Sung to the tune of "Who Killed Cock Robin?", this version became an immediate hit soon after the resignation of Sir Charles Warren from the Metropolitan Police in late 1888. It was written by Geoffrey Thorn and arranged by Edmund Forman. It was originally sung by Harry Randall. Click here to play the song if its not playing already in the background.
Who Killed Cock Warren?
Who Killed Cock Warren
I said the Home Sec
I broke his neck
I killed Cock Warren.
CHORUS.
Then the roughs in the square fell a sighin' and a sobbin'
When they heard of the death of poor Cock Warren."
Who saw him die?
I said the "Pall Mall,"
For I'm not his pal,
I saw him die.
CHORUS.
And the "Globe" and the "Star" fell a sighing and a sobbing
When they heard of the death of poor Cock Warren.
Who'll have his blood?
I said Cunningham Grahm,
For I tried to slay him,
I'll have his blood.
CHORUS.
And the unmuzzled dogs fell a sighing and a sobbing,
When they heard of the death of poor Cock Warren.
Who'll have his place?
I said Munro,
I'll boss that show,
I'll have his place.
CHORUS.
And the bobbies and the tarts fell a sighing and a sobbing,
When they heard of the death of poor Cock Warren.
Who'll dig his grave?
'Twas dug said brave Burleigh,
This morning quite early,
I dug his grave.
CHORUS.
And the unpromoted bobbies fell a sighing and a sobbing,
When they heard of the death of poor Cock Warren.
Who'll say the prayers?
I'll do that bit, for
That's all I'm fit for,
And he said his own pray'rs.
CHORUS.
And they say Miss Cass fell a sighing and a sobbing,
When she heard of the death of poor Cock Warren.
Who'll toll the bell?
"Mathews" said all,
For he's next to fall,
He'll toll the bell.
CHORUS.
And then even he fell sighing and a sobbing,
When he thought of the death of poor Cock Warren.