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Title
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Follow the drum
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Singer
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Unknown
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Song Lyrics
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Verse 1
When Europe was, some time ago,
Beneath the heel of Napoleon,
Then all went out to meet the foe,
To follow the flag and follow the drum;
Then rich and poor an oath did swear,
And battle did repair,
Lord, dukes and squires, and tallow chandlers,
All in one ship set sail for Flanders.
Verse 2
Roger swore he'd leave his plough,
His team and tillage - all by gum,
Of a country life he'd had enow,
He'd leave it all and follow the drum;
He'd leave his thrashing in the barn,
To thrash his foes right soon he'd learn,
With his foes he would not parley,
But thrash them well instead of barley.
Verse 3
The cobbler he threw by his awl,
When all were glad he'd never be glum,
But quick attend to glory's call,
And like a man would follow the drum;
No more at home he'd be a slave,
But take his seat amidst the brave,
In battle's seat none should be prouder,
Stead of balls of wax he'd have balls and powder.
Verse 4
The tailor he got off his knees,
And to the ranks did boldly come,
He said he ne'er would sit at ease,
But follow the rest and follow the drum;
How he'd leather his foes, Good Lord!
When he'd a bodkin for a sword,
The French should find he did not wheedle,
When he'd a bodkin for a needle.
Verse 5
Three old women - the first was lame,
The second was blind, the third nigh dumb,
To stay behind was a burning shame,
They'd follow the men and follow the drum;
Our wills are good but, lack-a-day!
To catch the soldiers we will try for it,
For where there's a will there's always a way,
We'll walk a mile or two if we die for it.
Verse 6
Twas in the merry month of May,
When bees from flower to flower did hum,
Soldiers through the town marched gay,
The village flew to the sound of the drum;
From windows lasses looked a score,
Neighbours met at every door,
Sergeant twirled his sash and story,
And talked of honour, wounds and glory.
