Southend-on-Sea.  Oh, Southend-on-Sea.

London's playground on the Thames estuary.

Whether for day trip or a week's holiday,

You found it all at Southend-on-Sea.

We stayed every year in a large double room,

In a house owned by two sisters, a Miss and Miss Bloom.

We traveled in Dad's taxi, the ride was so smooth.

Chatting and planning the things we would do.

Each morning the beach, with bucket and spade

And acid drops, lemon pop and sandwiches made.

We children went paddling, splashing away.

Dad off with his jacket, for cricket to play.

Southend-on-Sea.  Yes, Southend-on-Sea.

London's playground on the Thames estuary.

Jellied eels by the cupful and cockles for tea.

Summer soaked days at Southend-on-Sea.

With afternoon came our walk to the shops,

Large '99' cones - sticky drips on my top.

Those postcards to write, Mum left with the job.

While Dad to the bookies, with our Uncle Rob.

Come evening the lights and the noise was so near,

Drawing us all to the joys of the pier.

Entertainment, music, necking couples so dear.

Ferris wheels and rides for us children to fear.

Yes, Southend-on-Sea.  Oh, Southend-on-Sea.

London's playground on the Thames estuary.

Each year makes much clearer the good memory,

Of childhood days at Southend-on-Sea.

Retired I now sit, in Betjeman Court.

No driving, hardly moving - I'd never had thought;

That my travels would be taken, on daytime TV.

But I think back with fondness

To Southend-on-Sea.