The Lord Mayor had a coachman and the coachman's name was John.
Said his lordship to the coachman, "Take your wages and begone.
I want a better coachman, for I'm going to take a drive."
Said John, "I am the finest coachman you will find alive.
And if you let me drive today I'll show I can't be beat.
I'll drive you all around Birmingham and I won't go through a street."
Said his lordship, "John you must be mad but still I will humour you.
But remember that you lose your place the first street you go through."
The mayor jumped in his carriage and the coachman on his seat.
He then drove down Victoria Road which we know is not a street.
Lozells Road, Villa Road - said his lordship, "What's his game?"
And John drove into Soho Road and turned down Queen's Head Lane.
Foundry Road and Slough Lane and Foundry Road he drives
And thus he keeps out of a street he astfully contrives.
Winson Green and Icknield Port said his lordship, "Well, that's good."
And John wheeled round the corner into Ladywood.
Islington Row he next drives through said his lordship, "Now he's beat.
For if you go straight on my man, you must go through Sun Street."
But John said,"No, that will not do, for I have another mode."
He then turned around from Lea Bank and into Ryland Road.
Charlotte Road and Wellington Road, the coachman next drives through.
Bristol Road and Belgrave Road away he quickly flew.
Now we're into Moseley Road - said his lordship in a pet -
"Dash my wig and barnacles, I think he'll do it yet."
Highgate Place and Kyrwicks Lane and Aukland Road the same.
Stratford Road up to the Ship and then down Sandy Lane.
Coventry and Bordesley Green are roads that next they pass.
Park Roa, Mill Lane, Saltley Road through the yard they make the gas.
Then the Recreation Ground and on through Nechells Park.
Holborn Road and Lichfield Road, said his lordship. "What a lark."
Said John, "It's now Victoria Road and I think your lordship's had a treat
For I've driven all round the city and I've not been through a street."
Author Unknown.
According to Dr. Chinn, this poem was first published in the Evening Mail in 1895.
Note* Tis the first time I have read the poem all the way through...and....my Great Great Gramma lived on Sun St.!
Enjoy,
India the Brum
