As a young man Edgar Bateman (1860-1946) worked as a printer, but like many young people of the time, he was obsessed with the theatre and Music Hall. Some of his best-known songs were written whilst he was still working at the day job: songs like If it wasn’t for the houses in between and It’s a big great shame.
In 1897 he gave up the printing trade and became a talent scout for the music publishers Francis, Day and Hunter. Like many professionals associated with the Halls he was known as a drinker, but unlike many others he lived to a ripe old age.
Some his songs that have been collected from traditional singers:
- If it wasn’t for the ‘ouses inbetween
- It’s a great big shame
- It’s a wonder I’m alive to tell the tale
- My London Country Lane
- Ship that belongs to a lady, The
All the known songs: This list probably underestimates his full output, but represents my most complete list of his songs that were published as sheet music with cross-references to the Roud Indexes where they exist.
Sources
- Richard Baker: The British Music Hall
Last Updated on January 13, 2023 by John Baxter | Published: April 26, 2022
