Punch, Or The London Charivari, Volume 102, March 5, 1892

Set against the bustling streets of 1890s London, this lively satire opens with a mock‑up of a music‑hall hit titled “Tra‑la! We boom today!” The piece mimics the repetitive choruses and booming drums that dominated the era’s popular songs, instantly evoking the clamour of the city’s theatres and taverns.

Through a series of witty verses, the author playfully instructs aspiring performers on how to chase fame, dismissing taste and modesty in favour of catchy nonsense. Each stanza riffs on the absurdity of selling “meaninglessness” as art, while the recurring chorus underscores the relentless pressure to keep the crowd cheering.

Listeners are treated to a clever blend of rhyme, parody, and social commentary that captures the spirit of Victorian popular culture. The work’s brisk humor and vivid depiction of the music‑hall craze make it a delightful glimpse into a world where “boom” was the currency of success.