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Daddy Wouldn't Buy Me a Bow Wow

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Wikipedia article




cover from 1892

"'Daddy Wouldnt Buy Me a Bow Wow'" is a song written in 1892 by prolific English songwriter Joseph Tabrar.

It was written for, and first performed in 1892 by, Vesta Victoria at the South London Palace, holding a kitten.Cullen, Frank Cullen, Florence Hackman, Donald McNeilly. [https://books.google.com/books?id=XFnfnKg6BcAC&pg=PA1159&lpg=PA1159&dq=%22Daddy+wouldn't+buy+me+a+bow-wow%22+%22Joseph+Tabrar%22+%22music+hall%22&source=bl&ots=5tuCrSudz-&sig=sFGvAxuekWuT2fMTDMM-RlqvJhE&hl=en&ei=MQ9iTKbcH4P78AbVvaXICg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CCwQ6AEwBg# 'Vaudeville, old and new'], vol. 1, p. 1159, Routledge, 2007 The same year it was recorded by Silas Leachman for the North American Phonograph Co. of Chicago (Talking Machine Company of Chicago/Chicago Talking Machine). In 1895 Toulouse-Lautrec painted May Belfort singing it. The comedian Arthur Roberts also had success in the 1890s with the song.Kelly, Linda. [http://aboutcards.blogspot.com/2008/08/pantomime-dame-and-music-hall.html "Pantomime Dame and Music Hall Caricature Postcards"]. About Postcards, accessed 9 August 2010

The song featured in the 1934 musical movie 'Evergreen', sung by Jessie Matthews, and was also revived after World War II.

The chorus was sung by Helen Mirren and Peter Sellers in the 1980 movie 'The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu'. It is also the tune Sarah Jane Smith whistles when she leaves the Doctor at the end of the 'Doctor Who' episode "The Hand of Fear". It is sung by the 'EastEnders' cast, led by Anna Wing (Lou Beale, as part of the '1985 EastEnders Sing Along'. In the first episode of the 1983 BBC series 'Reilly, Ace of Spies', one of Sidney Reilly's mistresses performs a striptease to a phonograph recording of the song.

On CD



*A version of Vesta Victoria singing the song can be found on the CD '60 Old-Time Variety Songs'

*It also appears on the 'Ultimate Pub Sing-A-Long Album'

Lyrics



I love my little cat, I do


With soft black silky hair


It comes with me each day to school


And sits upon the chair


When teacher says "why do you bring


That little pet of yours?"


I tell her that I bring my cat


Along with me because

Daddy wouldn't buy me a bow-wow! bow wow!


Daddy wouldn't buy me a bow-wow! bow wow!


I've got a little cat


And I'm very fond of that


But I'd rather have a bow-wow


Wow, wow, wow, wow

We used to have two tiny dogs


Such pretty little dears


But daddy sold 'em 'cause they used


To bite each other's ears


I cried all day, at eight each night


Papa sent me to bed


When Ma came home and wiped my eyes


I cried again and said

Daddy wouldn't buy me a bow-wow! bow wow!


Daddy wouldn't buy me a bow-wow! bow wow!


I've got a little cat


And I'm very fond of that


But I'd rather have a bow-wow


Wow, wow, wow, wow

I'll be so glad when I get old


To do just as I "likes"


I'll keep a parrot and at least


A half a dozen tykes


And when I've got a tiny pet


I'll kiss the little thing


Then put it in its little cot


And on to it I'll sing

Daddy wouldn't buy me a bow-wow! bow wow!


Daddy wouldn't buy me a bow-wow! bow wow!


I've got a little cat


And I'm very fond of that


But I'd rather have a bow-wow


Wow, wow, wow, wow

References



Category:Songs about fathers

Category:Songs about dogs

Category:Songs about cats

Category:1892 songs

Category:British songs

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