When Stephens received several requests for The New Vaudeville Band to tour he had to put together a group, since the song was recorded by studio musicians hired only for the recording session. He contacted a real group, the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, which played similar music at the time. Only Bob Kerr from that group was interested, so he left The Bonzos to help Stephens form a touring version of The New Vaudeville Band. The lead singer of the touring version of the group was Alan Klein, who was billed as 'Tristram—Seventh Earl Of Cricklewood'. The group enjoyed success for two years until the novelty wore off. Kerr then formed his own group, Bob Kerr's Whoopee Band, which continues to perform.
In 1967, The New Vaudeville Band released the Finchley Central LP.
I Was Lord Kitchener's Valet
New Vaudeville Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We were ever so pally
I was always there to press his suits
And clean his boots and in return
As everybody knows
He gave me all his old clothes
I was Lord Kitchener's valet
He would often say that when he died
That he'd provide for me and you can see
Just what I got
His winter woolies and the lot
Oh, Lord Kitchener what a to do?
Everyone is wearing clothes that once belonged to you
If you were alive today, I'm sure you would explode
If you took a stroll down the Portebello road
I was Lord Kitchener's valet
Right from Kandahar to Calais
I was by his side to wipe his shoes and serve his booze
I knew my loyalty would be repaid
I'm in the second hand trade
Oh, Lord Kitchener what a to do?
Everyone is wearing clothes that once belonged to you
I know that you've forgiven me if I tell you on my knees
Your wardrobe is a victim of the economic squeeze
The song "I Was Lord Kitchener's Valet" by the New Vaudeville Band is a satirical piece that reflects on the idea of celebrity and how it affects those around the person. The lyrics narrate the story of a loyal valet who served Lord Kitchener, a British soldier and statesman, during his military campaigns. The singer expresses in the first line that he was ever so pally with Kitchener, which sets the tone of their close relationship. He goes on to talk about how he was always there for Kitchener, cleaning his boots and pressing his suits, and in return for his services, Kitchener gave him all his old clothes. The singer then goes on to talk about how he used to share the same chalet as Kitchener and how Kitchener promised to provide for him in his will.
The song takes on a humorous tone and adds conflict when it brings up the idea of how everyone is wearing clothes that once belonged to Kitchener. The idea is that everyone wants to be like Kitchener, wear his clothes, and emulate his lifestyle. The singer seems to be acknowledging this and in the end admits that the wardrobes are just a product of the economic squeeze. The song is relatively straight-forward, but it cleverly uses the idea of celebrity and how it creates a sense of entitlement amongst those around the celebrity.
Line by Line Meaning
I was Lord Kitchener's valet
I worked as Lord Kitchener's personal servant
We were ever so pally
We were very close friends
I was always there to press his suits
I was responsible for ironing Lord Kitchener's clothes
And clean his boots and in return
In exchange for my services
As everybody knows
It was common knowledge
He gave me all his old clothes
Lord Kitchener gave me his used clothing
We used to share the same chalet
We lived together in the same cabin
He would often say that when he died
Lord Kitchener frequently spoke about what would happen after his death
That he'd provide for me and you can see
He promised to take care of me, and he fulfilled that promise
Just what I got
I received
His winter woolies and the lot
All of his winter clothing, and more
Oh, Lord Kitchener what a to do?
Oh, Lord Kitchener, what a commotion?
Everyone is wearing clothes that once belonged to you
Many people are now wearing the clothing that you gave me
If you were alive today, I'm sure you would explode
If you were still alive today, you would be very upset
If you took a stroll down the Portebello road
If you walked along Portobello Road
Right from Kandahar to Calais
From Kandahar, Afghanistan, to Calais, France
I was by his side to wipe his shoes and serve his booze
I was always there to clean his shoes and serve his alcohol
I knew my loyalty would be repaid
I believed that my loyalty would be rewarded
I'm in the second hand trade
I now work in the used clothing business
I know that you've forgiven me if I tell you on my knees
I'm sure you've forgiven me for what I've done, but I beg for your pardon
Your wardrobe is a victim of the economic squeeze
Your clothing collection has been affected by the economic hardships we're now facing
Contributed by Audrey O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@myepiphone
Remember it well, played a lot on the radio but never charted. It was a gentle dig at the trendy boutique "Lord Kitchener's Valet" which was very popular with the public and pop star elite at the time.
@josephsauris4949
Was "I Was Kaiser Bill's Batman" an answer song?
@davidmunday4367
What a bloody good band !
@fidelmamani6789
Grazie
@heathstjohn6775
Original address of the boutique was 293, Portobello Road, London. You'll hear it mentioned in the song. Wikipaedia has the history, with links to the other contemporary boutiques.
That line which is difficult to hear is "...right from Kandahar to Calais..."
@garytwitchett9359
I wish they'd re-issue the "World of the NVB " (DECCA Sessions) on CD and Download. It's an Excellent Album.
@alansmythe7890
Lord Kitchener is spelt with 2 'e's as in Kitchener Rd N17.
@andrewwellesley8747
Am I the only 24 year old American here??
@rickoc6435
I hope not. Great band a lot of fun when it came out and to this day, tell your friends.
@nicolebourcierphotographer
I dare to say I prefer Jack Wild's version