London Pride

Noël Coward

About London Pride

"London Pride" is a patriotic song written and composed by Noël Coward during the Blitz in World War II.


Year:
1941
92 
#2

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London Pride has been handed down to us.
 London Pride is a flower that's free.
 London Pride means our own dear town to us,
 And our pride it for ever will be.
 Woa, Liza,
 See the coster barrows,
 Vegetable marrows
 And the fruit piled high.
 Woa, Liza,
 Little London sparrows,
 Covent Garden Market where the costers cry.
 Cockney feet
 Mark the beat of history.
 Every street
 Pins a memory down.
 Nothing ever can quite replace
 The grace of London Town.
 
 INTERLUDE
 There's a little city flower every spring unfailing
 Growing in the crevices by some London railing,
 Though it has a Latin name, in town and country-side
 We in England call it London Pride.
 
 London Pride has been handed down to us.
 London Pride is a flower that's free.
 London Pride means our own dear town to us,
 And our pride it for ever will be.
 Hey, lady,
 When the day is dawning
 See the policeman yawning
 On his lonely beat.
 Gay lady,
 Mayfair in the morning,
 Hear your footsteps echo in the empty street.
 Early rain
 And the pavement's glistening.
 All Park Lane
 In a shimmering gown.
 Nothing ever could break or harm
 The charm of London Town.
 
 INTERLUDE
 In our city darkened now, street and square and crescent,
 We can feel our living past in our shadowed present,
 Ghosts beside our starlit Thames
 Who lived and loved and died
 Keep throughout the ages London Pride.
 
 London Pride has been handed down to us.
 London Pride is a flower that's free.
 London Pride means our own dear town to us,
 And our pride it for ever will be.
 Grey city
 Stubbornly implanted,
 Taken so for granted
 For a thousand years.
 Stay, city,
 Smokily enchanted,
 Cradle of our memories and hopes and fears.
 Every Blitz
 Your resistance
 Toughening,
 From the Ritz
 To the Anchor and Crown,
 Nothing ever could override
 The pride of London Town.

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Noël Coward

Sir Noël Peirce Coward (16 December 1899 – 26 March 1973) was an English playwright, composer, director, actor and singer, known for his wit, flamboyance, and what Time magazine called "a sense of personal style, a combination of cheek and chic, pose and poise". more »

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Written by: NOEL COWARD, NOEL PIERCE COWARD

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Song Creation
"London Pride" was authored by the celebrated British playwright, songwriter, and actor Noël Coward in 1941.
London Inspiration
It was inspired by Coward's love for London and the resilient spirit of its residents during the second world war.
Historical Context
Noel Coward wrote this song during the Blitz - a period in World War II when the United Kingdom was being heavily bombed by Nazi Germany.
Tune Influence
The song's melody is said to have been influenced by the chimes of London's Big Ben clock tower.
Floral References
Musically, 'London Pride' refers to a popular garden plant Saxifraga x urbium, widely known as London Pride. This plant turned out to be a symbol of resilience, much like the people of London during war times.
Song Popularity
"London Pride" has achieved a royal status among songs about London. It's considered an unofficial anthem of the city.
Iconic Performances
Since its first performance, the song has been covered by many artists, reflecting its enduring appeal and cultural significance.
Movie Appearance
The song was prominently featured in the 1943 film "This Happy Breed," directed by David Lean and based on a play by Coward himself.
Noble Message
The lyrics of the song pay tribute to the courage of the ordinary Londoners during World War II and encourage them to continue showing the same spirited determination.
Relevance
The song's message of resilience and endurance in the face of adversity remains relevant even in contemporary times, often being sung or played at events commemorating various significant events in London's modern history.
Accolades
Due to its iconic status and cultural importance, "London Pride" was included in the English Hymnal, a hymn book widely used in the Church of England, implying its religious and spiritual significance.
Album Release
"London Pride" was also released in Noel Coward's 1953 studio album, "Noël Coward in Las Vegas."

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