There are two thing you need for a jolly good hymn.The first is a set of words that expresses the mood or sentiment of the worshipper.The second-and perhaps even more important- is a good tune..with a simple popular melody. — John Betjeman Copy Share Image
I ought to warn you that my verse is of no interest to people who can think. — John Betjeman Copy Share
What the Londoner sees in his mind’s eye is that cluster of towers and pinnacles seen from Pentonville Hill and outlined against a foggy… — John Betjeman Copy Share
People's backyards are much more interesting than their front gardens, and houses that back on to railways are public benefactors. — John Betjeman Copy Share
Oh! full Surrey twilight! importunate band! Oh! strongly adorable tennis-girl's hand! — John Betjeman Copy Share
“Come friendly bombs and fall on Slough! It isn't fit for humans now, There isn't grass to graze a cow. Swarm over, Death!” — John Betjeman Copy Share
A whispering and watery Norfolk sound Telling of all the moonlit reeds around. — John Betjeman Copy Share
Oh Wasn't it naughty of Smudges? Oh, Mummy, I'm sick with disgust. She threww me in front of the judges, And my silly old… — John Betjeman Copy Share
And behind their frail partitions Business women lie and soak, Seeing through the draughty skylight Flying clouds and railway smoke. Rest you there, poor… — John Betjeman Copy Share
I have a Vision of the Future, chum. The workers flats in fields of soya beans tower up like silver pencils, score on score. — John Betjeman Copy Share
Gracious Lord, oh bomb the Germans. Spare their women for Thy Sake, And if that is not too easy, We will pardon Thy Mistake.… — John Betjeman Copy Share
Lovers of Norfolk churches can never agree which is the best and I think one is either a Salle or a Cawston man. — John Betjeman Copy Share
