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Leary the Lamplighter
Last updated: 11.10.23
Leary the Lamplighter was one of my mother's favourite songs. She recently (October 2000) told me that when she was a small child, she was fascinated by the lamplighter who appeared every evening in Somer's Road, Worcester to turn on the gas lantern. It was her going-to-bed signal. She learned this song at St. George's School, Worcester from a certain Miss Cole.
My tea is nearly ready and the sun has left the sky.
It's time to take to the window and to see Leary passing by.
For every night at teatime, before I take my seat,
With lantern and with ladder he comes pacing up the street.

Now Tom will be a soldier and Mari will go to sea,
And my papa's a banker as rich as rich can be.
But I when I am older and can choose what I'm to do
Oh Leary I'll come round at night and light the lamps with you.

     Title Performer Composer
       
youtube15.jpg Leary the Lamplighter (2:23) Phil Hogg