> Steeleye Span > Songs > The Tricks of London

The Tricks of London

[words trad., collated and adapted by Bob Johnson, music Bob Johnson]

Bob Johnson sang The Tricks of London in 1998 on Steeleye Span’s CD Horkstow Grange. He commented in their liner notes:

They’re coming to take me away, ha ha! But they won’t find me—oh no!—because I’ve got a London Travel Information ‘Journey Planner’ (including a ‘places of interest’ list and ‘London’s airport connections—made simple’); together with a one-day Family Travelcard for up to two adults travelling with between one and four children (‘groups do not need to be related, but must travel together all times’), valid in Zones 1 & 2. But I’m up to their tricks—oh yes!

Lyrics

Steeleye Span sing The Tricks of London

In London town I lost my way
In Oxford city I went astray
See-Saw Jack-in-the-Hedge
Which is the way to London Bridge?

If your heels are nimble and light,
You may get there by candlelight

Chorus:
And I’m up to the tricks of London town
(London bridge is falling down)
I’m up to the tricks of London

See-Saw Sacra-down
Which is the way to London town?
One foot up and the other foot down
And that’s the way to London town

Chorus:
And I’m up to the tricks of London town
(See-Saw Sacra-down)
I’m up to the tricks of London
(One foot up and the other foot down)
And I’m up to the tricks of London town
(London bridge is falling down)
I’m up to the tricks of London

In London town I lost my way