Excerpt From A Teenage Opera (Grocer Jack) - Keith West (UK # 2) 1967 (Rare Footage)

[@dingnextstop]

Born in 1952 I absolutely adored the 1960’s… as a kid and a young teen we had more fun than any kids will ever see today. Summer and winter we played outside in all weathers. Bonfire night was “BRILLIANT”…! along with Christmas… I miss those days so much it hurts…

[@carlteacherman194]

I think we valued every aspect of life so differently.

[@colinbryant5598]

I know exactly what you mean. Great days that will never return. So sad.

[@MartinCollier-w5v]

Same here at 71

[@ashdrive]

I absolutely loved growing up as a youngster in the 60s...🎉

[@joehart7260]

What a great decade to grow up with all the changes in music and fashion yet still a very innocent time. Christmas was always memorable, no videos, no streaming. The films on TV at Christmas could not be recorded and were always special.

[@MartinSouthgate-v2y]

I was fifteen in 67 . Where did all those years go ? Great times. An unusual song, but very fitting of that era when there were a considerable amount of new ideas coming along. An exciting time to be alive. So much to look forward to. The world was our oyster !

[@saturdayplayer2492]

No mobile phones, no Internet. We were happier then than ever we are today. Life was simple.

[@glenmorgan4597]

Always reminds me of my old mum & Dad 😪

[@iohnxxxx]

Saturday morning pictures pennie for the guy red rovers great days

[@saturdayplayer2492]

@@iohnxxxx Chips 3d a bag. Scrumps if they had them.

[@regd.2263]

Yes I agree and it's lovely looking back, also did you notice there was still some WW2 bomb sites shown in some of the shots. I remember playing on those as a child in North London in the 1950's what fun it was. 😊

[@JohnDunnett-ht5cw]

Into my heart an air that kills, from yon far country blows! What are those blue remembered hills! what spires,what farms are those? That is the land of lost content, I see it shining plane! The happy highways where I went! And will never come again!

[@daviddavidk2352]

I watched this with tears in my eyes, what a fantastic childhood I had and didn’t realise it. It was tough but it wasn’t like the rubbish and lies we have now.

[@Billyg215]

No one ever realises until they look back at times gone by that time has flown past. Yes times where tough but we just got on with life as best we could unlike some people of today.

[@jacqueline970]

Me to I wouldn't change my childhood for all the tea in china fantastics memories

[@judybage4083]

The lies were there, we just didn’t know they were lies. We were happy in our ignorance.

[@djbethell]

You were lied to every day.

[@daviddavidk2352]

@@djbethell well I had more respect for Wilson and MacMillan than I do for Starmer and Boris, that’s for sure

[@davidcrossley3542]

This record has never aged and still sounds good in 2024

[@hedleysetahul3265]

I used to sing the chorus when I was about 4 years old so my sister tells me

[@KeithMather-r4g]

I'm a 75 year old Scotsman and I feel truly blessed to have lived through these beautiful, wondrous years, what a lucky man I am 😢💔🙏

[@thesquaredisc]

🙏🥂

[@TenCJones]

I want to go back this is so much better than what we have today. Who'd have thought back then that we were living in the best of times. You don't know what you've got til it's gone.

[@thesquaredisc]

😊👏👏🙏

[@zosothezephead837]

As Carly Simon sang, "These are the Good Old Days" 😊

[@paultevendale9293]

Great record, but can't agree about the 60s being better. Look at today's advances in technology, health, etc

[@RomayPM]

I want to go back too 😢

[@RomayPM]

​@paultevendale9293 It was a simpler time. We didn't have the worries of today back then, that's not to say there was nothing to worry about, of course there was but it was just a simpler time and I would go back any day of the week

[@charge61]

I was a small child qhen this song came out. I used to feel sad when the children sang grocer jack wasnt coming back.

[@ronwhite8503]

I am 65 and it makes me weep to see England as it is now. At least I will be gone soon; I pity the youngsters left.

[@thesquaredisc]

You know Ron, my old dad said that 30 years ago, he’s 95 and still going 😊🙏

[@stephenbourne5785]

Keep going mate...

[@richardwindebank3207]

I am 63 and feel the same. Can you imagine this country in 50 years time? I feel for the young people today who will still be around then.

[@bishdaboo]

@@richardwindebank3207 I'm also 63. I'm with you there.

[@lyndaslade3282]

I am 65 too. It breaks my heart to see our once beautiful country go downhill.

[@davidryley4162]

Put a lump in my throat. When Britain was worth living in. Thanks for showing this. I was a little kid when Grocer Jack came out.

[@thesquaredisc]

Thank you David 😊🙏

[@davidryley4162]

@@thesquaredisc I do love British nostalgia.

[@63billy]

an me ,,,,, and still one of my favourites ,,, when I think of m Mum & Dad and what THEY WENT THROUGH FOR USE TO BE FREE !!!! God Bless Them

[@JohnDavis-o8e]

I was born in 1952, we didn't have a penny but every one had more respect for each other . now it's a throw away world and everyone wants more and don't care how they get it. Fantastic song from a great era.

[@avtradeisshit5992]

Good times create weak men. And, weak men create hard times

[@arthurgranville5306]

You are right in what you say, little or no money. Would go to the shops for people in our street and get 3 pence, would buy myself a milky way. Let me see those days just once more.

[@colincarroll5953]

Same here exactly - wonderful memories. ​@@arthurgranville5306

[@christopherstephens6539]

I'm 74 now the 60s were the best times life was much less stressful and simple I am so glad I lived through the 60s and 70s wonderful memories and people seemed much more content and happier then.

[@avtradeisshit5992]

“Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And, weak men create hard times.”

[@ChrisMum]

I'm 71 now and couldn't agree more with you. If only we could go back to the country we all grew up in, it saddens me so much. But we are happy to have enjoyed the UK as it was back then, I hate what it's been turned into and sorry for my four little granddaughters😞

[@sylviawillis512]

I’m 85 and it breaks my heart 😢

[@thesquaredisc]

🙏🫶🌹

[@63billy]

And me Sylvia an am only 61 ,,,, Stay Strong Sweet Heart

[@Debbiebabe69]

Song lyrics were SOOOO much better back then.....

[@bradz007]

Some of these people struggling from day to day , yet still carrying on , today people crying cos somebody called them a name on social media

[@thesquaredisc]

Yes, when you put it like that, it does seem crazy eh, thanks matey 👏👏👏

[@Notalwaysrightbutmostly]

What was the alternative to not carrying on ? Tired of reading old yins trying to tell us it was better back then,it wasn’t but you were younger and unaware of how tough life can be and still is for many. As for the name calling yes bullying was rife back in the good old days some people now understand how destructive it is and won’t tolerate it if that’s ok with you.By the way I’m 65

[@thesquaredisc]

Thank you. When people are being nostalgic for the past, it’s okay, I doubt there’s many that necessarily believe it was all fabulous but I believe many leaving comments simply miss their past and the people they have lost to time. Life is what you make of it, bullying is easier today because of social media, back in the day you’d get bullied face to face, and that wasn’t nice. But I do feel we have lost our way somewhat, this song I’ve chosen for the channel along with the video I’ve created is causing mixed emotions to surface, at the end of the day I’ve tried to create a little nostalgic feeling around the old days where we use to enjoy the sound of the local milkman and grocer to deliver our fresh milk and bread to our doorstep. Saying good morning to your neighbour and generally looking out for each other. There’s no doubt that killing off these interactive services has been responsible for damaging communities somewhat and divided many that no longer feel the way our parents or grandparents did. It’s all change no matter what, maybe the people here are trying to express how they miss that aspect of day to day life. 🙏

[@bradz007]

@@thesquaredisc agreed 👍

[@cedarcam]

@@thesquaredisc You did a good job of creating a nostalgic feeling of my old days, doing the kind of things the kids on here are and reminders of going to the old street market with stalls set out on carts filled with all kinds of good things, no plastic wrapped pre packed it was all fresh bought by the pound. Many things are better for us these days but the simpler way of life then was good in many ways. No fear for 80 year olds being kicked to death by a 12 year old while taking their dog for a walk or stabbed to death at a dance for no reason.

[@mmwaashumslowww7167]

Wonderful times and life was good. A radiogramme and a black and white TV was all that we needed. Fantastic childhood and memories like so many have commented and today in 2024, it's all turned to shite.

[@petergrugel9966]

Brilliant people had nothing but had everything, what a world now.

[@JohnRolls-sz6jo]

Happy days, we even had policemen on patrol walking the streets a much safer place ,oh to be young again we had the best times and the best music.

[@thesquaredisc]

😊👏👏

[@CHRIS-xm1do]

I was born in 49 so the sixties shaped my life,secondary school college first job motorbike then a car. What a fantastic time to become an adult we were taught proper values. I despair for today’s teens with drugs and all the other things they face.

[@bryanduncan1640]

@Chris-xm1do - I too was born in ‘49 and totally agree with you. I fear for my daughter and doubly fear for my granddaughter! Thank God I am not young now!

[@kevinjohn725]

So well said. We respected our older people.

[@spartacus-freedom]

A Beautifully arranged song, sung with passion, telling a story that us baby boomer children lived through. I was born and raised in Tottenham in 1952, so in 1967 when this song was realeased I was 14, in the late swinging 60s. I remember it well. At the time I did not hear lyrics as clear. I thought it was about a a bloke (guy) for younger readers who died called Grocer Jack. My father was John but everyone called him Jack. I thought the kids were just being let down gently by their mothers. So perhaps it was a story like the one that I had lived through. My own father a world war 2 veteran who served throughout the North African Campaign with the desert rats He died in 1960 of skin cancer age 41, that was his reward for fighting in the middle east, no factor 50 sun ray protecion for soldiers to protect themselves from the Sun. My mother God bless her, raised all seven of us with no help from the state, our ages ranged from my 6 months old sister to the twins aged 12, with the rest of us in between. In fact the war pensions dept, sent someone around in person to stop his war injuries pension, he was blown up and deaf. I was 7 in 1960 when he died. My father worked hard, he cycled to work, he worked as a metal polisher, then bought an old black Ford car, the only car in the street. Us kids in the street use to sit on the foot step up board, to the car doors. In hindsight it reminded me of an old black and white film gangsters car. Anyway my father was brave, I was the third eldest, he sat me on his knees one day, and told me he was going away and that I was to look after mum. I said yes I would. As well as brave my father was kind he never laid a hand on any of us. I was seven years old, I never knew what he meant, that he was going away though. Nothing was hid from us kids after he died, he was in an open coffin in the front room when the undertakers had brought him back to our council house home, we paid our respect to him every day before school. I and my younger siblings never went to the funeral, only my 2 older brothers. We had moved in 1958, from a prefab house, those homes, quickly assembled to replace those bombed damaged from the blitz! Anyhow my father was a hero to us kids as was my mother who I lost in January 2019 aged 95. My father had rescued her from a life of drudgery and servitude as a domestic worker/maid/ Skivvey for a lady so and so in Belgravia, London, who had took refuge during the war in her country pile in Co Sligo Eire, my mother was from a small farm and in her early 20s and was picked from the hopefuls for a new life in the capital city of London. She told me that she hated it, well away from the freedoms of a farm to a small dingy backroom in the home of the hoity-toity snobs. My mother was a courageous fiery colleen from Co Mayo Aughagower. She was a beauty in her younger days, she had red hair and green eyes, she looked like Maureen O'Hara of the film "The Quite Man' fame starring John Wayne. I miss her dearly. Back to the song that brought me this far, we had as kids on a council estate had nothing, except our own ingenuity to keep bordom at bay, while my mother worked with her super human strength to cloth and feed us and pay the bills, there was no social security then. She just put the hours in the local hospital as and cleaner and an orderly. While as kids, we made jiggers, carts made from old pram wheels and planks. Hunted beer an empty soft drinks bottles in hedges for the thrupence (three pennies) from the off-licence or retailers. The when old enough 13, up at 5am to do paper rounds before school. This video with the black and white film, is very sentimental to me. especially the little girl skipping down the street full of joy, oblivious to the future, just enjoying the moment. You seem not to see kids do that no more, and when you do its heart rending and full of joy to witness it. I cried when i saw this in the film, as my own younger sister has been diagnosed with cancer. No matter how poor we were in yesterday years, we didn't know until it was pointed out, We just lived our lives. God bless you all if you got this far, this has been carthatic and emotional for me, thanks for reading this.❤

[@thesquaredisc]

Thank you for taking the time to write this wonderful comment, I’m so pleased my video moved you. 😊🙏👏👏👏 Eddy

[@spartacus-freedom]

No problem Eddy, it just brought memories and emotions flooding back some good some bad. Also hopefully the young as well as the old, will appreciate times and music goneby and lived in, by many in your comments section, thanks for posting it on KZbin.

[@samanthamartins6146]

Thank you for sharing your memories 🥰

[@TomThumb-d1r]

It was a time spent willingly by all who had very little after the war, but there was a sense of pride in the country and in being British. It wasn't without its problems, but people were free in every respect and everyone was treated fairly under the law with like minded people. Your story just about sums up the plight and exceptional memories of the good times in comparison to today which is clearly a mess and disorganised. Thank you for your script and for this film in bringing back the good times. xx

[@wokeupandsmellthecoffee214]

I'll be 64 this year and remember those days as a little lad with no worries growing up in Liverpool where things were just perfect compared to todays life, we had nothing but were happy. I must admit I shed a tear watching this film and listening to the little kids singing.

[@thesquaredisc]

It’s a wonderful old pop song, it pulls on the heartstrings for sure, took me ages to clip and put it all together to tell the story of grocer Jack, thank you 🙏 😊

[@Billyg215]

Same here i was born in 1955 in Hartlepool on the North sea coast in a 2 up 2 down house. As i look back to me what was better times and like you had nothing but family and friends all helping each other out. Sadly those times will never come back because of the times we live in now.

[@alansmith795]

Mee too 66grew up near Bradford

[@alansmith795]

Still got this on a single but no record player now in Portugal Bradford went downhill we know why too​@@thesquaredisc

[@Bulshie]

I was ten years old at the time. Lived in East Wall, Dublin. I remember this song for a time seemed to be on the radio almost every day when we were getting ready to go to school in the North Wall. It seemed to be always raining then, and my mother would stand out looking to see if the bus was coming, so we could all run out and down the road to catch it. (of course back then you didn't have to be at the stop in time. If the driver saw kids in the distance running for the bus, he would always wait). I remember how the mesmerising melody of the song and the golden accents of these English kids singing stayed in my mind as I ran, somehow promising that it would not always be grey and raining and that there were golden times ahead.

[@carolynlawlor4706]

These times were so simple ,we had very little but we we appreciated what we had ,loved growing up in the 60s great times

[@jamesmason5491]

I remember going to school singing this song. Thinking life was fantastic.

[@thesquaredisc]

😊👏👏👏

[@Happyhippy1959]

Those children remind me of my childhood, born in 1959 I do remember this song loved it then and still do. Truly blessed to be born when I was, yes money was short but we really enjoyed our childhood.

[@thra5herxb12s]

I was 5 years old when this came out. I'll never forget those days growing up.

[@FrankBage-lw1jw]

This song came out when i was approching mt 17th birthday,the 1960's was a special tim for me,and Grocer Jack was one that i loved,very sad song,made my eyes well up with rears.The power of music!

[@alanmorgan7212]

I'm 63,i remember listening to this when it was out, I listened to the words then cried when I understood he died, and still struggle, silly old sod

[@DavidRigby-np2zz]

Lol we are all silly sods ,

[@thesquaredisc]

Me too 😊👏🫶🙏

[@IanSmallwood-b7e]

It still gets today and probably always will, so I'm just a daft old sod and proud 😊😊😊​@@thesquaredisc

[@thesquaredisc]

😊🫶

[@carlteacherman194]

Nothing silly at all. I think this song touches a lot of people of our generation.

[@clivestraw1913]

The best years for youngsters teens 60 70s brilliant

[@ronnyvanlandschoot4435]

Long ago the sixties, every thing was so simple. No much of luxury, but what were we happy in a simple world where everything was still black and white. The sixties were simply the best. 👌👍❤

[@carlranger8060]

Born late 50s you're bang on.

[@MerleDoughty-yw6cl]

I was born at the end of the 1940s far away from the Mother Country and yet still a very part of it. Those days back then on into the 60s were a great time for many. Today at 75 I fear so much for the young generation, what went wrong? Where we live I saw one of those Free Palestine marches, maybe 50 odd people. It made me think of the protests we had about the Vietnam war, of which I agreed with, however military service changed that. The mass marches about the All Blacks playing South Africa, of which I was against, considering that other sporting events were still playing against South Africa. I digress, love this song and its story, I have seen the old video of this, it was okay as you said a bit blurred. The old grocer Jacks have gone, I recall one I used to supply to where I live, his delivery boy had one of those grocery bikes that Open All Hours had, I knew that young lad and was to work with the man in a later job, memories of a man in his starched white apron, shop in very tidy order, alas a time long gone now.

[@thesquaredisc]

@MerleDoughty-yw6cl wonderful comment Merie, you have a wonderful way of writing, a time that’s past that’s taken everything with it. My new channel EVB & Beyond will be about getting out of the house, today, many never leave their bedroom, we live in strange times that’s for sure. Best to you 🙏🫶😊

[@SpideyVids]

I was a child during the 60s - they were the best years of my life. TV shows were so much better and music was going through some really creative changes and everything the Beatles came up with was still brand new. I also remember Grocer Jack like it was yesterday.

[@thomasgoodisson8877]

Absolutely spot on my friend.

[@joecrean9546]

born in 63 absolutely loved this song 🎵 these were times when you could go out and play with your mates 😂😂😂😂😂

[@hedleysetahul3265]

Born in 63 too I remember hearing certain songs from about 4/5 onwards and this one is very much up there. Only many years later hearing it again realising it was a sad song! I used to sing the chorus when I was about 5 years old. I love it

[@AlanWhite-k7k]

Please God take me back to those times just for a day. This was a great record and I remember 1967 as a twenty year old and enjoying great music.

[@denisethompson4861]

Agree. Take me back to. I was 13 , didn’t understand fully the meaning of the song then. Was happy running around the streets. Run outs, handed down metal roller skates, skipping. And now…..well. Oh to turn the clock back.

[@windsorSJ]

I was born in 1956 and the film brought back loads of old memories. It was a hard time but I'm glad I lived then.

[@ThomasPrior-wv6zn]

HATCHED IN 53 25 12 53 LOVE CHRIST MASS AMEN

[@gingerali]

Thanks for posting this, makes me want to weep. Great Britain died the day they stopped ringing the Church bells and started opening shops on a Sunday.

[@thesquaredisc]

🙏🫶

[@denisescutt1865]

and God left the classrooms. No prayers or hymnns

[@gingerali]

@@denisescutt1865 Absolutely !

[@ThomasPrior-wv6zn]

YEP AND MASS IMIGRATION , BY TONY EFFING BLAIR

[@MissSJ4429]

@@gingerali It died when Margaret Thatcher became PM and destroyed communities.

[@michaelswestun6076]

Haven’t heard this for over 30 years until I heard it on Greatest Hits Radio 60’s … the kids singing Grocer Jack takes me back to a happier time and place as a 60’s child .. there is nothing about today’s music that can even hold a candle to the fantastic music of the 1960’s

[@garypalmer1541]

When Britain was British gone forever, very sad.

[@zaftra]

It looked a shithole with sad people living in rubbish.

[@cosmicmusicreynolds3266]

its still british

[@ScratchyBaws]

@@cosmicmusicreynolds3266 Not for much longer, you need to wake up and see what's going on in this once great country.

[@paultevendale9293]

No it will always be British, no matter how many different cultures/races live here

[@zaftra]

@@paultevendale9293 That should be correct, people come here and become British, but when you have hundreds of thousand gravitating to an area they wont; just look at the man who killed his wife in Scotland - 'don't you think you are going to be that British woman', basically obey your husband and he was born here.

[@denisescutt1865]

I was eight years old. Loved these days.

[@Debbiebabe69]

Back in the days when people had to grit it out, strain every sinew, and get on with it in order to live. Not like today where all the youngsters just go to the doctor and say 'having to work gives me anxiety' and they get paid to live off the state.......

[@johnwoodward4319]

Brilliant song there will never be a time like the 60s, glad I was around then.

[@mervjames6183]

Born in 1951 the sixties were what life should be like the feeling the music

[@terryono-ss8he]

same here december 51 i was 15 when it came out

[@ianlove3]

Times were hard but so much simpler back then, so times I wish I could go back to those times.

[@stephenlovering7932]

i remember these times very well and what a fantastic song very moving

[@Kivetonandrew]

As a child born in the early 50s I remember this song from 1967 very well. This was a magical psycdelic time. The year of the Flower Power people. Hearing this song immediately takes me back to that wonderful time.

[@stevejelly3161]

One of our first records as a family ........... but everybody asked for "Groser Jack" and the record shops were confused !!!!! . But a beautiful record

[@thesquaredisc]

@stevejelly3161 😊👏👏👏

[@Elderly-Marian-in-UK]

I'm 72 now. Grew up in the 50s. I bought this record back in the day. It was my favourite song when I was a kid. Songs were innocent then. Not like the crap of today. Fond memories. Xx

[@romystumpy1197]

Saturday morning, was junior choice on the radio,this song was populr

[@Neil-n8i]

Such great music in those times !

[@jamesan2517]

I was born in 1950. What we never had we never missed.

[@stevelee4952]

Born in 1952. I grew up with this type of people. Poor, honest and patriotic to the core. Look at the old country now. Kids not safe, women safe, nobodys safe. Look at the faces in this video, what dont you see? Thats the answer and we all know it.

[@frogwobbler]

Oh my... crying like a baby here. Not looking through rose tinted lenses but look at how far we’ve devolved. Heartbreaking 😭

[@lesliekime7567]

Seeing old England again was a real joy, thank you.

[@thesquaredisc]

Thank you Leslie, pleased you enjoyed the video 👍🙏

[@brynjones7507]

Brittania Back ........🦁🐏 I Witnessed Our King 🏰 becoming a Prince on his 👑Coronation 69 with a 🐐 leading the Welsh Guards in front ....With all my warm feelings March on Together 🐈‍⬛ 😇

[@stephencopping9953]

Weren't rickets great !

[@thesquaredisc]

@stephencopping9953 Absolutely not 🙏

[@stephenshaw6448]

​@@stephencopping9953and diphtheria.

[@JohnSAitken]

Mmm, the post war dream. Money was tight life was short and the NHS was just making its presence felt. This clip is wonderfully restored. What a beautiful piece of footage. Thank you who ever it was.

[@thesquaredisc]

Thank you John, pleased you enjoyed the film I created to go with the song 😊🙏

[@JohnSAitken]

Some information on the place and year would be nice. I think it’s somewhere in London Uk?

[@thesquaredisc]

@JohnSAitken many places John, everywhere from Manchester to brick lane in London’s East end, cheers again 😊👍

[@petersmith5723]

That was magic . Always liked this song . Nobody had anything , better times .

[@thesquaredisc]

Very true Peter, society has become far too divided these days, superficial too in many ways, thanks for watching and enjoying my little video 👏👏👏

[@ThomasPrior-wv6zn]

ONE CULTURE , THATS WHY

[@petersmith5723]

@@ThomasPrior-wv6zn Absolutely , looking back we didnt realise how lucky we were .

[@sandragreenwood7641]

They were the best day everyone was the same scimp and scraped not like not the kids get to much kids went out to play I loved them days but they can't take the memories memories away ❤️ ♥️ 💗

[@davidbaines5804]

I was 12 when this was released. Brings back so many happy memories.

[@lindamiller9938]

Born in 1954 had a step brother called Jack owed a green grocer shop when this song came out. Brings back good memories of helping with delivery in his old battered van

[@dingnextstop]

There are certain songs and tunes from the 1960/70’s that I cannot play anymore as the memories break my heart… “Stranger on the Shore” by Acker Bilk is one… and “Penny Lane” by the Beatles is another to name but 2… it’s incredible how powerful music can be to the soul whether it raises you or breaks you… the 1960’s were a “Gift” of talent from musicians and song writers and to be a young person in those days was a rollercoaster of emotions that will stay with me until I die…

[@AMBIOSIS]

Johnny Regae, is another.

[@thesquaredisc]

@AMBIOSIS that’s up on my channel too 😊👏👏

[@AMBIOSIS]

All the more reason for playing and listening to them, they bring family who have passed back in the room, and they love it.

[@arthurgranville5306]

all these replies are true happy days, times were hard you had your dreams. i too still think back and miss them. god bless you all

[@andrewshaw5349]

A classic of our generation cheers brilliant

[@johngogarty945]

67 to 87. Best 20 yrs of music ever

[@WTF-pn7zt]

I wouldn't argue with that. ✌

[@katebemb8900]

Agree , we were so lucky to be alive then.

[@kevinjohn725]

What a lovely country we had then All living in harmony with beautiful songs. Happy days....

[@janeforrest6838]

I was 7 and can remember this so very clearly,had the best childhood ver wonderful parents.Lost my mum I April miss her every single minute of every day.Now my dads 90 and in hospital,so wish I could re live it all again😢

[@ithewonder]

Beautiful song, my favourite when i was growing up during the 60's

[@RichardPrescott-n1u]

Grocer jack singer Keith west was earlier in a band with guitarist Steve Howe called tomorrow and had a great song my white bycycle and had a superb version of strawberry fields on the album yes excerpt from a teenager oprea takes me back very good single yes makes you think about the grocery dilerevry men from back in the day and even.. The milkman dileverd food products how times have changed what a great song grocer jack he might come back

[@carolynlawlor4706]

Music of my childhood ,those times of the sixties were very simple I grew up in the best of times and I loved it

[@thesquaredisc]

Yes, that's for sure, thanks Carolyn 😊

[@DeborahSellars-ut3wo]

Born in '63 my parents time lovely memories I long to go back, back home. ❤

[@stevefrommalton]

Those of us who came of age in Britain during this period were truly blessed. Despite lack of money or modcons, and all the so-called 'advancements' since, this was as good as it has ever been or is likely to be. If only I could visit my teenage self to tell him so!

[@ooo4616]

I remember my parents buying a twin tub washing machine. It was the height of modern living. 😊 I was born in 1969 and loved the 70s, not the 80s, tho, when the yuppies and prozac came around, it seemed society lost its togetherness after the 70s.

[@johnrudd1868]

1959 kid. Love everything from eyes opening, good innocent life and now fear for my grandkids.

[@timbrown4576]

My dad, hunched over a reel to reel tape recorder, wreathed in ciggy smoke, recording Alan Freeman Sunday top 20 Radio 1 chart show....

[@deborahellis8644]

I was born in 1964 & used to sing the chorus to my nan & grandad. It would make them laugh. This video made me feel emotional. Thank you

[@thesquaredisc]

That’s so sweet Deborah, thanks for sharing your memories 😊🫶🙏

[@christinebrassey7877]

I was born in 1954. Really loved this.

[@cliverichards9850]

I was 12 when this came out. This was my childhood.

[@richardsloan4873]

I also was born in 1952 we certainly had the best of times,freedom and music.

[@barbd5607]

All of us growing up in the 60s remember the never changing faces of our grocers, our butchers, our milkmen, our coalman and our rag and bone man. We never had a lot of money but I know I had the best childhood. We had freedom and adventures from age 6 onwards….And no bloody health and safety!

[@harryblack5041]

RIP Grocer Jack. Long ago displaced by supermarkets and online deliveroo services.....

[@BradBrassman]

It was in the charts when we were on holiday in Yarmouth in 1967, and this song always trasports me back to this time with my parents and grandparents all gone now, so a very emotive track indeed!

[@colinbest8610]

A much simpler and happier time. Compared with today those days were heavenly.

[@thesquaredisc]

I worked on the video to create this very feeling Colin, thanks for watching and enjoying this classic song 👏👏😊

[@ianclarke1852]

I’ve found a simpler life makes for a happier life. The 2 are connected.

[@thesquaredisc]

@ianclarke1852 very true Ian 👏👏😊

[@Disillusioned_one]

I was 11 years old, loverly memories.

[@romystumpy1197]

Those kids were so me, best times 😢

[@actionscoot]

What great imagery to this song. I recall living in Christchurch, New Zealand. Felt like post war UK. The brick row houses, the smell of coal in the air, and the perpetual overcast clouds at twilight. We had a milkman who made the rounds, with those bottles we'd put change in. I'd walk the downtown streets on a Sunday evening and it'd be so barren and desolate, I loved it. The smell of Red Lion beer as I passed the pubs, I was an avid bottle cap collector. My mom (mum) would have me go to the butcher and get sliced salami for the week. I enjoyed the trip as he'd cut me a small saveloy sausage for my trip back home. This song takes me to that simpler time in the back of my mind..

[@thesquaredisc]

Wonderful, thank you 😊🙏 I was in Christchurch just the other day 😊

[@cathrynhesketh5703]

I remember getting a record token for Christmas and I bought this single.i loved it as much now as I did then.such happy memories ❤️

[@thesquaredisc]

😊🙏👏👏👏

[@catharinaketelaar7299]

Do agree…me 73 years now…… so happy that lived in 50st 60st and 70 st years! This music perfect 🎵 those days were those days ,this music …unforgettable, …… happy in those days, these days now are so different …… those day never come back🎵🙏

[@johnwoodward4319]

@catharinaketelaar7299 We're the same age and couldn't agree more.

[@KieranKelly-o9s]

Brilliant to hear this wonderful song from when I was a kid

[@thesquaredisc]

Thank you, yes, it really is a wonderful song of the times 😊👏👏👏

[@terrykevincharles57]

Beautiful song, evokes much loved family members now long gone. Wonderful memories of the sixties and better times.

[@ChristinaBaker-e9d]

I have loved this song since it was released. I am 67 now and it is such a treat to hear it again. Thank you.

[@thesquaredisc]

Nice one Christina, thanks for popping by, so pleased it brought back memories for you 🙏

[@svenf.3506]

One of the best songs of the 60s and a classical One-Hit-Wonder.

[@nicolacox8086]

Love the song and my childhood, tough though is was, we were all in the same boat xx

[@margaretsennett8689]

I was 4 years old in 1967, but I still remember this song - particularly the chorus. What an amazing video of British life and culture back in those days! You really captured it! Miss the milkman! Thank you for posting!

[@thesquaredisc]

Thank you Margaret, very kind of you, I looked for many clips and edited them all together, even lined up for the words in the song, even I got a little emotional creating the video. So pleased you enjoyed it, thank you. It’s such a good song that captures these times. 😊🙏

[@nigelarbury9989]

Brings back so many wonderful memories, born in 61, absolutely love this ❤

[@annewilliams4931]

I was 4 as well in 67 - remember my big brother playing this song over and over. The video was a slice of nostalgia - remember the milkman, the coalman with horse drawn cart and the rag and bone man. Seems so long ago now!

[@ukladyfan6231]

Loved this song which was in the UK charts for months and I wouldn’t leave for school until it played on the radio 😊 Happier days indeed 😊

[@thesquaredisc]

😊👏👏🙏

[@colincarroll5953]

Wonderful video of how we lived and when communities were alive and united. Simpler far happier times and all sorts of emotional memories came flooding back.

[@catherinenelson5576]

Happy times wish i could go back

[@gregnorth6413]

Oddly, i haven't heard this played in 50 odd years. Historic footage. Great post, thank you.

[@thesquaredisc]

Nice one Greg, thanks matey 👍

[@JustSad66]

Ditto. The footage was wonderful.

[@MichaelHumphreys-l3e]

Wonderful memories 😢

[@rw8733]

My mum loved this. I still miss her 😢 Lovely video. It made me cry. Better times.

[@thesquaredisc]

That’s so sweet to share, thank you, I decided I wanted to create a story to go with the song, the children running to wake up old Jack and seeing the children having breakfast moved me too. This song is very special to me. I’m delighted the video I created is bringing much nostalgia to many. Thank you RW. 🙏

[@rw8733]

@@thesquaredisc It really moved me. I know my comment is a bit soppy, but music can stir feelings that are locked inside. The clip is perfect. Thank you. Roy.

[@thesquaredisc]

Music has been my hobby for many years, this song takes me right back to my childhood, they used the children from the Corona Academy in West London, I’ve often wondered what many of these children are doing today, all around 65 now. It’s an incredibly emotional song, I’m so pleased you’ve enjoyed it Roy, thanks again my friend 😊👏👏👏🫶

[@rw8733]

@@thesquaredisc It's her birthday tomorrow. I'll be playing this.

[@thesquaredisc]

Bless you, thank you 🙏😊

[@Sailfire1]

Our country used to have an identity and something that bonded us together, no matter race or creed. Good, though hard times in late 1960s , 1970s , early 1980s. We used to be a country then.

[@lostintashkent]

We still are! Sometimes a bit broken, full of moaners... but comparatively prosperous, educated, free and safe. Most of us in this country don't understand how good we have it!

[@jamesgraham6122]

In spite of that being filmed in one of the more depressed areas of the city, it still has that old English charm, shades of wartime spirit that saw people through those years.. I was 19 when this was made, I consider myself part of the luckiest generation this country ever saw, and I'm happy knowing that I won't be around to watch it getting worse by the week. Thank you for that.. very much appreciate your efforts. :>)

[@thesquaredisc]

Much respect James, thank you 🙏😊👏👏

[@iohnxxxx]

I agree with every word you say mate

[@lostintashkent]

but honestly, it hasn't got worse has it? life was often hell back then and generally people have a better standard of living now. your nostalgia is misleading.

[@jamesgraham6122]

@@lostintashkent It depends on how you judge your quality of life. Growing up in London, life had a greater sense of freedom than today, not infested with the cultural issues and transport problems that plague London now. Employment rates were extremely high for anyone wishing to work, people were encouraged to work rather than take advantage of too easily obtained 'benefits'. There remained a strong sense of community and a pride in what our country had achieved. Street crime was at a minimum and the police were free to deal with it as and when able. Of course, I can list a number of positive advantages we have now, medical, quality of housing... well, those anyway are just two, but now I'm struggling to think of anything else. Our education system no longer teaches of responsibility to society. We didn't have a housing crisis on the scale of today, or the resentment of seeing a million undeserving wasters arriving and being given preferential treatment.. we didn't have to worry about our grandchildren suffering the prospect of being discriminated against by a society of religious retards working to institute Sharia Law. In short, you could say that from the late 50s until the early 70s the 'feel-good' factor was very much higher than it is today; and that's the basis of my comment.

[@jamesgraham6122]

@@lostintashkent It depends on how you judge your quality of life. Growing up in London, life had a greater sense of freedom than today, not infested with the cultural issues and transport problems that plague London today. Employment rates were extremely high for anyone wishing to work, people were encouraged to work rather than take advantage of too easily obtained 'benefits'. There remained a strong sense of community and a pride in what our country had achieved. Street crime was at a minimum and the police were free to deal with it as and when able. Of course, I can list a number of positive advantages, medical, quality of housing... well, those anyway are just two, but now I'm struggling to think of anything else. Education included the importance of responsibility to society and adapting a strong work ethic. We didn't have to witness a million homeless Brits while people arriving from alien cultures would be given priority housing. We didn't worry that our grandchildren might be threatened by communities of religious retards attempting to enforce Sharia Law. In short.. if 'quality of Life ' can be measured by the 'feel-good' factor.. it was very much stronger between the years of the late 50s and mid 70s.

[@Bernie666]

Loved this as a kid , I’m 62 now

[@JonathanBlake-yj8bu]

My Auntie Bet and Uncle Jim bought me this record when i was 4 years old, she worked at Lewis's Liverpool and he was the mens clothes buyer for Blackler's over the road. He was still one of the best dressed men in town at 90!!!...wonderful song

[@denny174]

These wonderful film clips should be recommended to any young person to educate them about the REAL world and how preceeding generations worked hard and suffered for their freedom now to choose to waste their time surfing social media and end up mentally confused and depressed about their own identities.The clips show how life in England was in about 1955, one shop header is Sidney Ziff and Co and they only started selling meat near London`s Smithfield Market, at 82 St John Street, on 9th September 1957.Much of London was bombed by German aircraft during World War 2, 1939-1945, and the film shows the damage had not been repaired even 10 years afterwards. No supermarkets existed, people bought food from street traders or small shops, and milk and dairy products might be delivered by Grocer Jack in his 3 wheeled electric Brush Pony cart (NUC389 reg in April 1953).The song is about 85 year old Jack who is determined to help the community despite being old and ill and yet everyone takes him for granted and complain without knowing what`s wrong.Obviously the children then had no phones to play with, they made their own toys and played together in the street, no fake friends on social media. And finally, remember that during WW2 food was scarce and had to be rationed to small amounts per week.The little clip showing several spoons of sugar being put in the tea indicates the happy day in September 1953 when sugar rationing ended.If you think your life is difficult please study the film clips and count your blessings.Please share.

[@thesquaredisc]

Thank you for that, you got my way of thinking spot on 🙏

[@johndavey72]

1967 !!!! Seems like yesterday ! Thankyou

[@alantees1593]

The best days of my life,loved this song it's brought tears to my eyes thinking about the state Britain has become today.

[@thesquaredisc]

🙏

[@jspope2008]

Days long gone 😢 Sad in many respects. Always liked this song

[@thesquaredisc]

Thank you, yes, takes me right back this one 🙏

[@tmusic409]

I thought this was amazing when it came out and still is. Still waiting for the rest of the teenage opera! Great video, some sadness thinking of family members no longer with us.

[@arthursolly9452]

Such a great song sung with a sad theme. Many thanks for the memories of my youth

[@happyness5423]

Awwwww, Thank you so much for this, the little girl skipping down the street & the boys on their bogey . . . Good old days, I actually feel sorry for kids now, they have no idea what they missed, we had nothing but we were happy. ❤️

[@thesquaredisc]

Pleased you enjoyed the video I put together for the song, a wonderful reminder of how everyone enjoyed life even though times were incredibly tough. Thank you 😊🙏

[@LindseyGlasman]

I loved being a teenager in the 60's. After university, I worked at the BBC in London, then moved to New York in 1975, where I met my husband. Back to the UK in the 1980's. We bought a house, had good careers and good friends. I enjoyed all of it, although there were occasional sad times. Now I'm retired, I do a lot of voluntary work, including mentoring sixth-formers at my local school. Guess what? They're loving their teenage years just as we did! They love their friends, their music, their hobbies. They look forward to the future with a mixture of anticipation and worry, just as we did, if we had any sense. They'll be OK, and hopefully won't grow up to be disappointed, bitter old people.

[@thesquaredisc]

The comer you’ve used at the end of your comment between ‘disappointed’ and ‘bitter’ made me jump after reading such a nice share. I know what you mean though, I think 🙏

[@alanlee4561]

Born in 1952 and loved the music, songs and times. Forever optimistic and living hand to mouth was normal and everything food wise was seasonal and challenging. The film reminded me of all the markets we went to every week and carring heavy bags of bargain vegetables miles home then shelling peas with the odd maggot and pickeling onions for Christmas.😊 Our family room heating was paraffin and all the other rooms were just cold.