They’re Beginning to Notice Me is a Music Hall song written by Murray and Leigh in 1899 and sung by George “Prime Minister of Mirth” Robey.The banjo part is from the song as it appered in Sheards 7th Banjo Album which you can download here: http://www.classic-banjo.com/files/JOURNALS_AND_ALBUMS/Sheards_Banjo_Annual_No_07.pdf
I think it’s interesting to hear a contemporary song arrangment – this is what it would have sounded like back in the day. It’s also got that wonderful proto Monty Python surreal edge to it, especially that last verse.
Lyrics:
1. I never care to mingle with the vulgar thong, not me!
By nature I’m intended for refined society
I make a point of dressing in the latest style you know
And ramble through those places where the titled people go.
Chorus:
They’re beginning to notice me! They’re beginning to notice me!
I raised my hat to the Duke today, His grace was looking the opposite way,
So I sauntered across to the Marquis, a very old friend you see,
He have me the end of his cigar!
They’re beginning to notice me!
2. I’m awfully fond of ballet girls! I think they’re Bally fine !
They’ve got some up in town just now, I wish each one was mine.
Each night I go to watch them from my own particular stall;
But, ah! I fear my fatal features fascinate them all.
Chorus:
They’re beginning to notice me! They’re beginning to notice me!
They come on the stage and at me they point,
And say to each other, “Ah, that’s the joint!”
And when I go round to the stage-door they’re as nice as they can be.
They borrow my bobs and half-a- crowns!
They’re beginning to notice me!
3. You all know Lady Tiptop’s house; I’m often there to dine.
The housemaid and the cook, you see, are dear old friends of mine.
Before they took to feeding me, my ribs were sticking out.
They hardly knew when I was there; but now I’ve grown so stout. For…
Chorus:
They’re beginning to notice me! They’re beginning to notice me!
My clothes were awfully loose at first;
But the seams have lately begun to burst.
The cook and Matilda, the housemaid , they giggle and laugh with glee.
They’ve kindly offered to patch me up!
They’re beginning to notice me!
4. I’ve tried to clear our yard of cats, but, hang me, if I can!
Though lately I’ve been working on a somewhat novel plan.
Concealed within the fowl-house, I’ve been waiting every night;
But somehow both the husband birds, they hardly think it right!
Chorus:
They’re beginning to notice me! They’re beginning to notice me!
Their glances go through me like daggers and knives;
They think I’ve designs on their various wives.
And the way they look at the ladies, well, it’s, perfectly plain to see
I’ve sort of upset their domestic peace! They’re beginning to notice me !