Off to Epsom Races
Collected by Bob Copper from George Attrill (right) in Stopham, Sussex in about 1954: see Chapter Eight, pp. 73-82, of Songs and Southern Breezes for the details; and the appendix, pp. 209, for these words. The photo of George Attrill, West Sussex Council roadman, is credited to George Garland of Petworth (West Sussex).
When I was young and in my prime, about twenty-four years old,
I spent my time in vanity, along with the ladies so bold,
Along with the ladies so bold.With my silver buckles all round my wrists and a cane all in my hand,
All over the nation I did go, like a farmer's son so grand,
Like a farmer's son so grand.I hired a coach and six bay horses and servants to wait on me,
For I did intend my money to spend and that you can plain-ily see,
And that you can plain-ily see.I steered my coach to Epsom races, the sights they were so gay,
And there I did spend ten thousand pounds all in the delight of one day,
All in the delight of one day.I steered my coach back home again, the crops they did run small,
For I was a broken down gentleman and that was the worst of it all,
And that was the worst of it all.The landlord came all for his rent and bailiffs he brought three,
They took away all I had got and they swore they would have me,
And they swore they would have me.My wife at home she does lament and children round her cry,
While I all in some prison doth lay until the day that I die,
Until the day that I die.
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