The Postman or I Do Like To Be In The Know You Know circa 1889
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The illustration shows a postman wearing the distinctive ‘shako’ or hat, and the blue serge jacket has red piping. Around the central image are several letters with addresses, stamps and cancellation marks for 1888 and 1889. This song was performed by James Fawn (1850-1923), a well known music hall singer and comedian. The piece was composed by E W Rogers.
Lithographer: M G Banks
Publisher: Francis
Bros. & Day, Oxford
Accession
Number: 2005.82/4
Extract of lyrics from 'The Postman, or, I Do Like To Be In The Know You Know'.
The lyrics of this song lampoon the postman for being a bit
of a busy-body and for reading other people’s mail:
"Hullo! Here’s your favourite Postman who damages your
street door,
And frightens the poor old ladies who live on the second
floor;
For general information I have such an awful thirst,
That when I have
unclaimed letters the envelopes always burst"…

