Monday, May 30, 2011

Not exactly the British Grenadiers...


I was wombling about the house the other day when I ran into Mrs Kinch.

This is not, you understand, a remarkable occurrence.

What was remarkable was that she was singing a version of "The British Grenadiers" that her great uncle had taught her. For those who are interested, the lyrics follow.

The British they were marching
and the Boers they came in sight
The Boers took their rifles
and blew them out of sight

Sound the bugle!
Sound the drum!
Give three cheers for Kruger!
To hell for the Queen!
and her old Tamborine!
Because we're all for General Kruger!

And there you are Reverend.



5 comments:

  1. Sounds very much like the Irish republican version!

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  2. Interesting (and amusing).
    It seems to be a feature of best military songs (or sings dear to soldiers, such as 'Lily Marlene') that they are (translated and) sung by 'the other side'.

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  3. Conrad Kinch,

    Your wife appears to be exhibiting dangerous (and anachronistic) tendencies. I suggest that you ply her with copious amounts of strong drink and explain to her the error of her ways!

    I also know alternative words to the tune ... but they are only for the ears of 'gentlemen' in the dark corner of a bar somewhere.

    All the best,

    Bob

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  4. Hurrah - and can we please have it in the voice of Leonard Rossiter - or should that be Captain Quinn?

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  5. Rosbif - it could very well be a Republican version, though that would probably have more to do with my wifes great uncles rather puckish sense of humour than his politics.

    Abdul - you are no doubt right.

    Bob - I find it's best to leave spousal abuse to the professionals!

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