There are a few words in the following song lyrics that you may not have come across. So here's a quick jargon buster:
Bob: Slang term for a shilling, nowadays equivalent to five decimal pence (about eight US cents).
Bill and coo: Converse caressingly or amorously.
George Formby
The Window Cleaner
Now I go cleaning windows to earn an honest bob,
For a nosey-parker it's an interesting job.
Now it's a job that just suits me
A window cleaner you would be
If you can see what I can see
When I'm cleaning windows!
Honeymooning couples, too.
You should see them bill and coo
You'd be surprised at things they do
When I'm cleaning windows!
In my profession I'll work hard but I'll never stop.
I'll climb this blinkin' ladder 'til I get right to the top!
The blushing bride, she looks divine;
The bridegroom, he is doing fine.
I'd rather have his job than mine
When I'm cleaning windows!
The chamber-maid sweet names I call.
It's a wonder I don't fall!
My mind's not on my work at all
When I'm cleaning windows!
I know a fellow, such a swell.
He has a thirst that's plain to tell.
I've seen him drink his bath as well
When I'm cleaning windows!
Oh, in my profession I'll work hard but I'll never stop.
I'll climb this blinkin' ladder 'til I get right to the top!
Pyjamas lying side by side,
Ladies nighties I have spied.
I've often seen what goes inside
When I'm cleaning windows!
Now there's a famous Talkie Queen,
She looks a flapper on the screen.
She's more like eighty than eighteen
When I'm cleaning windows!
She pulls her hair all down behind
Then pulls down her -- never mind!
And after that pulls down the blind
When I'm cleaning windows!
In my profession I'll work hard but I'll never stop.
I'll climb this blinkin' ladder 'til I get right to the top!
An old maid walks around the floor
She's so fed up, one day I'm sure
She'll drag me in and lock the door
When I'm cleaning windows!
Englishman.
..... fanaticism masquerading beneath a cloak of reasoned logic.