Now when I was a youngster, a little while ago,
And used to stop away from school to crawl upon the Hoe,
I would walk thro' Plymouth streets with the greatest of ease,
And turn around a corner whichever way I please,
But now when I look round, my senses it beats,
I almost feel bewildered by the traffic through the streets.

Chorus:   By the traffic through the streets, by the traffic through the streets,
                   I almost feel bewildered by the traffic through the streets.

Now sometimes when I go out for half an hour's creep,
To take a look at the shops, or at the girls to take a peep,
I've got to mind_my_P's_and_Q's¹ or else I get knocked down
By a couple of Egyptian mules going trotting round the town. [Note 258.1]

Now there's the tramways cars and bicycles and omnibuses sure,
The oldest women living never saw such times before;
There's the Salvation Army marching on so grand,
Headed by their captain and a splendid German_band¹.

There's the steam cars we've all seen and wondered at no doubt, [Note 258.2]
And thought about the next great thing that Plymouth would turn out
The driver and conductor, I dare say they think it fine,
While they frighten the horses as they run along the line.

Now there's another thing that puzzles me and lots of others too,
That's a thing just like a juggernaut¹ for rolling roadways true [Note 258.3]
And when you come across this thing you've got to clear the way,
Or the chances are you may not live to see another day.

Now 'tis Christmastime and I dare say you'll be out rather late
But mind and look around yourselves this side the a'penny_gateº, 
So if you'll take a fool's advice, get home beneath the sheets,
Or else you may get swindled by the traffic on the streets.

Joe Nodder.