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Lonnie Donegan – My Old Man’s a Dustman

Get to know: Lonnie Donegan – Ramblings

About the Song

Lonnie Donegan was a pivotal figure in shaping the British music scene in the late 1950s and early 1960s, bringing the sounds of folk, jazz, and skiffle to a wide audience. Among his many popular tracks, “My Old Man’s a Dustman”stands out as a quintessential example of his unique blend of catchy tunes, relatable lyrics, and working-class humor. Released in 1960, this whimsical and upbeat song captured the essence of everyday life in post-war Britain with a cheeky charm that resonated deeply with the public.

At the heart of “My Old Man’s a Dustman” lies its playful narrative, which tells the story of a man’s pride in his father, a dustman (or garbage collector), despite the humorous, often absurd situations he faces due to his father’s humble job. The lyrics, penned by Donegan himself, reflect the British working-class spirit of the time—lighthearted yet grounded in the reality of earning a living through hard, often overlooked work. The song’s chorus, with its infectious melody and simple, yet effective, storytelling, captures a sense of both reverence and affection for the protagonist’s father, creating a connection that is both nostalgic and endearing.

The song’s charm is also in its musical arrangement. Donegan’s skiffle style, characterized by its upbeat rhythm and lively instrumentation, was the perfect vehicle for this tale of quirky familial pride. His distinctive guitar strumming and the accompanying banjo and washboard created a lively, toe-tapping atmosphere that made the song instantly memorable.

In many ways, “My Old Man’s a Dustman” encapsulates the spirit of the era—reflecting the post-war optimism and the everyday resilience of ordinary people. For older listeners, the song may evoke memories of a simpler time, while younger generations may appreciate the song’s timeless humor and energy. It remains a testament to Lonnie Donegan’s ability to capture the essence of British life in a way that still resonates today.Lonnie Donegan and the Birth of British Rock & Roll, by Patrick Humphries: review

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Lyrics: My Old Man’s a Dustman

Now here’s a little story
To tell it is a must
About an unsung hero
That moves away your dust
Some people make a fortune
Other’s earn a mint
My old man don’t earn much
In fact he’s flippin’ skintOh, my old man’s a dustman
He wears a dustman’s hat
He wears cor blimey trousers
And he lives in a council flat
He looks a proper narner
In his great big hob nailed boots
He’s got such a job to pull em up
That he calls them daisy rootsSome folks give tips at Christmas
And some of them forget
So when he picks their bins up
He spills some on the steps
Now one old man got nasty
And to the council wrote
Next time my old man went ’round there
He punched him up the throat

Oh, my old man’s a dustman
He wears a dustman’s hat
He wears cor blimey trousers
And he lives in a council flat

One day while in a hurry
He missed a lady’s bin
He hadn’t gone but a few yards
When she chased after him
‘What game do you think you’re playing’
She cried right from the heart
‘You’ve missed me, am I too late’
‘No jump up on the cart’

Oh, my old man’s a dustman
He wears a dustman’s hat
He wears cor blimey trousers
And he lives in a council flat

Though my old man’s a dustman
He’s got a heart of gold
He got married recently
Though he’s 86 years old
We said ‘Ear! Hang on Dad
You’re getting past your prime’
He said ‘Well when you get to my age’
‘It helps to pass the time’

Oh, my old man’s a dustman
He wears a dustman’s hat
He wears cor blimey trousers
And he lives in a council flat

He found a tiger’s head one day
Nailed to a piece of wood
The tiger looked quite miserable
But I suppose it should
Just then from out a window
A voice began to wail
He said (Oi! Where’s me tiger head)
Four foot from it’s tail

Oh, my old man’s a dustman
He wears a dustman’s hat
He wears cor blimey trousers
And he lives in a council flat
Next time you see a dustman
Looking all pale and sad
Don’t kick him in the dustbin
It might be my old dad

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