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Abdul Abulbul Amir

Abdul Abulbul Amir was first performed by its author Percy French as a monologue at Trinity College, Dublin.

Abdul Abulbul Amir
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Lyrics and chords

It quickly became popular at concerts, recitals and musical evenings across the world, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Here is a monologue of the poem.

Frank Crumit

The song became a concert favourite with the American vaudeville star Frank Crumit, who was popular in the first half of the 20th century. This was recorded in 1927. His recording of Abdul Abulbul Amir sold more than 4 million records.

The Irish singer and entertainer Brendan O’Dowda also loved the song and performed it regularly at concerts.

Bob Grossman, a folk singer from the 1950s, sings Abdul Abulbul Amir.

Three more sequels

American performer Frank Crumit was so taken with the song that he wrote several sequels. Here are some of them.

Here’s The Return of Abdul Abulbul Amir performed by Frank Cumit.

Here’s Frank Cumit again with a further version - The Grandson Of Abdul Abulbul Amir.

There is a further adventure of these two feuding faminlies - here is the sequel - Minnie Skavinsky Skivar. This song involves the widows of the men, Mabel Abulbul Amir and Minnie Skavinsky Skivar. This battle take place over contract bridge!

Something different

Stephen Fry in an English television beer advert - in keeping with the humour of the original song.

Abdul Abulbul Amir
Videos
Lyrics and chords

Links to other songs by Percy French
Mountains of Mourne
Abdul Abulbul Amir
Come Back Paddy Reilly
McBrean’s Heifer
Phil the Fluther’s Ball

Percy French - the songwriter

Sequels of Abdul Abulbul Amir
Abdul Abulbul Amir - original
Return of Abdul Abulbul Amir
Grandson of Abdul Abulbul Amir
Minnie Skavinsky Skavar