~ My Living Was Not In Vain ~

From Rochdale to sunny Capri memories came flooding back to me. I think of the golden age when I first appeared on stage. In each and every show happiness would overflow. The millions who cheered me on my way I will remember to my dying day. In sixty years of entertaining what did I gain? the knowledge my living was surely not in vain. 

~ Not Too Old ~

I'm not too old to dream of the days of yore, not too old to have to say - I can't sing anymore. At the age of eighty-one my voice is still pretty good, expressed to give pleasure as a true artiste should. Old in years I maybe but always young at heart, my voice and I will never fall apart.

~ A Sweet Old Melody ~

I am immune to winter's chill when the world is white and still, a radiant warmth envelopes me wrapped in a sweet old melody. I remember from the age of three the songs my mother taught me, she wished more than anything that I would learn to sing. Now in my twilight years I have a remedy that cheers, tender words to comfort me, wrapped in a sweet old melody.

~ The Other Side of the Coin ~

On stage Gracie was exuberant off stage shy and unconfident. She needed people her whole life through, she needed peace and quietness too. Above all loving companionship with someone of her own, it was certainly no fun living alone. She felt under an obligation to the public who had given her all that she possessed, while her voice was good and they welcomed her she would never let it rest. Gracie referred to her work as 'doing me knitting' when she was on tour, returning to Capri to do a different kind of knitting a husband and friends to cater for. We are left with sweet memories to cherish while we may, all the magic she held for us in her heyday.

~ Second Thoughts ~

During the 1930s Betty Fields made a film entitled 'On Top Of The World' a time when all her dreams unfurled. She had long wished for a film-star bedroom reality was in sight, completely refurbished in gold and white. Including curtains and a carpet for the floor, well in keeping with the general decor. Enhanced by a beautiful ornate bed, over which a gold satin quilt was spread. Betty was married and after her first born came she changed her ideas concerning fame. She said "How unimportant are material things compared to the joys that motherhood brings." Edith Fields had also become a mother and her home was a wonderful place, the limelight and travels around the world they left to Tommy and Grace.

~ A Helping Hand ~

Gracie loved Rochdale and it's gradely folk, of her deep feeling she often spoke. Memories were very sweet when as a clog dancer she clattered down the street. Neighbours hearts were as warm as the sun, ready and willing to help anyone. Gracie came form the same packet of seed, giving time and money helping those in need.

~ The Challenge ~

If I were born again would I change my ways completely, making no effort trusting in luck for dreams to mature neatly. Or would I do exactly the same, struggle and strive to make a name. Growing up in a happy humble home, singing for my supper at the Hippodrome. Luxury was out of touch, small delights meant so much. I would choose the latter there is no doubt, a challenge is what life is all about.~ My Living Was Not In Vain ~

From Rochdale to sunny Capri memories came flooding back to me. I think of the golden age when I first appeared on stage. In each and every show happiness would overflow. The millions who cheered me on my way I will remember to my dying day. In sixty years of entertaining what did I gain? the knowledge my living was surely not in vain. 

~ Not Too Old ~

I'm not too old to dream of the days of yore, not too old to have to say - I can't sing anymore. At the age of eighty-one my voice is still pretty good, expressed to give pleasure as a true artiste should. Old in years I maybe but always young at heart, my voice and I will never fall apart.

~ A Sweet Old Melody ~

I am immune to winter's chill when the world is white and still, a radiant warmth envelopes me wrapped in a sweet old melody. I remember from the age of three the songs my mother taught me, she wished more than anything that I would learn to sing. Now in my twilight years I have a remedy that cheers, tender words to comfort me, wrapped in a sweet old melody.

~ The Other Side of the Coin ~

On stage Gracie was exuberant off stage shy and unconfident. She needed people her whole life through, she needed peace and quietness too. Above all loving companionship with someone of her own, it was certainly no fun living alone. She felt under an obligation to the public who had given her all that she possessed, while her voice was good and they welcomed her she would never let it rest. Gracie referred to her work as 'doing me knitting' when she was on tour, returning to Capri to do a different kind of knitting a husband and friends to cater for. We are left with sweet memories to cherish while we may, all the magic she held for us in her heyday.

~ Second Thoughts ~

During the 1930s Betty Fields made a film entitled 'On Top Of The World' a time when all her dreams unfurled. She had long wished for a film-star bedroom reality was in sight, completely refurbished in gold and white. Including curtains and a carpet for the floor, well in keeping with the general decor. Enhanced by a beautiful ornate bed, over which a gold satin quilt was spread. Betty was married and after her first born came she changed her ideas concerning fame. She said "How unimportant are material things compared to the joys that motherhood brings." Edith Fields had also become a mother and her home was a wonderful place, the limelight and travels around the world they left to Tommy and Grace.

~ A Helping Hand ~

Gracie loved Rochdale and it's gradely folk, of her deep feeling she often spoke. Memories were very sweet when as a clog dancer she clattered down the street. Neighbours hearts were as warm as the sun, ready and willing to help anyone. Gracie came form the same packet of seed, giving time and money helping those in need.

~ The Challenge ~

If I were born again would I change my ways completely, making no effort trusting in luck for dreams to mature neatly. Or would I do exactly the same, struggle and strive to make a name. Growing up in a happy humble home, singing for my supper at the Hippodrome. Luxury was out of touch, small delights meant so much. I would choose the latter there is no doubt, a challenge is what life is all about.

~ The Good Things of Life ~

Quite often when Gracie was on stage her mother stood by her side, singing a duet with her famous daughter gave her a sense of pride. From an early age Jenny longed to entertain, but she married at eighteen and raised a family, her dreams of a stage career was now in vain. "What I can't have my children will" she did firmly say, and set about achieving it in a most determined way. All four were talented Gracie remarkably so, Jenny enjoyed the good things of life when the money began to flow. 

~ We Can't Have Everything ~

Gracie's sister Betty married Roy Parry a scenic artist and was blessed with a son Tony her pride and joy, youngest sister Edith married the comedian Duggie Wakefield and gave birth to a girl and boy. Brother Tommy fathered a large family five daughters and two sons, Gracie had no little ones. Marriage to Archie Pitt was not a love match his only interest was in her career, by the time she found true happiness it was too late for children I fear. There were many other pleasures life was destined to bring, Gracie realised in this world we can't have everything. 

~ Life's Desire ~

Gracie received every blessing during her stage career, yet in her quiet moments she often shed a tear. Longing for the sound of pattering feet, a little boy or girl to make her life complete. She loved the children from her orphanage and nieces and nephews gave pleasure, but her heart ached for a child of her own to treasure. Pining for the family she never had made her feel so very sad. Emotion detected in her songs 'Goodnight Children Everywhere' and 'Little Curly Hair In A High Chair'. The last line - my day begins and ends with you would be most appropriate if her dreams came true.

~ Gracie's Orphanage ~

Financing the Gracie Fields Home and Orphanage was one of her many joys, it housed up to twenty-five girls and boys. Children of actors and actresses who had died or who were ill, a warm friendly atmosphere she helped to instill. Always visiting on a spare day, entertaining and joining in there play. Auntie Gracie was very special indeed, the woman who gave so much love when they were in need. She took then to her heart as if they were her own, the greatest benefactress they had ever known.

~ Mother Christmas ~

Gracie dressed up as Santa Claus complete with a beard and sack of toys, she duly arrived at her orphanage to greet the girls and boys. Handing out painting sets, books, dolls and games, everyone labelled she remembered all their names. The children thanked her politely for her kind thought and were so delighted with the gifts she brought. Did somebody say Gracie had no children? That is not quite true, she had twenty five, her sister had only two. 

~ Laughter Lines ~

Gracie's high notes soared above top C her comedy numbers were as different as can be. Often expressed with a croak and a wheeze, then soaring again with the greatest of ease. Merry and moving, sacred or sad, Gracie gave her audience all that she had. It's good to raise a laugh she used to say, the tears come anyway.

~ If Only ~

I would like to make the whole world smile, if only for a little while. Playing a prominent part, raising the spirits and warming the heart. In every street at every bend to receive a greeting from a friend. Gracie this wish could well come true if I was able to sing like you.

~ Whistle A Merry Tune ~

Northerners whistle a merry tune as they go on their way searching for the blue skies ignoring the grey. No need to travel a thousand miles to discover the land of smiles. It is mirrored on every face by the crowds who sing-along with Grace. 

~ Scrutiny ~

When Sir Gerald du Maurier offered Gracie her first straight acting role in his play S.O.S. he sincerely hoped she would say yes. For an interview she did not dress up to the hilt she wore a purple Hungarian blouse and a bright tartan kilt. Topped with a fur coat and Scots tam declaring "I don't feel right dolled up he must accept me as I am." She said she had measured the script and could keep up pretence talking posh as the lines were not too long but she would feel much happier singing a song. An amused Sir Gerald scrutinised her at close range, "You are a lucky girl Grace you can be yourself, you don't have to change.

~ A Yearning For Learning ~

Gracie had little schooling yet so eager to learn, for a better education she would often yearn. Being naturally intelligent and bright, knowledge was gained from books which she read by candle-light. The wonders of geography unfurled through her travels around the world.

~ A Rude Awakening ~

Gracie was staying at the same hotel as Marlene Dietrich whom she met on the stairs one day, and remarked that Marlene looked marvellous in every way. The comment passed by a little maid came like a bolt from the blue, "I clean her room and first thing in the morning she looks just as bad as you."

~ The Price of Fame ~

Rumour spread that Gracie was bossy and friends had to do as she said, the thought of displeasing her produced a feeling of dread. Unless completely submerged they were no longer her friend hospitality came to an end. A lot of her life was desperately unhappy as many were jealous of her wealth and life style even members of her own family coping with this situation was quite a trial. It is very sad when she gave all she had, so much happiness and delight which should have been hers by every right.

~ The Salt of the Earth ~

Egypt's King Farouk fled to Capri after the collapse of the monarchy. Accompanied by his three daughters and Queen Narriman his wife they were to pick up the threads and begin a new life. Gracie met the royals and realised how dejected they must feel, her dog Lady gave birth to seven pups so she gifted one to Princess Ferial. The ten year old expressed her delight and with arms encircled she held him tight. Yet another kindly deed on Gracie's list no wonder she is sadly missed.

~ Annie ~

After Gracie left Archie Pitt his empire folded up and revues came to an end, Annie Lipman stood by him a most loyal friend. He asked her to be his wife and she accepted sadly the marriage lasted less than a year, Archie suffered from cancer of the lover brought on by shock I fear. Annie devotedly attended to all his needs, when he passed away she went to live with her sister in Leeds.

~ A Close Attachment ~

Gracie was like a next door neighbour chatting over the garden fence, bright and breezy with sound common sense. Fame had not altered her nature at all, she loved to talk to the people after the curtain call.

~ The Joys of Spring ~

If I returned to earth again I'd enter with a sweet refrain. Joining the birds in the leafy trees, sending golden melodies floating in the breeze. If I returned to earth again it would not be for long unless I could express myself in a lilting song. A welcome to the joys of spring when nature is born anew, plaintive or chirpy like I used to do.

~ Where Roses Entwine ~

From the trellis of life roses entwine sweet scented memories yours and mine. To bless and comfort day by day when former things have passed away. Time marches on the fleeting years fade memories live forever like a haunting serenade.

~ Your Pleasure and Mine ~

Gracie's bright outlook was depicted in her clothes, but she could look really elegant if she chose. Her stage dresses were delightful in every sense of the word, she liked to be seen as well as heard. Purely to give her audience pleasure, which she supplied in full measure.

~ Retirement ~

I had often thought of retirement but I couldn't even if I tried, knowing how much I am needed by people far and wide. I will go on singing as long as I have a voice, deep in my heart I realise there is no choice.

~ An Old Fashioned Lady ~

An old fashioned lady in an old fashioned day, singing old fashioned songs in an old fashioned way. Her melodious rhymes will not fade with the times they remain evergreen, a delight to the elders a thrill for the young, the old fashioned songs that our Gracie sung.

~ A World of My Own ~

I live in a world of my own, dwelling on all the joys I have known. That far off golden age when Gracie Fields was on stage. I also remember Stanley Holloway, George Formby, Elsie and Doris Waters and Robb Wilton their talent was supreme, I feel that tingling thrill again as I sit and dream.

~ The Promise ~

The postman came a knocking on the door, delivering letters by the score. From every community under the sun which Gracie answered one by one. It filled her heart with pride to despatch her love far and wide. She vowed to leave her fans a token, a promise that was never broken.

~ A Legend In Her Time ~

In whatever theatre Gracie appeared there was not a vacant seat, she was the star that fans were longing to meet. Just a few words meant so much, she never lost the common touch. She was born an ordinary girl and became a legend in her time, at the age of eighty she was still in her prime.

~ Happy Ending ~

In her film (This Week Of Grace) Gracie sang 'Happy Ending' in a taxi. Graham Garner wished in his taxi she would sing this lovely refrain, years later they met and she did sing it again. For Gracie it was a happy ending only those left behind felt the pain.

~ The Bills We Used To Know ~

Harry Champion, Nellie Wallace, Tommy Trinder, and Wee Georgie Wood. Tessie O'shea, Arthur Askey, Sandy Powell and Stanley Holloway, stars are not cast in that same mould today. They shone on earth as they do in heaven the pride of the music hall, giving endless pleasure and memories to treasure God bless them all.

~ So Much More ~

Gracie Fields was a lady who sang comic songs the young ones say now, many years after her final bow. She sang every kind of song from the ridiculous to the sublime, the greatest music hall artiste of our time.

~ Echoes of the Past ~

The delights of the variety stage is not understood by the modern age. They have never trod that path of gold graced by the magical stars of old. If they were born fifty years ago they would know why the elders loved them so. Their unique personality and outstanding art will echo for ever in my heart.

~ Those Were The Days ~

When I close my eyes a vision appears to me, emerging from the shadows days that used to be. The music halls on a Saturday night with the stars shining so bright. There were no microphones the artistes sang clear and loud sending the audience floating on a cloud. The lilting songs were sung in parlours and whistled in the street, every pub had a piano and a sing-a-long was a regular treat. It echoed in the army camps during the First World War, by the end of 1960 the old music halls had closed the door. The Hippodrome and Holborn Empire no longer exist, the warm communial atmosphere is greatly missed. Radio and television take precedence today, but sweet nostalgic memories will never fade away.

~ Poetical Charms ~

While I can write poems Gracie will never die, as vibrant today as she was in years gone by. Her voice still soaring with melodious trills, a coloratura soprano who gave the world such thrills. While I can write poems it brings to mind a lively Rochdalian one of the best of her kind. Recorded on tape a lasting souvenir, to all those who listen she is for ever near.

~ The Queen of Hearts ~

The blue of the sky in her eyes the gold of the sun in her hair, reflected in her smile the warmth was everywhere. Shaking hands with fans in Capri giving her friends a fond embrace, the queen of hearts our lovable Grace. 

~ Send In The Clowns ~

In 1979 Gracie fell ill with bronchial pneumonia and was destined to die, 'Send In The Clowns' she never recorded, I often wonder why. What a marvellous final record it would have made, presenting a glowing accolade.