I’d rather lather father than father lather me

From Veteran Songs Of The Good Old Music Hall Days (c1930)

I am a sad young barber's lad
A shaver out of luck
It's through my dad, I am so bad
And feel I'm losing pluck
He says "Now get those razors set
Before you come to bed
Or else young chap, you'll get the strap
I don't have to smart instead!"

My father is a barber, and he is unkind to me
So I'd be glad, if my old dad, would go to Barbary
For I have to lather father and with that I don't agree
But I'd rather lather father, then have father lather me!

I shave my father every day
He makes me lather him
Because he says that is the way
To keep my hand in trim
The lumps and bumps upon his face
I take great care about
BUt always cut a pimple off, 
Or leave a dimple out!

Sometimes a coster or a sweep
Comes in to get a shave
And then says Dad "Look sharp my lad
And watch how you behave"
But when it's girls who want their curls
And tresses trimmed with care
He says "Get out you clumsy lout,
I'll dress this lady's hair!"

I sometimes say I'll run away
And burn my brush and comb
But it's the baker's daughter Sue
Who makes me stay at home
I'm overhead and ears in love
But almost lost all hope
When she saw father spash me 
Over head ears and soap!