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I'm One of the Whitehall Warriors

Cyril Ritchard
Language: English


Cyril Ritchard


[1940]
Dalla rivista (nel senso del genere teatrale) “Up & Doing” del 1940
Interpretata da Cyril Richard con l’orchestra di Carroll Gibbons

I'm One Of The Whitehall Warriors

Un’allegra “ditty”, una canzoncina satirica, sul “dietro le quinte” di ogni guerra, nello specifico sull’ “alacre lavorìo” nelle stanze dei palazzi ministeriali che affaccano sulla Whitehall a Westminster, Londra… (“Chortles” vuol dire risatine, o ridacchi)
(Spoken) All right bring the car 'round to Whitehall at 5 o'clock

(Chortles)

A stroll is grand along the Strand
Whenever the air is warm.
The rank and file salute the style
And cut of me uniform.
I often get an eyeful
Of a Tommy with a rifle
And a heavy tin hat
And not only that
A Haversack on his back;
But I am not inclined
For that kind of caper.
I'm doing my bit
Without any kit
Except a pencil and paper.
Ready to diagnose the stuff to give the troops.
I'm one of the Whitehall warriors!
I look so immensely picturesque
Behind an expensive walnut desk
I'm one of the Whitehall warriors!
I'm fighting the Hun
Without any gun;
This boy's allergic to noise.
I'm one of the Whitehall warriors!
I'm one of the Red Tape Brigade.
At a stroke of the pen
I set thousands of men
Making bicycle clips for the troops.
I supply every button
And shoulder of mutton
And sample the various soups.
I'm one of the Whitehall warriors!
I've answered the call, Whitehall!
I start at ten and leave off again
For me lunch at twenty-five to one;
I'm back at three, at four cup of tea.
And five the busy day is done.
I stroll around St. James Park
Two dry martinis at the Berkeley,
Then back to the club
For some excellent grub.
Isn't war an awful lot of fun?
I'm one of the Whitehall warriors!
The whole of the tripe that I dictate
Has got to be typed in triplicate.
I'm one of the Whitehall warriors!
My orders I giveAnd sprawl in a swivel chair
With a nonchalant air
I'm one of the Whitehall warriors!
I'm one of the red tape brigade.
I check out the boots
That are worn by recruits
I buy rum and apportion the tots
I order wash basins
From Fortnum and Mason's
And quite a selection of pots.
I'm one of the Whitehall warriors!
I've answered the call, Whitehall!
You'll find I'm a handy kind of man
If ever you planned
A trip to Cannes.
A fellow who goes to military shows
And bowls along in a Rolls.
I'm one of the red tape brigade.
I reserve occupations
For all my relations
It's social position that tells;
And for those who are pally
There's always the ballet;
I send them to Sadlers Wells.
I'm one of the Whitehall warriors!
I've answered the call, Whitehall!

(Chortles)

(Spoken) Oh it's wonderful!

Contributed by Bernart Bartleby - 2014/8/28 - 15:47




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