The song-sheet Number 549 published in 1912 by B. Feldman & Company, of 2 & 3 Arthur Street, New Oxford Street, London, W.C. (West Central) was sold for 6 d. (sixpence) a copy. It was reprinted several times in later years, and one cover bore the words " The Marching Anthem on the Battlefields of Europe, the Immortal "It's a Long Way to Tipperary", written and composed by Jack Judge and Harry Williams. Sung by The Soldiers of the King." Click on this song sheet to play the tune, then scroll down the page to read the words. Choose the "open from this location" option from your browser, then click on the forward arrow button to start the music.

The words of "It's a Long Way to Tipperary", in Jack Judge's own handwriting

VERSE 1:

Up to mighty London came an Irishman one day,

As the streets are paved with gold, sure ev'ryone was gay;

Singing songs of Piccadilly, Strand and Leicester Square,

'Til Paddy got excited, then he shouted to them there:-

CHORUS:

It's a long way to Tipperary, it's a long way to go;

It's a long way to Tipperary, to the sweetest girl I know;

Good-bye Piccadilly, farewell Leicester Square,

It's a long, long way to Tipperary, but my heart's right there.

VERSE 2:

Paddy wrote a letter to his Irish Molly O',

Saying, "Should you not receive it, write and let me know!

If I make mistakes in spelling, Molly, dear," said he,

"Remember it's the pen that's bad, don't lay the blame on me."

CHORUS:

It's a long way to Tipperary, it's a long way to go;

It's a long way to Tipperary, to the sweetest girl I know;

Good-bye Piccadilly, farewell Leicester Square,

It's a long, long way to Tipperary, but my heart's right there.

VERSE 3:

Molly wrote a neat reply to Irish Paddy O',

Saying, "Mike Maloney wants to marry me, and so

Leave the Strand and Piccadilly, or you'll be to blame,

For love has fairly drove me silly, hoping you're the same."

CHORUS:

It's a long way to Tipperary, it's a long way to go;

It's a long way to Tipperary, to the sweetest girl I know;

Good-bye Piccadilly, farewell Leicester Square,

It's a long, long way to Tipperary, but my heart's right there.

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