The Rogues March (Poor Old Soldier) (Demo)

by GurdyBird

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about

Opening music for Madame Fandango's Vertigo Vaudeville, due to be held in Penzance on 9th September 2016.

Traditionally a tune to be played out when "Drumming out" Soldiers. (Dishonorable discharge or leading off for punishment), also a tune played every year in Camborne for Trevithicks Day

lyrics

Here are some associated lyrics with the tune

I left my home and I left my job
Went and joined the army
If I knew then what I know now
I wouldn't have been so barmy.

chorus:
Poor old soldier, poor old soldier
If I knew then what I know now
I wouldn't have been so barmy.

Gave me a gun and a big red coat
Gave me lots of drilling
If I knew then what I know now
I wouldn't have took the shilling.

Sent me off on a real old boat
By Christ she was no beauty
Far, far across the sea we went
Afore to do my duty

Fought the Russians, or was it the French
Really couldn't tell, sir
All I know is they fought so hard
They sent us all to hell, sir.

When we got back home again
To desert was my intent, sir
I sold my cot and I sold my coat
And over the wall I went, sir.

Went to a tavern and I got drunk
That is where they found me
Back to barracks in chains I was sent
And there they did impound me.

Fifty I got for selling me coat
Fifty for me blankets
If ever I 'list for a soldier again
The devil shall be me sergeant.

credits

Traditional tune. Arranged, performed and programmed by Tamsyn 'GurdyBird' Swingler
Mixed by Tamsyn Swingler
Photograph by Paul Betowski

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about

GurdyBird England, UK

Based in Cornwall, GurdyBird plays a Hurdy-Gurdy over her backing tracks which she performs, programmes and records herself, creating original compositions and unusual renditions of traditional folk tunes & shanties, performing with her music videos projected where possible for a multimedia, story-telling effect. She also roams acoustically at events, performs plugged & also dabbles in remixing. ... more

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