is over I creep home to bed
The church bells are ringing
The stars shine o’er-head
Those bells seem to tell me this world is a fair
So brave and so splendid then silent and bare
A mad whirling bustle, then darkness must fall
And Life is the Showman who shouts to us all
“Step up! Step up! Sweet ladies and gentlemen
Come, come to the Show
There’s plenty of fun there, and joy to be won there
Before it is over, I know
Though life is a query, laugh on the be cheery
And live every hour e’er you go
Don’t mind what comes after
There’s love, light and laughter
For everyone down at the Show”