Ernie (The Fastest Milkman In The West) – Benny Hill

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Ernie (The Fastest Milkman In The West) – Benny Hill

This was Christmas No.1 from 1971. Benny Hill is no way PC these days, but he was a comedy king of the 1970s and this song is genius from whenever it was produced. Such a silly story, but so well told. Benny's TV show was a series of funny sketches and songs, this one stood out and so it was released as a single. Apparently it was inspired by Benny's own experiences as a real life milkman. You sort of guess that from the full extent of the lyric, it's to well informed not to have come from a real place.

Ernie's big rival is Ted the bread man, with both men trying to grab the affections of widow Sue. The battle fought between them with bakery and dairy produce is so well scripted. Love the fact it's references come from that era, to think of a milk float being pulled by a horse takes you back to bygone days. His horse being called Trigger is a brilliant nod towards the Roy Rogers, the singing cowboy.

My Dad had a Benny Hill album and I used to smile whenever it got round to this track. The tune is such fun and the different parts set the scenes so well. When Ernie sadly Bites the dust, we could definitely be in heaven with the angels all around. I love the fact he came back to haunt them, the hinges of the gate being such a great image to leave us with. 
Poor Ernie.

Favourite lyric : And as he lept down from his van hot blood through his veins did course / And he went across to Ernie's cart and didn't half kick his 'orse.
Location: Rayleigh, UK

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