Lest we forget, the season of doing things early in the day is soon upon us. April and May are said to be the hottest months in Yucatan. So here is a video reminder, with lyrics, sung by the original author:
Mad Dogs and Englishmen (Noel Coward) In tropical climes there are certain times of day When all the citizens retire, to tear their clothes off and perspire. It's one of those rules that the biggest fools obey, Because the sun is much too sultry and one must avoid its ultry-violet ray -- Papalaka-papalaka-papalaka-boo. (Repeat) Digariga-digariga-digariga-doo. (Repeat) The natives grieve when the white men leave their huts, Because they're obviously, absolutely nuts -- Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun. The Japanese don't care to, the Chinese wouldn't dare to, Hindus and Argentines sleep firmly from twelve to one, But Englishmen detest a siesta, In the Philippines there are lovely screens, to protect you from the glare, In the Malay states there are hats like plates, which the Britishers won't wear, At twelve noon the natives swoon, and no further work is done - But Mad Dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun. It's such a surprise for the Eastern eyes to see, That though the British are effete, they're quite impervious to heat, When the white man rides, every native hides in glee, Because the simple creatures hope he will impale his solar topee on a tree. Bolyboly-bolyboly-bolyboly-baa. (Repeat) Habaninny-habaninny-habaninny-haa. (Repeat) It seems such a shame that when the English claim the earth That they give rise to such hilarity and mirth - Mad Dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun. The toughest Burmese bandit can never understand it. In Rangoon the heat of noon is just what the natives shun. They put their scotch or rye down, and lie down. In the jungle town where the sun beats down, to the rage of man or beast, The English garb of the English sahib merely gets a bit more creased. In Bangkok, at twelve o'clock, they foam at the mouth and run, But mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun. Mad Dogs and Englishmen, go out in the midday sun. The smallest Malay rabbit deplores this stupid habit. In Hong Kong, they strike a gong, and fire off a noonday gun. To reprimand each inmate, who's in late. In the mangrove swamps where the python romps there is peace from twelve till two. Even caribous lie down and snooze, for there's nothing else to do. In Bengal, to move at all, is seldom if ever done, But mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun. SOURCE: http://www.traditionalmusic.co.uk/folk-song-lyrics/Mad_Dogs_and_Englishmen. htm
I wish I could still hold my liquor well enough to sing that as it ought to be properly sung.
What a great post, Eric. I loved Cowad’s rendition. Thanks so much for writing it. It swept me back to Metida’s midday sun and walking in the shade.
A great post — and like many great songs, it is truthful. Or was. These days youngsters are not enamoured by sun and sand. In the UK a suntan was a mark of wealth and travel. Very different from other cultures.
So, Peter, are young Brits so distracted by their gadgets that they no longer care to travel, even to the beach? What gives?