The British Grenadiers
Diane Taraz Lyrics
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Of Hector and Lysander, and such great names as these.
But of all the world's great heroes, there's none that can compare
With a tow, row, row, row, row, row, to the British Grenadier.
(last 2 lines of each verse can be repeated as .)
Those heroes of antiquity ne'er saw a cannon ball
Or knew the force of poweder to slay their foes withal.
Sing tow, row, row, row, row, row, for the British Grenadier.
Whene'er we are commanded to storm the palisades
Our leaders march with fusees, and we with hand grenades.
We throw them from the glacis, about the enemies' ears.
Sing tow, row, row, row, row, row, the British Grenadiers.
And when the siege is over, we to the town repair
The townsmen cry, "Hurra, boys, here comes a Grenadier!
Here come the Grenadiers, my boys, who know no doubts or fears!
Then sing tow, row, row, row, row, row, the British Grenadiers.
Then let us fill a bumper, and drink a health to those
Who carry caps and pouches, and wear the louped clothes.
May they and their commanders live happy all their years
With a tow, row, row, row, row, row, for the British Grenadiers.
From Popular Music of the Olden Times, Chappell
Note: Chappelle thought it's Elizabethan, but he wasn't sure. It was
popular at least in the early 18th Century.
The British Grenadiers by Diane Taraz is a celebratory song that praises the courageousness and bravery of the British army, specifically the Grenadiers. The song starts by acknowledging other great heroes of history like Alexander, Hercules, Hector, and Lysander but claims that none can compare to the British Grenadiers. The repetition of "tow, row, row, row, row, row" in the chorus adds to the already energetic and lively beat of the song.
The song then talks about how the heroes of the past never had to face the power of gunpowder and cannonballs, but the Grenadiers face their fears and march to battle with hand grenades and fusees. The second verse talks about the Grenadiers' superiority in battle and their ability to storm the palisades and throw grenades at their enemies, causing chaos and confusion. The chorus is sung again, and the third verse highlights the aftermath of the battle, where the Grenadiers are celebrated by the townspeople, showcasing their bravery and fearlessness. The song then ends with a toast to the Grenadiers, wishing them and their commanders a happy life.
Overall, The British Grenadiers is a patriotic and celebratory song that praises the bravery and courage of the British Grenadiers in battle.
Line by Line Meaning
Some talk of Alexander, and some of Hercules
Some people talk about ancient heroes like Alexander and Hercules.
Of Hector and Lysander, and such great names as these.
Others mention other famous individuals like Hector and Lysander.
But of all the world's great heroes, there's none that can compare
Despite all these great names, there is no one who can compare to...
With a tow, row, row, row, row, row, to the British Grenadier.
...the British Grenadier, and we celebrate this fact with a chant.
Those heroes of antiquity ne'er saw a cannon ball
The heroes of the past did not experience weapons like canons.
Or knew the force of powder to slay their foes withal.
They were not aware of the kind of explosive power we use to defeat our enemies.
But our brave boys do know it, and banish all their fears,
However, our courageous soldiers do know how to use these weapons and are not afraid of the dangers they pose.
Sing tow, row, row, row, row, row, for the British Grenadier.
So we sing a song praising the British Grenadiers for their bravery.
Whene'er we are commanded to storm the palisades
Whenever we receive orders to attack our enemies behind barricades.
Our leaders march with fusees, and we with hand grenades.
Our commanders carry firearms while we carry hand grenades.
We throw them from the glacis, about the enemies' ears.
We hurl these grenades over the barricades and towards the ears of our enemies.
Sing tow, row, row, row, row, row, the British Grenadiers.
Again, we sing the chant in honor of the British Grenadiers.
And when the siege is over, we to the town repair
After the attack is over, we return to town, victorious.
The townsmen cry, "Hurra, boys, here comes a Grenadier!
The people in town cheer and celebrate our return, recognizing us as the brave Grenadiers.
Here come the Grenadiers, my boys, who know no doubts or fears!
They identify us as a fearless group who never doubts or fears.
Then sing tow, row, row, row, row, row, the British Grenadiers.
We sing the chant once again, in honor of ourselves and our bravery.
Then let us fill a bumper, and drink a health to those
Let's raise a glass and drink to celebrate those who...
Who carry caps and pouches, and wear the louped clothes.
...wear specific garments like caps, pouches and loupes.
May they and their commanders live happy all their years
May these soldiers and their leaders live a long, happy life.
With a tow, row, row, row, row, row, for the British Grenadiers.
Again, we sing the chant to honor the British Grenadiers.
Contributed by Jasmine R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
pn
on An American Frigate
I want to sign up! let's get it on, China!
pn
on An American Frigate
Hoorah: Our Country Forever, Hoorah!!!!!