William Screecher is my name,

I earn my bread by singing.

My voice it is so loud and deep

It drowns the church bells' ringing.

I'm the kind mother of sweet Nellie Screecher,

Of singing I am a quite marvellous teacher.

When she fails to practise and I go to beat her

She climbs up the scale until no one can reach her.

My name is Nellie Screecher,

And I sing up to high C.

When e'er the people hear me sing

They lay them doon an' dee.

I'm Master Screecher,

I lead the village choir.

My sister sings up to high C

But I sing octaves higher.