Don't Dilly Dally on the Way
"Don't Dilly Dally on the Way", subtitled "The Cock Linnet Song" and often credited as "My Old Man (Said Follow the Van)", is a music hall song written in 1919 by Fred W. Leigh and Charles Collins, made popular by Marie Lloyd. The song, although humorous, also reflects some of the hardships of working class life in London at the beginning of the 20th century. It joined a music hall tradition of dealing with life in a determinedly upbeat fashion. In the song a couple are obliged to move house, after dark , because they cannot pay their rent. At the time the song was written, most London houses were rented, so moving in a hurry – a moonlight flit – was common when the husband lost his job or there was insufficient money to pay the rent. The couple rush to fill up the van, and its tailboard, with their possessions, in case the landlord appears. When the van is packed up, however, there is no room left for the wife. The husband therefore instructs her to follow the van, which she does, carrying the pet bird. Unfortunately, en route, the wife loses  her way after stopping at a pub for a drink. Thereafter, she reflects that it would be ill-advised to approach one of the volunteer policemen (a "special"), as they are less trustworthy than a regular police constable (a "copper") and might take advantage of her inebriation. Alternatively (according to the physical gestures accompanying the song) they may simply be less qualified to give dependable street directions. Chorus. The chorus of the song is well known. There are a number of alternatives to the last two lines: Performances. Various lineups of the Clancy Brothers (with Tommy Makem, Louis Killen, and  Robbie O'Connell at different times) have performed the refrain as part of a medley, immediately following "They're moving Father's grave to build a sewer", which also deals with the travails of working class Londoners. These two songs appeared together on the group's 1965 album, "Recorded Live in Ireland". Danny La Rue also often sang it in performances. Football chant. The song forms the basis of a football chant in the UK at clubs such as Aston Villa, Manchester United and Glentoran F.C.. In the chant, the narrator's old man suggests being a fan of a rival  club. The narrator responds aggressively and reveals a negative opinion of all fans of that club, using obscene language.