On the Beat

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

Yeh 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 we wink a friendly eye

Hear them whisper ain't she sweet

We can sweep them off their feet

Because we're on the beat

Why do all the nursemaids say

Oh I think you police are marvelous

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

For 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 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

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

We suffer agonies from cold and heat

But we don't grumble for 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