A tribute to Wilton’s Music Hall, the world's oldest surviving Grand Music Hall and to Champagne Charlie (George Laybourne, 1842 – 1884) who performed there.
The song, Champagne Charlie, performed by Derek B. Scott, Professor of Critical Musicology, University of Leeds, to his own piano accompaniment c. 1985. These are the original lyrics and are different to the version of the song included in the 1944 film of the same name (which can be viewed here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/i8ryyrjrzuoykua/Film.mp4?dl=0)
Lyrics:
Champagne Charlie
Original Lyrics by George Leybourne and Music by Alfred Lee, 1867
I've seen a deal of gaiety throughout my noisy life.
With all my grand accomplishments I ne'er could get a wife.
The thing I most excel in is the P. R. F. G. game*,
A noise all night, in bed all day and swimming in champagne.
CHORUS: For Champagne Charlie is my name.
Champagne Charlie is my name,
Good for any game at night, my boys,
Good for any game at night, my boys.
Champagne Charlie is my name.
Champagne Charlie is my name,
Good for any game at night, boys.
Who'll come and join me in a spree?
The way I gained my title's by a hobby which I've got
Of never letting others pay, however long the shot.
Whoever drinks at my expense are treated all the same.
From dukes and lords to cabmen down, I make them drink champagne. CHORUS
From coffee and from supper rooms from Poplar to Pall Mall,
The girls on seeing me exclaim, \"Oh! What a champagne swell!\"
The notion it is of everyone, if it were not my name,
And causing so much to be drunk, they'd never make champagne. CHORUS
Some epicures like burgundy, hock, claret and moselle,
But Moët's vintage only satisfies this champagne swell.
What matter if to bed I go and head is muddled thick?
A bottle in the morning sets me right and very quick. CHORUS
Perhaps you fancy what I say is nothing else but chaff,
And only done, like other songs, to merely raise a laugh.
To prove that I am not in jest, each man a bottle of cham.
I'll stand fizz round, yes, that I will, and stand it like a lamb.
