The British Grenadiers
Royal Army Medical Corps Band Lyrics
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and some of hercules
of hector and lysander
and such great name as those
but above the world great heroes
theres no one can compare
with a tow row row row row row row
to the british grenadier
when'er we are commanded to storm the palisade
our leader march with fuses
and we with hand grenade
we throw them from the glacis
above the enemy's ears
with a tow row row row row row
to the british grenadiers
and let us fill the bumpers
and drink a health of 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
to the british grenadiers
The British Grenadiers is a traditional British marching song that dates back to the 17th century, and the lyrics have evolved over time. The song celebrates the bravery and valor of the British grenadiers who were elite soldiers trained to throw grenades in battle. The first stanza of the song compares the legendary figures of Alexander the Great, Hercules, Hector, and Lysander to the British Grenadier, emphasizing the high regard held for these soldiers. The British Grenadiers are portrayed as the greatest heroes in the world who cannot be compared to any legendary figure.
The second stanza describes the Grenadiers' military tactics in battle. They were tasked with leading the charge and throwing grenades over enemy barricades, causing chaos and confusion among the enemy ranks. The reference to "marching with fuses" indicates that the Grenadiers were issued long fuses to light their grenades before throwing them, which added an element of risk to their already dangerous task. The repetition of "tow row" in the chorus serves as a rallying cry for the soldiers as they march into battle.
The final stanza calls for a toast to the Grenadiers and their commanders, wishing them all happy and prosperous futures. The "caps and pouches" and "louped clothes" refer to the unique and recognizable uniforms worn by the Grenadiers, further emphasizing their status as elite soldiers.
Line by Line Meaning
Some talk of alexander
Some people speak of the great conqueror Alexander the Great
and some of hercules
Others speak of the legendary god Hercules
of hector and lysander
Still others speak of the Greek warriors Hector and Lysander
and such great name as those
And many other great names from history
but above the world great heroes
Despite all these great heroes from around the world
theres no one can compare
There is no one who can compare
with a tow row row row row row row
With a rousing tune and a marching beat
to the british grenadier
To the brave soldiers of the British Grenadiers
when'er we are commanded to storm the palisade
Whenever we are ordered to attack the enemy fortifications
our leader march with fuses
Our commanding officer leads the way with fuses to light the explosives
and we with hand grenade
And we follow with our own hand grenades
we throw them from the glacis
We throw the grenades from the sloping bank outside the enemy walls
above the enemy's ears
So that the blast is right above the enemy's heads
with a tow row row row row row
With the inspiring sound of our marching tune
to the british grenadiers
To the brave soldiers of the British Grenadiers
and let us fill the bumpers
Let us fill our glasses to the brim
and drink a health of those
And drink a toast to
who carry caps and pouches
The soldiers who wear their distinctive caps and pouches
and wear the louped clothes
And are dressed in the distinctive uniforms of the Grenadiers
may they and their commanders
May the soldiers and their officers
live happy all their years
Enjoy many happy years of life
with a tow row row row row row
With the inspiring sound of our marching tune
to the british grenadiers
To the brave soldiers of the British Grenadiers
Contributed by Miles V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.