What is the song starting with the lyrics There once was a man and he was an encyclopedia?

Answer 1

I don't know the title of the song, but it's considered a "nonsense" song from England. These are the words to the entire song:

I once knew a man

and he was an encyclopaedia.

He could tell the weight of the moon to an ounce

And the name of every star.

He'd stand on a slope with a big telescope

And squint at Venus hard

Till all the pas of the girls on Mars

Complained to Scotland Yard.

For he knew all about etymology

Hebrew, Shebrew, ju-ju ology

Shin tacks, tin tacks, hob-nailed boot jacks.

He was full as a Pickfords' van.

He'd jaw for a week on ancient Greek

And speak of Plato too,

Of pots and pans and things in cans

And owls that went too-woo.

He'd analyse frogs from the Isle of Dogs

And set the Thames alight

Eat fish and chips and peas with pips

And give us all a fright.