| AKA |
| Lyrics | Chris Yacich | Music | Chris Yacich | Roud Index | V53404 |
| Music Hall performers | Billy Cotton 1930s George Formby 1930s |
| Folk performances | Soon I’m sure |
Standing by the fruit stall on the corner Once I heard a customer complain You never seem to show The fruit we all love so That’s why business hasn’t been the same I don’t like your peaches, they are full of stones But I like bananas because they have no bones Don’t give me tomatoes can't stand ice cream cones But I like bananas because they have no bones No matter where I go With Susie, May or Anna I want the world to know I must have my banana Cabbages and onions hurt my singing tones But I like bananas because they have no bones Now I don’t care for muffins; I don’t like buttered scones Ah but I like bananas because they have no bones I don’t like giggling flappers I don’t like ancient crones Ah but I like bananas because they have no bones In fig leaves and bearskins Which you girls often slip on Why not have banana skins They’re easy things to slip on I can’t bear tax collectors especially one who phones Ah but I like bananas because they have no bones I don’t like a crooner; of the blues he moans But I like bananas because they have no bones I don’t like politicians; they’re human gramophones I like bananas because they have no bones I never cared for drink To me it seems so sinful Though when you come to think Bananas get a skinful I don’t like the bagpipes, and I can’t stand saxophones I like bananas because they have no bones
A crazy comedy song from the 1930s, the sort of thing the Bonzo’s might have sung. Very much from the tail end of music hall, though it appears in the repertoire of both George Formby and Billy Cotton band who both appeared in the bigger Halls at that time. Sure to appear in the traditional repertoire soon …
Sources:
The rather wonderful Robyn Hitchcock sings:
Last Updated on November 3, 2020 by John Baxter | Published: January 20, 2020
