Warren Fahey

Source: Australian Melodist Songster Vol 1.
Tune: Tomahawking Fred/Tambaroora Ted etc)

FASHIONABLE FRED

Of me you may have read, I'm Fashionable Fred,
And no matter where I chance to show my face,
I'm looked on as the cheese, and all the girls I please.
I'm a model swell of elegance and grace,
Wire in and go a-head, then, for Fashionable Fred,
Pit pat's the way and sharp about the word,
Give me sufficient cash, then, see me cut a dash,
For whatever's slow in my idea's absurd.

Chorus
Yes, I'm just about the cut for Belgravia,
To keep the proper pace, I know the plan.
Wire in and go a-head, then, for Fashionable Fred,
I'm Fashionable Fred, the ladies' man.

My life from first to last, has been jolly, gay and fast,
In fact to find a faster you'd be teas'd;
In everything I'm quick, the Yankees call it slick,
I'm something like a flash of lightning greas'd.
Yet in my running ground, I'm game you may be bound,
To give a flash of lightning ten yards start.
I'd run for twenty pound, and ere we'd been twice round,
I'd pass it like a bullet or a dart.

This is the age for dash, and all must come out flash,
If in this world they try to make their way.
If you wear a seedy dress, you'll find to your distress,
All your friends will quickly turn their heads away.
Tho' I'm not worth a groat, I wear a decent coat,
And rattle on and keep on going a-head,
And all the world you see, will fraternise with me,
And soon pal in with Fashionable Fred.

Tho' in the Park I walk, and with the ladies talk,
My tailor's bills I always like to run.
I canter in the Row, and when to balls I go,
I gallop with the charming girls like fun.
With the times I keep a pace, and with them run a race,
Still of them I'm always found a-head.
I'm ready for a lark, no matter light or dark,
Up to any game is Fashionable Fred.

SITE SOURCE: Sydney Folklore Project - Section 14: CITY LIFE