Join the British Army

"Join the British Army" is an Irish rebel song. The lyrics address concerns of a young man reconsidering the decisions that caused him to volunteer for the British army. From verse to verse, examples are given as to why the young man wants to leave the British Army.

This song of Irish origin has circulated both inside and outside the army since Victorian times. Singers/Chanters would insert at appropriate points the names of those NCO's they disliked.

Lyrics

When I was young, I used to be,
As fine a man as ever you'd see,
'til the Prince of Wales, he said to me,
Come and join the British army.

Too-ra loo-ra loo-ra loo,
They're lookin' for monkeys up in the zoo,
And if ever I had a face like you?
I'd join the British army.

Sarah Condon baked a cake,
It's all for poor old Slattery's sake,
Sure I threw meself into the lake,
Pretendin' I was barmy.

Too-ra loo-ra loo-ra loo,
I've made me mind up what to do,
Now I'll work me ticket home to you,
And Fuck the British Army.

Sergeant Heeley went away
And his wife got in the family way,
And the only words that she could say,
Was blame the British army.

Too-ra loo-ra loo-ra loo,
Me curse upon the Labour b'roo [bureau],
That took me darlin' boy from me,
To join the British army.

Corporal Sheen's a bit of a lout,
Just give him a couple o' jars o' stout,
He'll bite the enemy with his mouth,
And save the British army.

Too-ra loo-ra loo-ra loo,
I've made me mind up what to do,
Now I'll work me ticket home to you,
And Fuck the British Army.

Current Recordings

See also
  • Irish rebel music


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