music.wikisort.org - Composition

"What a Mouth (What a North and South)" is a music hall song written by R. P. Weston in 1906 and first sung by Harry Champion.[1] It is better known for the version recorded by Tommy Steele in 1960, which peaked at number 5 on the UK Singles Chart.

"What a Mouth (What a North and South)"
Single by Tommy Steele
from the album Get Happy with Tommy
B-side	"Kookaburra"
Released	June 1960 (1960-06)
Recorded	1960
Studio	Decca Studios, London
Genre	Pop
Length	2:45
Label	Decca
Songwriter(s)	R. P. Weston
Tommy Steele singles chronology
"Little White Bull" (1960) "What a Mouth (What a North and South)" (1960) "Happy-Go-Lucky Blues" (1960)

Early versions

The song was often performed by Harry Champion, and was published as sheet music by Francis, Day & Hunter in 1906 as one of Francis & Day's Album of Cockney Songs.[2] The first commercially released recording was by The Two Bills from Bermondsey — Bill Burnham and Bill French — who were recorded by Peter Kennedy at "The Cock & Monkey" in Bermondsey on 13 February 1954. The 78 rpm record, Parlophone R 3953, was released in January 1955.[3][4]

Tommy Steele version

Background

Steele recorded a cover of "What a Mouth" as it was one of his father's favourite songs.[5] Steele's father told him that he knew he would be successful if he "became as successful as the Two Bills".[6][5] As with the rest of the album Get Happy with Tommy, "What a Mouth" was recorded live at Decca Studios.[5]

Track listing

7": Decca / F 11245

1. "What a Mouth (What a North and South) – 2:45
2. "Kookaburra" – 1:58

Charts

Chart (1960)	Peak position
Australia (Kent Music Report)[7]	3
New Zealand (Lever Hit Parade)[8]	7
UK Singles (OCC)[9]	5
UK Disc Top 20[10]	5
UK New Musical Express Top 20[11]	4
UK Record Mirror Top 20[12]	5

References

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