Genealogy Data Page 51 (Notes Pages)

Note: MUNDEN, JOSEPH SHEPHERD (1758-1832), English actor, was the son of a London poulterer, and ran away from home to join a strolling company. He had a long provincial experience as actor and manager. His first London appearance was in 1790 at Covent Garden, where he practically remained until 1811, becoming the leading comedian of his day. In 1813 he was at Drury Lane. He retired in 1824, and died on the 6th of February 1832

PATENTS ALL THE RAGE
A New Comic Song
Sung by Mr. Munden
at the Theatre Royal Covent Garden
with Universal applause
Written & Adapted to the Well known Tune
of PUSH ABOUT THE JORUM
By James Payne
Author of the Herefordshire Song &c &c
Entered at Stationers Hall Price 1s
London. Printed by Holland & Jones No 23 Bishopsgate Street

The lyrics and music for the song follow:

In every clime and at every time some fashions have had sway,
And curious strange and simple things by turns have had their day,
No wonder then in this great Town in such a polished age, Sir,
When art and genius are combined that patents are the rage, Sir.

Chorus:
No wonder then in this great Town in such a polished age, Sir,
When art and genius are combined that patents are the rage, Sir.

Our Clothes our physic and our Food, with many queer utensils,
Must all be marked with Patent Stamps like warming Pans and Pencils,
In mentioning the various Arts you'll think I'm ringing changes,
We've Jacks and Grates and Kitchens too, and also Kitchen ranges.

Repeat Chorus

We have Patent fleecy hosiery will open every pore,
And such ills as Gout and Rheumatism soon kick out of Door,
We've also Pills to cure or kill, Perfumes to please your Noses,
With Lozenges and currant drops, and Warrens Milk of Roses.

Repeat Chorus

In Paternoster Row, we have a Patent Book of knowledge,
What pity 'tis not infused among our Blades at College,
Then by Patent they could preach or pray, and wisdom ne'er lacking,
Would shine like Boots and Shoes well blacked by Baily's Patent Blacking.

Repeat Chorus

We've a Patent Urn and a Patent Churn, with Candlesticks and Snuffers,
But some are rude enough to call the inventors only puffers,
Tho in execution Week now to prevent domestic wrangle,
The Men may get the washing up with patent Mill and Mangle.

Repeat Chorus

Was Phaeton now with the Sun to run his course again Sir,
With patent Harness Wheels and Whip, divinely made by Men Sir,
His days work He with ease may do guide the Sun safe to Bed Sir,
And light the World with patent Lamps, to shine forth in its stead Sir.

Repeat Chorus

Lord Chesterfield said to his Son, mind grace in all you do Sir,
Even paring of your pretty nails, or buckling of your Shoe Sir,
And when seated on a private seat, there leaving a deposit,
That Business you may do with grace, in a patent water Closet.

Repeat Chorus

Then we have got true Patent Shot, with Gun powder and Gigs Sir,
We've patent Cauls and patent Hair and Ladies patent Wigs Sir,
There's patent Paste will lather in haste, Razors to please all Faces,
But the most pleasing of these pleasing things, are pretty patent places.

Repeat Chorus

We've Medicines by Patent, in every Street now sold Sir,
Which if you'd take you'd live as long as the Patriarchs of old Sir,
But enemies to Physic at such blessings will be scoffing,
And die just to enjoy the sweets of a good snug patent Coffin.

Repeat Chorus