I remember hearing this one on the radio (before anyone had such a thing as a television). I loved the chorus, but never really took much notice of the verses, something that was common to many music hall songs of this nature.
The song comes from the \"Make 'Em Laugh\" site of music hall songs and was written by Fred W Leigh and George Bastow, the latter performing it on stage.
Em sus 0202000
The chords are of my own devising.
The Galloping Major
Fred W Leigh and George Bastow
G
When I was in the army I was a cavalryman you know
Am G
And whenever I went on parade a magnificent picture I made
G
Through my galloping here and my galloping there this ridiculous habit I got
Em7 D G A7 D
And I'm hanged if I don't think I'm galloping now whether up in the saddle or not
Am D7
And the people they stare at me so for it matters not where I go, It's
G
Bumpity, bumpity, bumpity, bump as if I was riding my charger
G
Bumpity, bumpity, bumpity, bump as proud as an Indian Rajah
Emsus C Am D
All the girls declare that I'm a gay old stager
G D7 G
Hey, hey, clear the way here comes the galloping major.
Last year I thought I'd treat myself to a holiday by the sea
So I went, and my quarters I fixed then I found that the bathing was mixed
So I galloped away to a bathing machine in the busiest part of the day
And I soon felt at home with the girls in the water and joined in their frivolous play
They were beautiful creatures but lor' how they giggled as soon as they saw, me
I always was a ladies’ man and a favourite with the sex
Well, I called upon one yesterday though I won't give the lady away
She started to talk of my army career and was quite interested you see
But I got rather tired so we talked about her which was more interesting to me
And she said I'd been taking some wine for as soon as we sat down to dine, I went,
