A stirring war song from the English music hall, 1887.
words and music by Felix McGlennon
arranged by E. Jonghmans
The British fought many wars to maintain their empire. This song pays tribute to the loyalty of one male friend to another in the face of death. Two childhood friends go off arm and arm to war. The fourth verse is especially dramatic. The U.S. was not at war at the time this song was created. It was made popular via the vaudeville shows where it was appreciated for its spirit of fellowship.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by Benjamin R. Tubb:
Lyrics
- We from childhood play’d together
My dear comrade Jack and I
We would fight each other’s battles
To each other’s aid we’d fly
And in boyish scrapes and troubles
You would find us ev’ry where
Where one went the other followed
Naught could part us for we were
Chorus
We were comrades, comrades ever since we were boys
Sharing each other’s sorrows, sharing each other’s joys
Comrades when manhood was dawning
Faithful whate’er might betide
When danger threatened my darling old comrade
Was there by my side
- When just budding into manhood
I yearn’d for a Soldier’s life
Night and day I dream’d of glory
Longing for the battle’s strife
I said, “Jack, I’ll be a Soldier
‘Neath the Red the White and Blue
Goodbye Jack!” said he, “no, never!
If you go, then I’ll go too” - I enlisted, Jack came with me
And ups and downs we shared
For a time our lives were peaceful
But at length war was declared
England’s flag had been insulted
We were ordered to the front
And the Reg’ment we belong’d to
Had to bear the battle’s brunt - In the night the savage foeman
Crept around us as we lay
To our arms we leap’d and faced them
Back to back we stood at bay
As I fought, a savage at me
Aimed his spear like lightning’s dart
But my comrade sprang to save me
And receiv’d it in his heart
Sung here by Fred Feild: