From between the shafts of a ragman's cart,
John Willie took an 'orse.
He fed 'im duck an' muffin an' he trained 'im fer the course.
He raced 'im at every racecourse 'gainst the finest an' the choice,
But there wasn't a mount in England as could lick John Willie's 'orse.
Lick John Willie's 'orse.
Well a favourite with the gentry at Ascot Royal one day,
Unaffected by the Royalty and wealth an' fine array,
He quickly took the lead and was the first to end the course
To the cheers of the Lords and Ladies shoutin' "Up John Willie's 'orse".
Up John Willie's 'orse.
Once Jimmy Frizzell sent fer 'im when flu had taken its toll.
He turned out fer the Latics an' he scored the winning goal.
The crowd went mad and cheered and sang an' shouted themselves 'oarse
And the players they all gathered round to kiss John Willie's 'orse.
Kiss John Willie's 'orse.
Last year the Owdam 'Orse Show was held in t'middle o't' town.
There wer' mares in t' Mayor's own parlour, there was 'orse flesh shown all round.
There wer' donkeys shown on t' Greaves Arms' steps and stallions too, of course.
But between the pillars on the town hall steps, John Willie showed 'is 'orse.