When I was at school the piano teacher used to play a song with the words

Footsteps on the landing, creeping to and fro, who is out there prowling, I should like to know, not that I am frightened, frightened of the dark, because Rover sleeps beside me, and he
'll know when to bark! She used to try and frighten us and there was a second verse that she would never let us see. Don't know why. But I would really like to know what the second verse was. Can't find a trace of it anywhere despite searching. Is there anyone out there that either knows it or has heard of it. Its driving me mad!

Hello Caz1961.

I can remember singing this song in when the infants. Although I could only remember the words 'footsteps on the landing' and 'he'll know when to bark'. And none of my mates I went through school with could recall it at all.

For ages now me and a friend have scoured the web, even looking for old teachers that might be able to help - to no avail. It was my friend who found this post of yours.

Sorry, I can't remember the second verse. But thank you for posting the first. I'm glad to know I wasn't imagining it!

Janet 1960.

Hi Caz,

I know this reply is a long time after your first request for info but I just found it on Google. I remember this song from music classes in the late 60s early 70s. In my opinion it was a dreadful thing to make kids sing along to, it scared the living daylights out of most of us. As I recall, it was sung like a durge, very slow, dramatic and lingered on note for every line. Unfortunately, I can only remember more or less the same words as yourself. I do see one of our old teachers about in town sometimes so next time I'll stop and ask. Worth a try.

Best Regards

rick1958

Hi rick1958

Yes it was like a dirge and scary I've remembered it all my life especially when the teacher banged her hands down on multiple keys at the end of the verse to create extra impact! Be great if your old teacher remembers something as no luck with the problem yet. I remember seeing a second verse but the teacher would never let us read it. Would love to know what it is. 'The truth is out there somewhere'! Many thks for your help

caz1961

Well, it took up till yesterday but finally...the second verse -

Even when the thunder and the noisy rain
Rattle at the window and beat upon the pane
I am never frightened frightened of the dark
For Rover is beside me
And he'll know when to bark!