George Formby Lyrics Trivia Quiz

Answer: When I'm Cleaning Windows

"In my profession I work hard, but I'll never stop. I'll climb this blinkin' ladder till I get right to the top!" This song has recently been remixed by American record producer "Ice Pik".

Answer: Leaning On A Lamppost

"There's no other girl I would wait for, but this one I'd break any date for, I won't have to ask what she's late for, she wouldn't leave me flat she's not a girl like that!" In the film "Feather Your Nest", George's character has to secretly record this song, and it becomes a well-known hit - not unlike the real version.

Answer: With My Little Ukelele

"Now everybody's got a crazy notion of their own, some like to mix up with the crowd, some like to be alone. I'ts no-one else's business as far as I can see, but every time that I go out the people stare at me." Formby in fact did not play a ukelele, he played an instrument christened the banjulele - a hybrid combining the Hawaiian ukelele and the big American banjo.

Answer: Mr Wu's A Window Cleaner Now

"When he goes out working, interest he arouses, polishing the windows with worn out ladies' blouses, he wears a pair of cami nicks to save his Sunday trousers, cos Mr Wu's a window cleaner now!" This song follows on from "Chinese Laundry Blues" - as do "Mr Wu's An Air-raid Warden Now", "Mr Wu's In The Air Force Now", and also "Mr Wu's In The Home Guard Now".

Answer: Keep Your Seats Please

"No-one knows just why it first broke out, what it's all about, why do people shout, 'hold tight, keep your seats please'!" A couple of miscellaneous facts - Formby's career spanned over 40 years and he starred in over 21 hit films.

Answer: Bless 'em All

"There's many an airman just finishing his time, there's many a twerp signing on. You'll get no promotion this side of the ocean, so cheer up my lads, bless 'em all." George and his wife, Beryl, entertained an estimated three million Allied Servicemen and women during World War Two.

Answer: You Don't Need A Licence For That

"You may think I'm romancing, but they even tax you for singing and dancing! You need a license whatever you do, one or two things they've exempted it's true, lumbago, the gout or a touch of the 'flu, you don't need a licence for that!" By 1939, he was earning over £100,000 a year (an amazing amount in those days), making him the highest paid and most popular entertainer in the British Isles.

Answer: Hill Billy Willie

George never performed in the USA. He did, however, make personal appearances there and he was quite popular in New Zealand, Austrailia, South Africa, and Canada.

Answer: Chinese Laundry Blues

"My vest's so short that it won't fit my little brother, and my new Sunday shirt has got a perforated rudder. Mr Wu, what shall I do, I'm feeling kind of Limehouse Chinese laundry blues." Limehouse was one of the Chinatown areas in London in those days, along with one simply called "Chinatown".

Answer: I Told My Baby With The Ukelele

"Her neck, I love it so, I brought her a present about a week ago. Two little gifts she'll use I hope - I bought her a sponge and a bar of soap." George died in hospital on 6th March 1961. Beryl had died on Christmas Eve the year before. An estimated 100,000 mourners lined the streets at his funeral.