| AKA | A friend at every milestone |
| First Published | 1917 |
| Writer/composer | George Asaf / Felix Powell | Roud | RN29739 |
| Music Hall Performers | Fred Barnes, Charles Coborn |
| Folk performances | Collected from the singing of: Ford, Amy; England ; Somerset ; 1973 |
Tramping on the road at the close of day, Sing a little song to pass time along. Keep a cheery smile for the milestones grey, Everyone a welcome friend; For they lead you and the speed you Always nearer to your journey's end There's a friend in every milestone All along the old road home Can't you read their friendly greeting? "Here's one mile less to roam" There's a cosy place and a smiling face To crown the journey's end So we'll pass each milestone gaily singing Welcome Old Friend! Lights begin to gleam on the last hilltop, Every mile a stone, so silent and alone Thro' the mossy banks see their grey heads pop, Always with the same old sign. Let the dust choke let the rain soak Very soon will see the home lights shine
A marching song from the First World War associated both with the singing of Fred Barnes and Charles Coburn who apparently at the age of 70 walked from Land’s End to John O’Groats. The lyrics were written by George Asaf (a pseudonym used by George Powell) with music composed by his brother Felix Powell. The pair had had a great hit with Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag.
In 1973 the song was collected from singing of Amy Ford by Bob and Jacqueline Patten, you can hear her version at the British Library Sounds Archive
Sources:
- VWML entry
- Kilgarrif Sing Us
- Lyrics: Music Hall Memories No. 6
- Sheet Music: Trove, National Library of Australia
Last Updated on October 26, 2021 by John Baxter | Published: October 25, 2021
