They're moving Father's grave to build a sewer is a classic music hall song. The origin seems to be unknown but was revived by the Clancy Brothers. It was a favourite, well before the Brothers' time, of Frank Muir, who sang it many times on BBC Radio 4. It is usually sung in a straight key of C major, but can be varied.

Lyrics

Lyrics vary, but Muir's version is thus:

They're moving Father's grave to build a sewer

Recorded versions

A variant of the song, called "Grandpa's Grave", was recorded by the comedian Peter Sellers and included on his 1960 LP with Sophia Loren, Peter & Sophia, as well as on the B-side of the duo's hit single "Goodness Gracious Me".

They're moving Father's grave to build a sewer

A version of the song was also recorded by Oscar Brand, on his album Bawdy Songs Goes to College recorded in 1955, under the title "Father's Grave".

They're moving Father's grave to build a sewer

References

Year of song unknown

Music hall songs

Songs about fathers

Songs about death

Songwriter unknown