Be careful of your actions in these days of chip and chaff
Or else you may do something which will raise a sneering laugh
If you undo your waistcoat, and say, 'Ain't it hot, by gosh?'
And it should strike you that your only shirt has gone to wash

(Spoken) - You must be -

Chorus: As you were before, as you were before
When the boys shout what a dicky masher with a roar
Quickly button up your coat, and let everybody note
That you are - as you were before.

Supposing you are hard up, and a pocket want to pick
You put on a pious look, and where the crowd is thick
You dodge in, prayer book in your hand, and when a plant is found
You get to business, but if he should suddenly turn round

(Spoken) You must be -

Chorus: As you were before, as you were before
If he swears you've robbed him, his rage you must ignore
Turn your eyes up piously, and let everybody see
That you are - as you were before.


Now if you go to court a girl and her papa is out
You kiss her, and around her waist your arm soon steals, no doubt
And with her head upon your chest you swear your love is true
But if the door should open quick, I'll tell you what to do.

(Spoken) You must be -

Chorus: As you were before, as you were before
If you hear a rattle or a noise outside the door
Your arms are soon untwined, if her pa comes in he'll find
That you are - well, as you were before.


When out at night with dear old pals you get a drop too much
You tell them you're quite sober, and with help you walk as such
And propped against your door you stand, as straight as any die
But if that door be opened, in the twinkling of an eye

(Spoken) You must be -

Chorus: As you were before, as you were before
Some thing seems uneven as you walk upon the floor
And the wife says, 'Mr T., I can very plainly see
That you are - as you've been before.'