To find it extraordinary that my husband claims never to have hear this song in his life?

[allhailtheaubergine]

[purplepidjin]

I had to point out the "hidden meaning" to an older pervy retired bugger mate of mine. He was shocked that he hadn't realised sooner

Definitely NBU, unless your DH is under 20...

[ReadyToDrink]

We had to learn it for an assembly in primary school

[ginmakesitallok]

what 'hidden meaning"?????

[allhailtheaubergine]

Yes, we sang it at school too.

What hidden meaning?

20? Ha! He's at least twice that, and English. NO. Excuse.

[FruStefanLindman]

Very strange he's never heard of the song.

But I had no idea about the 'hidden meaning'

[itisnearlysummer]

There's a hidden meaning?!

Please share!

[squeakytoy]

hidden meaning?????

[IntergalacticHussy]

what's the hidden meaning? is 'iron' cockney rhyming slang for cock or something?

[AngryGnome]

What's the hidden meaning??? Don't keep us in suspense!

[lovinme]

What's the hidden meaning? and I've never heard this either.

[FruStefanLindman]

Cockney rhyming slang here

[MumblingRagDoll]

yes but iron hoof being the rhyming slang for "poof" doesn't give the song a hidden meaning at all...

[allhailtheaubergine]

Pft. Not sure I buy that. The rest of the lyrics don't add up.

[IntergalacticHussy]

i suppose it does make sense if the song's being sung by a bloke about another bloke 'you look sweet, talk about a treat...' etc

[IntergalacticHussy]

like a music hall cottaging anthem or something? back afor the days of G.A.Y

[FruStefanLindman]

Intergalactic is right, I don't think the hidden meaning is meant to be obvious. The song was written in the days when homosexuality was illegal

interesting interpretation here

[purplepidjin]

Thanks, Fru. I didn't mean to leave people hanging, had to go out!

[iskra]

I don't think I've heard it before

[JanMorrow]

We used to sing this at primary school. I started singing it last night during the apprentice (i'm sure that's what prompted your convo too?!)

I remember the rag and bone man coming round to collect things in the early 80's (very early memories for me, I'm only 30!!) and he used to shout "any old iron" and ring his bell.

I'm sure he wasn't waiting for George Michael to come out and attend to him..

[Insomnia11]

I suppose the song's title came from the already established cry of the rag and bone man, rather than the other way round.

With the link with iron hoof and green ties it does look like there is some clever innuendo going on.

[maras2]

FFS. How could I have got to my age and not known that.Bollocks! I'm so rubbish at inuendo.Ididn't even get Larry Grayson's friend's name Everard untill DH.explained it just last year, nor the words to Relax.I even let my 5 year old wear a Frankie Says T shirt till DH. explained that one.I'm late 50's, intelligent in maters not concerning inuendo.I shouldn't be allowed out realy.Maras the thick now has another ' don't get it ' to add to the collection.DH's gonna love this.

[purplepidjin]

That's the point, Maras, it's a hidden meaning! Only people who "know" and kinky weirdos like me get the message!

I blushed furiously at the age of 12 when listening to Relax on my walkman in front of my parents

[misty0]

Its only recently i was enlightened about 'Captain Pugwash' + crew!! ha ha, how DID that get past the censors?

(BBC kids programme 80's)

[valiumredhead]

janmorrow we have a rag and bone man that comes round our estate ringing a bell