A Little Bit Off The Top - Edward M. Favor (1900)

"A Little Bit Off The Top"

Edward M. Favor

1900

Victor A-195

Song by F. W. Leigh and Fred Murray

Brown's a very old friend of mine. Once I went to his
house to dine. Some of the aristocracy were there.

Not a one of them came in late, and everyone of them
piled his plate. It was fun to watch the animals, I declare.

The waiter came into the room with a pudding of
wondrous size, and though they ate enough to
feed a town, a leader of society completely lost his
etiquette and yelled out to the host, "Hey, Mr. Brown..."

Carve a little bit off the top for me, for me
Just a little bit off the top for me, for me

Saw me off a yard or two--
I'll tell you when to stop

All I want is a little bit off the top

This song was popular in British music halls during the late 1890s. It was performed often by Harry Bedford, who had a reputation for innuendo.

It was also sung by Marie Lloyd.

The lyrics were written by the prolific Fred W Leigh.

The phrase “a little bit of the top” took on at least 3 meanings:

1) An example of higher quality material

2) Slightly crazy

3) Circumcision