There’s a friend at every milestone

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: