What Did She Know About Railways?

Album: Music Hall Classics (1954)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • If "Oh! Mr Porter" is Marie Lloyd's best known song on a train theme, "What Did She Know About Railways?" is the most daring. A young girl from the provinces - a farmer's daughter - arrives at London's Euston Station on the midnight train, and she tells the guards and porters she's never had her ticket punched before.

    The innuendo here is obvious, and it was songs like this that led to her appearing before the Vigilance Committee. The sheet music does not appear to have been published during her lifetime, but it was included in the Marie Lloyd Song Album which was published c1954 by B. Feldman of London and by J. Albert of Sydney, Australia. The National Library of Australia credits the words to C.G. Coates, music by Bennet Scott and rev (presumably revised) by Dudley E. Bayford.
  • Somewhat surprisingly this song was recorded by Dusty Springfield half a century and more after Marie's death. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Spooner Oldham

Spooner OldhamSongwriter Interviews

His keyboard work helped define the Muscle Shoals sound and make him an integral part of many Neil Young recordings. Spooner is also an accomplished songwriter, whose hits include "I'm Your Puppet" and "Cry Like A Baby."

Gavin Rossdale of Bush

Gavin Rossdale of BushSongwriter Interviews

On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.

Petula Clark

Petula ClarkSongwriter Interviews

Petula talks about her hits "Downtown" and "Don't Sleep In The Subway," and explains her Michael Jackson connection.

Dr. John

Dr. JohnSongwriter Interviews

The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.