POPULAR SONGS RE-SUNG. "BLAZY BILL; OR, THE BICYCLE CAD."
Reading edition
Air—"Daisy Bell; or, a Bicycle made for Two."
"The churl in nature up and down" is perennial and ubiquitous. Like the god Vishnu, he has many avatars. Every new development of popular pastime (for instance) developes its own particular species of "Cad." Leech's "Galloping Snob" of a quarter of a century ago has been succeeded by that Jehu of the "Bike," the Cycling Cad, to whose endearing manners and customs in the Queen's highway, and elsewhere, the long-suffering pedestrian is persuaded a laggard Law will shortly have to find its attention urgently directed. Mr. Punch, who is of the same opinion, adapts Mr. Harry Dacre's popular song to what he is convinced will be a popular purpose.
Perturbed Pedestrian sings:—
There is a fear within my heart, Blazy! Blazy! Planted one day with a demon dart. Planted by Blazy Bill. Whether he'll kill me, or kill me not, Smash me or only spill, Little I know, but I'd give a lot To be rescued from Blazy Bill.
Chorus—
Blazy! Blazy! Give me a chance, Sir, do! I'm half crazy, All for the fear of you. You haven't a stylish way, Sir, I can't admire that "blazer" (Which you think sweet). The curse of the street Is the Bicycle Cad—like you! You rattle along as though for your life, Blazy! Blazy! Pedalling madly, with mischief rife, Blundering Blazy Bill! When the road's dark we need Argus sight, Your bell and your lamp do nil But dazzle our eyes and our ears affright, Blustering Blazy Bill!
Chorus—
Blazy! Blazy! Bother your "biking" crew! I'm half crazy, All for sheer dread of you. I can't afford a carriage, If I walk—in Brixton or Harwich— The curse of the street, I am sure to meet In a Bicycle Cad like you! Why should we stand this wheel-bred woe? Blazy! Blazy! Yes, your vile bell you will ring, I know, Suddenly, Blazy Bill, When you're close on my heels, and a trip I make, And, unless I skedaddle with skill, I'm over before you have put on the brake, Half-fuddled Blazy Bill!
Chorus—
Blazy! Blazy! Turn up wild wheeling, do! I'm half crazy, All in blue funk of you. The Galloping Snob was a curse, Sir, But the Walloping Wheelman's a worser. I'd subscribe my quid To be thoroughly rid Of all Bicycle Cads like you!