Kenneth Williams wrings out every last innuendo from this double entendre laden music hall classic. From the 1960s BBC Radio comedy series Round the Horne.
I was in the audience when this was recorded at the BBC Paris studio in Regent Street, it was recorded on a Monday lunchtime so most of the audience was students and OAP's.
My Grandad played this song all the time. It's something I associate strongly with him, every bbq we had he'd be playing this song and laughing like a trooper. It holds a special place in my heart which sounds ironic given the lyrics of the song. But, this was my Grandad's song and always will be ❤
I remember listening to Round The Horn. The Goonshow and The Navy Lark in the late Fifties and the Sixties. The casts of these shows were geniuses there is no one like them nowadays. Still don't know how they got away with half the stuff they did.
I am an avid listener of R4 extra and on Tuesday this week I turned on the radio and heard applause and what should follow? This very recording! What a fantastic show and what a legend KW was.
I understand that someone complained about this song being broadcast on Round The Horne in the mid-60s, referring to " modern, smutty comedy.". Kenneth Horne pointed out that the song was actually around 70 years old at the time.
Ah the dingle weed! A most Invasive and hostile flora. If even slightly agitaged, it will bust and scatter it's seed. Fortunately, I've caught the one before it could do any damage. Never touch a dingle weed with the open palm, they are dangerously.virile!
There are quite a few different versions of this, all with the same lyrics, yet none of them are near as filthy or hilarious as this one. All down Williams's suggestive delivery. He could make anything sound rude. So when the material is actually rude it's a wonder he wasn't banned
I like the wurzels version the best. There's something about it that just makes me think of the good old times, it would almost be tear jerking if I wasn't jerking my marrow
Amazing that this was broadcast at Sunday Lunch-times up to the death of Kenneth Horne. Most vintage comedy tends to leave me cold, but this one is the exception.
I am so jealous! I first heard Round The Horne when I was a teenager in the 1990's and was surprised at how relatively well it's aged. Even now it's funnier than just about every alleged comedy programme on Radio Four.
@@Wirraburra07 There is somewhere on TH-cam a recording of Douglas Smith reading the late news on the BBC at midnight New Years Eve (I don't remember the year) wonderful mellifluous voice, friendly and calm, wishing all listeners a happy and Prosperous New Year. I remember my mother saying that she couldn't listen to Douglas reading the news as she expected him to go off script and do some of the silly stuff he did so well on Round the Horne. A great guy who added to RTH with such good grace, no matter what idiocy they asked him to do.
#"Oh, what a beauty, I've never seen one as big as that before, Oh, what a beauty, it must be six foot round, or even more... He's big, he's round, he's ugly... He's very very fat, I never knew a peanut could grow as big as that..."
I don't think it's really "Music Hall". The song is on a record by The Wurzels, attributed to Edrich Siebert (1952). Though it certainly does sound like something from the age of Marie Lloyd. Whatever the song's origin, Williams turns in a wonderful performance.
It was written in the 1950s in the style of Marie Lloyd and other risqué music-hall acts of pre- 1914 London. Of course, if this song had been around in 1900 and Lloyd had sung it anything like this, the theatre would have been closed down instantly and there would have been a riot, followed by her imprisonment for public obscenity. They were kind of strict back then...
There's actually a third verse which Williams could have made all his own, really wrung out the innuendo, but great to hear it done by one of the masters, all the same.
I dunno, this probably would be allowed - that's the whole point of innuendo. I seem to remember a story that Marie Lloyd ( or one of her contemporaries) wrote a song called "She sits among the cabbages and leeks", which she was told was too suggestive. She rewrote it as "She sits among the cabbages and peas" - and that was fine ! No accounting sometimes, eh.
I done figured out why people laughing! For those wanting to know, look up a marrow plant and flower, and listen closer to the lyrics. Not enough, think of it like this: What can you find marrow inside? I'll leave it there😉
@@colindurham5085 Actually I just listened to the Billy Cotton 78 on YT and tbh, the third verse doesn't really add anything in terms of comedy- they're just repeating that the song really is about an award-winning vegetable and not a knob at all (as if!)
Thank Goodness You're Here!
Thank goodness I’m here , to listen this wonderful music.
Ah, Thank Goodness You’re Here
If Moty Python made a game, Thank godness you're here, it'd be.
@@Broetchen98 ya, I can see that.
Barnsworth awaits, boy!
Hey you! Yes you! Thank goodness you’re here. 🎉
Same .
Same here
Indeed
I was in the audience when this was recorded at the BBC Paris studio in Regent Street, it was recorded on a Monday lunchtime so most of the audience was students and OAP's.
I want this played at my funeral.
Nobody does double entendre like the great Kenneth Williams
God bless Kenneth Williams. He was wonderful and is still greatly missed.
'Thank Goodness You're Here' for the PS5 bought me here 😂
Truly wonderful! Kenneth Williams was a dear, dear man
I needed to be able to raise a smile today, this never fails to deliver.
Nobody made it sound quite as filthy as Kenny. Bless him.
The Billy Cotton version of this has no chance in comparison. I want this played at my funeral.
@@captainswing4487 A very good choice.
Every time I hear this I can't stop laughing tears of joy 💖🤩😍❤️
Amazing that this was staple listening with Sunday Dinner at one time for many British households. Still makes me laugh!
Thank goodness you're here! i was just about to tuck into this delicious ham sandwich, but i've lost the mayoral mustard!
Its the way he tells it You can't beat real humour!!!
I loved this song from thank goodness your here
My Grandad played this song all the time. It's something I associate strongly with him, every bbq we had he'd be playing this song and laughing like a trooper. It holds a special place in my heart which sounds ironic given the lyrics of the song. But, this was my Grandad's song and always will be ❤
I remember listening to Round The Horn. The Goonshow and The Navy Lark in the late Fifties and the Sixties. The casts of these shows were geniuses there is no one like them nowadays. Still don't know how they got away with half the stuff they did.
Brilliant performance by the legendary Kenneth Williams. Still miss him! I think I would like this played at my funeral too Lord Goat Almighty!
My grandad Quentin had this played at his funeral x RIP
Thank goodness you're here!
He was always my fave from Carry On, I remember the day he died, I was only 8 years old. RIP
I remember it too, I was 6. And for some reason I've been fascinated by him my entire life and only find him more interesting and funny now than ever
The funniest radio show ever to this day..and Kenneth , ego driven and frustrated is the God.
He never got properly serviced, you know...
@@DrDespicable He was a cult....
Reggie's wife could learn a thing or two from this.
I am an avid listener of R4 extra and on Tuesday this week I turned on the radio and heard applause and what should follow? This very recording! What a fantastic show and what a legend KW was.
I was in the audience for the recording..
When you fall from 10 stories up from your office building
I am crying laughing ! I remember my Dad singing this!!!
Thank goodness I'm here.
Thank goodness you're here
Heard the original broadcast - a complete hoot||
Thanks for posting.
Let's hope they've finally found the mayoral mustard by now
Get the contrasts on voice and delivery between first and second verse. A comic genius.
I understand that someone complained about this song being broadcast on Round The Horne in the mid-60s, referring to " modern, smutty comedy.". Kenneth Horne pointed out that the song was actually around 70 years old at the time.
Only ten bob? What a deal!
This is one of the vids I come back to whenever I'm feeling a bit down. It never fails to cheer me up. Thanks KW.
Hey you, yeah you, thank goodness you’re here!
Thank Goodness You're here.
I’ve got you a meeting with the Lord Mayor today!
Ah thank goodness you're here
Ah the dingle weed! A most Invasive and hostile flora. If even slightly agitaged, it will bust and scatter it's seed. Fortunately, I've caught the one before it could do any damage. Never touch a dingle weed with the open palm, they are dangerously.virile!
Council tax all payed?
Thank you Meredith Brothers
Swinging by to comment the same thing!
2 foot marrow! Ten bob!
Love this song and kenny R.I.P KENNY AND THE CREW
Absolutely, wonderful.
ah, thank goodness you're here
There are quite a few different versions of this, all with the same lyrics, yet none of them are near as filthy or hilarious as this one. All down Williams's suggestive delivery. He could make anything sound rude. So when the material is actually rude it's a wonder he wasn't banned
I think Tim Curry gives him a run for his money--he performed it on Saturday Night Live, where it was called The Zucchini Song.
I like the wurzels version the best. There's something about it that just makes me think of the good old times, it would almost be tear jerking if I wasn't jerking my marrow
Amazing that this was broadcast at Sunday Lunch-times up to the death of Kenneth Horne. Most vintage comedy tends to leave me cold, but this one is the exception.
Wasn't it switched to Saturdays at a certain point? I may be wrong
God given talent.
Great stuff from a great crew
I am so jealous!
I first heard Round The Horne when I was a teenager in the 1990's and was surprised at how relatively well it's aged. Even now it's funnier than just about every alleged comedy programme on Radio Four.
reyt good!
Heard this, then went and bought one of Big Ron's Big Pies, then slapped my fish 😂
Superb !!
Ten bob? Thas a bit steep that
She is probably Betty Marsden, who appeared with Kenneth Williams in radio4's Round the Horne between 1965 and 1968. The bald guy is Kenneth Horne.
Listen to this from start to finish, but without smiling. Go on. I dare you.
Ah, the old double entendre…it can only mean one thing!
sometimes you don't realise it's a double entendre but inevitably you get it in the end....
I MEAN ME MARRAH
Thanks
I heard this on the radio when I was a kid. My mum wasn't a bit pleased.
3 people are jealous cos they've only got small marrows....
Zucchinis, if you will.
Courgettes if you pick them early.........................
love zucchinis...since I was a boy....
22Yeller now it's 15
Nice one
The song was recorded by Billy Cotton & his band in 1955 featuring Alan Breeze on vocals.
Lmao i thought you said Billy Corgan 😂😂😂
brilliant
My what a song! Reggie's wife could learn a thing or two...
I should be so lucky to have a marrow as big as that!
It's still there. It's now called Radio 4 Extra.
Inuendo! Out the other! 🤣🤣🤣
Classic!
Round The Horne series 4 episode 5 - currently available on the BBC Radio i-player
"Ab....sol.....utely Fab..u........lous , darlings.............!!!" Am I referring to the Marrow? Or Marrows!!!!! God Bless You Kenneth
Magic Kenneth at his cam pest best
OH. What a beauty.
bbc 7 is now bbc 4 extra still broacasting this great stuff
L to R: Hugh Paddick, Kenneth Williams, Kenneth Horne, Betty Marsden, Douglas Smith
The wonderful betty marsden brilliant in carry on camping .her laugh! 😂
Thank you for pointing out Douglas Smith. I've always wondered what he looked like.
@@Wirraburra07 There is somewhere on TH-cam a recording of Douglas Smith reading the late news on the BBC at midnight New Years Eve (I don't remember the year) wonderful mellifluous voice, friendly and calm, wishing all listeners a happy and Prosperous New Year. I remember my mother saying that she couldn't listen to Douglas reading the news as she expected him to go off script and do some of the silly stuff he did so well on Round the Horne. A great guy who added to RTH with such good grace, no matter what idiocy they asked him to do.
Reggie's wife could learn a thing or two from that.
Check out Radio 4 Xtra,all the old shows are on there now!
I'm looking for the other one he did Hawkin' Me Greens About. Not sure if thats what its called but any help appreciated. Thanks
This, I think, would fit the tune of Holding Out For A Hero by Bonnie Tyler pretty well.
When we had a sense of humour! :-)
rightfully immortalized by dr alex patterson in 'toxygene'
Definitely Douglas Smith on the right. Now HE was funny. ("Smith! Smith! Have you taken leave of your senses?")
Lucy Fisher Dobbiroids
im from kes
I don't suppose you have Wallace Greenslade singing "Nobody Loves a Fairy When She's 40"?
I think you mean Douglas Smith, Wallace was the announcer for The Goon Show, he died in 1961
@mintystick anything can be made to sound as if it has a double meaning ... if you know how ...
#"Oh, what a beauty, I've never seen one as big as that before,
Oh, what a beauty, it must be six foot round, or even more...
He's big, he's round, he's ugly...
He's very very fat,
I never knew a peanut could grow as big as that..."
Reggie's wife could learn a thing or two.
I don't think it's really "Music Hall". The song is on a record by The Wurzels, attributed to Edrich Siebert (1952). Though it certainly does sound like something from the age of Marie Lloyd. Whatever the song's origin, Williams turns in a wonderful performance.
It was written in the 1950s in the style of Marie Lloyd and other risqué music-hall acts of pre- 1914 London. Of course, if this song had been around in 1900 and Lloyd had sung it anything like this, the theatre would have been closed down instantly and there would have been a riot, followed by her imprisonment for public obscenity. They were kind of strict back then...
There's actually a third verse which Williams could have made all his own, really wrung out the innuendo, but great to hear it done by one of the masters, all the same.
I dunno, this probably would be allowed - that's the whole point of innuendo. I seem to remember a story that Marie Lloyd ( or one of her contemporaries) wrote a song called "She sits among the cabbages and leeks", which she was told was too suggestive. She rewrote it as "She sits among the cabbages and peas" - and that was fine ! No accounting sometimes, eh.
@@gdj6298
That was the thing- staying one step ahead of the censors!
There could be only one KW.
@mintystick Yes:)
@TheRickynow
it's just a shame the ruddy BBC won't broadcast BBC7 anymore. philistines !
Hi All, Where can I buy this?
Do anyone know who the female is in the picture?
dave groom Looks like Betty Marsden.
+dave groom Betty Marsden, yes.
It's Fiona
I know you know!
I done figured out why people laughing! For those wanting to know, look up a marrow plant and flower, and listen closer to the lyrics. Not enough, think of it like this: What can you find marrow inside? I'll leave it there😉
"Look at the size of this lad's marrow"
I wish I was in the audience to see what made them laugh.
The campery, the overacting and the fact that a song about a massive knob was being broadcast by the BBC on a Sunday lunchtime.
@@anonUK And repeated at 7pm Monday evening.
Kenneth Williams loved to hold court with a pub singalong, as can be seen here: th-cam.com/video/gmqt0eguBYs/w-d-xo.html
Why, oh why, oh why didn't he sing the 3rd verse?
There was only so much you could get past the censor in 1967.
@@anonUK True, sad but true.
@@colindurham5085
Actually I just listened to the Billy Cotton 78 on YT and tbh, the third verse doesn't really add anything in terms of comedy- they're just repeating that the song really is about an award-winning vegetable and not a knob at all (as if!)
@@anonUK Well, of course, what sort of person has so filthy a mind as to imagine it's about anything other than a garden vegetable? (coff, coff).
The Wurzels do a good version of this too!
But why didn't he sing the 3rd verse?
It doesn't really add anything.
Yank dol dandy
To Tina Turner Neil Diamond
That's Bill Pertwee, not Douglas Smith.
syd reinarz It's definitely Douglas Smith, as an image search for "Douglas Smith BBC Announcer" will show
Yes, it's certainly nothing like Bill Pertwee. Bill Pertwee was the air raid warden in Dad's Army
Oooer missus
that was Frankie Howerd, you pillock !!
He is not singing about vegetables.