Larry Hart and Richard Rodgers

Were a pair of artful dodgers

Who found success

In the US;

For myself, I find New Yorkers

Somewhat brash and rather raucous --

Why don't we stay

In the UK?



We had Manhattan, we had the chattin' and the talk,

We had that song about New York,

But there's a city that's far more pretty in the West,

I think you may have guessed,

I know you'll be impressed,

It's the best.

As Aquae Sulis this little jewel is sometimes known,

A place the Georgians made their own;

This is the city you can't forget,

Restored into Somerset --

Who'd have Manhattan when you can come to Bath?



The Royal Crescent is always pleasant on the eye,

And now those buses don't pass by.

Go round the Circus -- what else could work as perfectly?

Admire its symmetry,

A circle cut in three,

Radially.

The bridge at Pulteney would not insult Neapolitans,

And even Florentines are fans;

This is the city without compare,

Remember to see Queen Square --

Who'd have Manhattan when you can come to Bath?



Down by the Avon, it's such a haven from the crowd,

The rugby never seems too loud;

Round by the Abbey it's never shabby, dull or flat --

The buskers see to that,

Put something in their hat,

Rat-a-tat.

In Sydney Gardens they need no pardons for the view,

You've got canal and railway too.

This is the city no one can spoil,

So visit the Theatre Royal --

Who'd have Manhattan when you can come to Bath?



Go up to Combe Down -- there's loads of room down Foxhill way,

Go round to Walcot Street and play.

Go out to Twerton and do some flirtin' for a lark,

Or really make your mark

And go to Oldfield Park

After dark.

Go down to Whiteway -- you know the right way, I assume,

Or take a trip to Monkton Combe.

This is the city of home and hearth,

You know every street and path --

Who'd have Manhattan when you can live in Bath?



-- Guy Barry (after Lorenz Hart)