A traditional British
patriotic song, to a sharp, rousing tune. It is a favourite with military
brass bands and is a staple of the fun patriotic
medley played every year at the
Last Night of the Proms. The first verse is the only familiar one, I think.
Some talk of Alexander,
And some of Hercules
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.
Those heroes of antiquity
Ne'er saw a cannon ball
Or knew the force of powder
To slay their foes withal.
But our brave boys do know it,
And banish all their fears.
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, "Hurrah, 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 loupèd clothes.
May they and their commanders
Live happy all their years
With a tow, row, row, row, row, row,
For the British Grenadiers.