Plain Speaking Boy's Recitation

Abstract

This recitation, to be performed at concerts or parties, offers a loud-voiced boy an opportunity to enjoy himself shouting, as well as passing on the temperance message. It shows how much humour was sometimes mixed in with the temperance message. Recitations provided opportunities for children to participate in events, but also gave them confidence and trained their memory. Some were serious, but others were lively and must have been fun to perform, such as this one from the Band of Hope Review in 1902

(To be recited by a strong-voiced Teetoal Boy.)

They say I am a noisy boy, if once they hear me shout ;
I want to be, I’ve got a lot to make a noise about.
Do you hear? Is that loud enough?
(Louder) Do you hear? Is THAT loud enough?
(Very Loud) Do you hear? Is THAT loud enough?
It shan’t be my fault if you don’t hear.

Wine is bad I know, gin and rum are worse,
Beer is barley spoilt, whiskey is a curse.
It’s all poison. Is that loud enough?
(Louder) It’s all poison. Is THAT loud enough?
(Very Loud) It’s all poison. Is THAT loud enough?
It shan’t be my fault if you don’t hear.

I wouldn’t drink a drop for twenty sacks of gold,
I’m every bit as firm as people who are old.
It’s true. Is that loud enough?
(Louder) It’s true. Is THAT loud enough?
(Very Loud) It’s true. Is THAT loud enough?
It shan’t be my fault if you don’t hear.

People say they think that nobody can be
Strong, and fat, and well, on water, milk, and tea.
It’s downright nonsense. Is that loud enough?
(Louder) It’s downright nonsense. Is THAT loud enough?
(Very Loud) It’s downright nonsense. Is THAT loud enough?
It shan’t be my fault if you don’t hear.

Some say there is no cure for England’s cure of drink,
What rubbish to be sure, here is a cure I think,--
Sign the pledge and keep it. Is that loud enough?
(Louder) Sign the pledge and keep it. Is THAT loud enough?
(Very Loud) Sign the pledge and keep it. Is THAT loud enough?
It shan’t be my fault if you don’t hear.

E. W. S. Royds.