It's grim up North

My Mum used to sing the opening line of Cilla Black's "Liverpool Lullaby" to me all the time and even now I can't hear "Oh you are a mucky kid, dirty as a dustbin lid" without coming over all soppy, wanting someone to wipe my nose and tuck me up in bed with my teddy. I think that's the only part of it she knew though, which is a relief because the rest of it is so bleak and miserable if she'd sung this to me I'd have burst into tears and run away from home.

Oh you are a mucky kid,
Dirty as a dustbin lid.
When he hears the things that you did,
You'll get a belt from your Dad.
Oh you have your father's nose,
So crimson in the dark it glows,
If you're not asleep when the boozers close,
You'll get a belt from your Dad.

You look so scruffy lying there
Strawberry-jam tarts in yer hair,
Though in the world you haven't a care
And I have got so many.
It's quite a struggle every day
Living on your father's pay,
The beggar drinks it all away
And leaves me without any.

Although you have no silver spoon,
Better days are coming soon
Our Nelly's working at the Lune
And she gets paid on Friday.
Perhaps one day we'll have a splash,
When Littlewoods provide the cash,
We'll get a house in Knotty Ash
And buy your Dad a brewery.

Oh you are a mucky kid,
Dirty as a dustbin lid.
When he hears the things that you did
You'll get a belt from your Dad.
Oh you have your father's face,
You're growing up a real hard case,
But there's no one can take your place,
.... Go fast asleep for yer Mammy.

Not exactly a lorra lorra laughs is it? I think that last verse is the most depressing, the poor little kid is going to turn out just like his Dad, slapping the wife and kids around and blowing his wages on beer, Woodbines, and horse racing. Enjoy!

Download: Liverpool Lullaby - Cilla Black (mp3)
Buy: "Cilla In The 60s (album)