Lyrics On the Beat - George Formby

If you want to know the time,
Ask a Policeman.
The proper rhythmic time,
Ask a Policeman.
Every copper on the beat,
Yep, he's got rhythm in his feet.
One step, two step, three step, four step,
Rag-time, jazz-time, swing,
We're always on the beat.
The lads in blue are always on the beat.
We raise our batons and we raise our voices in song.
To keep us cheery when we're swinging along.
We're always smart and neat.
To see us passing gives the girls a treat.
They all start waving, and they wink a friendly eye.
Hear them whisper, "Aint he Sweet",
We can sweep them off their feet.
Because we're on the beat.

Why do all the nursmaids say?
"Oh I think you police are marvellous"
Who's with cook on her half day?
"My rhapsody in blue"
Why do all the convicts shout?
"I think you police are marvellous"
What is all this fuss about, well, I'm not asking you.
Oh, the reason is plain,
Let me tell you again,
We're always on the beat.
You'll see us standing guard on every street.
If things upset you, there's no need to worry or frown.
Ask a policeman and he won't let you down.
For anyone you meet,
Is bound to tell you that we're hard to beat.
We know the answers and we'll tell you one and all.
If you're wandering up and down,
We'll show you how to go to town,
Because we're on the beat.

(UKULELE SOLO)

We're always on the beat,
We're not allowed to stop and take a seat.
We keep on walking through the Winter, Summer, and Spring.
Rain or sunshine, well it don't mean a thing.
We're always on our feet.
They suffer agonies from cold and heat.
But we don't grumble, because our duty must be done.
Though we may be full of aches,
We never have to ask for breaks,
Because we're on the beat.

(UKULELE SOLO)