Ballad of Bethnal Green (A song from 1959 by Paddy Roberts)

(AUDIO ONLY) South African born singer/songwriter Paddy Roberts (1910-1975) with his song the Ballad of Bethnal Green. Paddy wrote and co-wrote many songs in the 1950's and 1960's, including the Ruby Murray 1955 No.1 U.K. Hit Softly, Softly.

[@podge1942]

My wife sometimes sings theses songs at family partys and such. Her fav. is the Ballad of Bethnall Green followed by The Belle of Barking Creek. The always get a rousing cheer. Thanks Paddy.

[@Ampex196]

Paddy Roberts was a former BOAC airline pilot, ... so was Norman Tebbit! Both served in the RAF to defend our freedom.

[@1busybeekeeper]

Fantastic I heard this by chance on our local radio station, I have searched for it ever since, and nowI Have found it!! now to learn the lyrics

[@apjp18]

I remember finding this record at home , when I was a young boy , loved it then love now , I guess this still apply in London today lol

[@johnadams553]

I love these great songs. They're so funny!

[@helenfox6121]

Me too - why don't they make songs like this now?!

[@tortysoft]

I had this as a child - in the early 1960s. This is the first time I have heard it since then. I found the lyrics first, and thus the real name. Only partly remembered - but loved for the last 55 or so years. Thanks for posting !

[@ThatBlokeNextDoor]

Woke up with this going through my head this morning. Couldn't remember the name of the song and the only lyric I could remember was "right in the middle of her cha cha cha", which comes up with nothing on google and it was driving me mad. Thankfully I later remembered the words "sloshed her", which did turn up something, and now I can move on and get on with my day.

[@1busybeekeeper]

Try as I may I struggle to memorise this song BUT I will get there.

[@PICTOM]

Brill.....used to listen to Paddy earlier on in life...

[@davehutton2962]

Used to love this guy!

[@WillFlyGuitar]

I can still sing the words to "Follow Me" - a very funny song. Glad you liked the Frank Crumit tune - he was also wonderful. :-)

[@BernardfromBucks]

Hi Will, I've just been up in the loft to sift thro' my old records which I have since the good old 60's. There it was. An EP dated 1959 actually. (I was also keen on Tom Lehrer at that time). 1. Love is'nt what it used to be. 2.Follow me. 3.Don't upset the kiddie-winks. 4.The Big DJ, 5.L'Anglais avec son sang froid, Bloody Cold! I'm running out of characters I'll have to put the B side on another Comment. PS Loved your version of the Prune Song. Regards Bernard

[@WillFlyGuitar]

I had "Strictly For Grown-ups" - an EP, I believe? Also had on it "When I Was A Little Wolf Cub" and "The Englishman With His Usual Bloody Cold". I loved his stuff but haven't heard it for years!

[@BernardfromBucks]

You learn something every day on KZbin. I didn't know he was SouthAfrican. I also thought I might be his only living fan! I have "Songs for Gay Dogs" and "Strictly for Grown-ups". My favourite bit is "Big fat men, Two pounds ten and little boys a penny" Thanks for posting, I'd love to hear some not on the two EP/LP's I have.

[@McGravity1]

Fabulous - thank you! Anyone got "The Belle of Barking Creek"?

[@1brummell]

The full collection is on Spotify - enjoy!

[@jrgboy]

I believe he was a friend of fellow South Africans Herbert Kretzmer & Dave Lee who wrote several comedy hits inc Goodness Gracious Me, Banger & Mash , Kinky Boots etc, Herbert went on to write the lyrics for Les Miserables or as I call them 'The Glums'

[@BernardfromBucks]

Just another comment to add the B side tracks. 1.Ballad of Bethnal Green. 2.Love in a mist.3.A short song.4.Growing old. 5.I've got the Blues. 6.Lavender Cowboy (????). and...7. Poor Little Country Girl. If I knew how to get a few of these up on KZbin I'd have a go. Of course these were very innocent compared to some of todays lyricks. Regards Bernard

[@73soulboy]

@1973nitram They don't call Mr Pop Trivia for nothing you know! Pax to all from73soulboy.Xxx.

[@GrannySea]

wonderful! Any more where this came from? Particularly the Ballad of Barking Creek?

[@ChristopherSyn1]

I think that was The Belle of Barking Creek

[@73soulboy]

Two people need a good east end knuckle sandwich!!! Pax to all from 73soulboy.Xxx.

[@alpacastone7374]

Marina Joyce.