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Bonaparte Crossing the Rocky Mountains/ Bonaparte Crossing the Rhine/ Bonaparte's March
Traditional Old-Time, March (cut time) Scottish (translated) lyrics.
ARTIST: Various traditional songs about Bonaparte that can be adapted to the fiddle tune
CATEGORY: Fiddle and Instrumental Tunes DATE: Early 1900’s.
RECORDING INFO: Bonaparte Crossing the Alps
Rm - Oro Se Do Bheatha bHaile /Abhaile
Uf - Bonaparte Crossing the Rhine ; Bonaparte Crossing the Rockies/Rocky Mountain
Provance, F. P. (Fillmore Peter). Bayard, Samuel (ed.) / Hill Country Tunes: Instrumental Folk Music..., Amer. Folklore Society, fol (1944), 89 [1943/10/16]
RECORDING INFO: Bonaparte Crossing the Rhine
Rt - Soldier's Dream ; March Tune
At - Bruce's March ; Caledonia/Caledonian March ; Sherman's March ; Dying in the Field of Battle ; Free Mason's March ; Star of Bethleham ; Sherman's March to the Sea
Rm - Comrha Donn ; Loch-Na Gar
Uf - From Galway to Dublin ; Tom Ash's March ; Bonaparte Crossing the Rockies/Rocky Mountain
Brody, David (ed.) / Guitar Picker's Fakebook, Oak, Sof (1984), p 34
Armstrong, Sarah. Bayard, Samuel (ed.) / Hill Country Tunes: Instrumental Folk Music..., Amer. Folklore Society, fol (1944), 90 [1943/11/18] (Ranahan's March)
Brody, David. Brody, David (ed.) / Fiddler's Fakebook, Oak, Sof (1983), p 51
Clayton, Bob. Banjo Newsletter, BNL, Ser (1973-), 1981/12,p10 (Bonaparte Crossing the Rockies/Rocky Mountain)
Fisher, George J.. Bayard, Samuel (ed.) / Dance to the Fiddle; March to the Fife, Penn State, Bk (1982), p 93/#156G [1962] (Dirge of the Berlin Band)
Fuzzy Mountain String Band. Fuzzy Mountain String Band, Rounder 0010/CD11571, CD/ (1995/1972), trk# 23 [1972/08]
Golden Ring. For All the Good People - A Golden Ring Reunion, Folk Legacy CD 121, CD (1992), trk# 13
Griffith, Christina (Christine). Bayard, Samuel (ed.) / Dance to the Fiddle; March to the Fife, Penn State, Bk (1982), p 93/#156H [1944] (Caledonia/Caledonian March)
Hoge, Thomas J.. Bayard, Samuel (ed.) / Dance to the Fiddle; March to the Fife, Penn State, Bk (1982), p 94/#156I [1944] (Star of Bethleham)
Hold the Mustard. Hold the Mustard, Hold the Mustard, LP (1987), trk# B.02a
Horner, Hiram Clinton. Bayard, Samuel (ed.) / Dance to the Fiddle; March to the Fife, Penn State, Bk (1982), p 92/#156C [1960] (Caledonia/Caledonian March)
Irish Crystal Band. New and Original Sound of Irish-Grass, Showcase, LP (1982), trk# B.03 (Napoleon Crossing the Rhine)
Kretzner, Leo; and Jay Leibovitz. Pigtown Fling, Green Linnet SIF 1019, LP (1979), trk# B.08
Lloyd, Clyde. Bayard, Samuel (ed.) / Dance to the Fiddle; March to the Fife, Penn State, Bk (1982), p 92/#156D [1952] (Untitled March)
Lost World String Band. Lost But Not Least, Wheatland 002, LP (1978), trk# B.04a
Lunceford, Ron (R. D.). Old Blue Tick, Lunceford, Cas (1997), trk# B.11
Martin, Emery. Bayard, Samuel (ed.) / Dance to the Fiddle; March to the Fife, Penn State, Bk (1982), p 93/#156E [1946] (Bruce's March)
McCutcheon, John. How Can I Keep from Singing?, June Appal JA 003, LP (1975), trk# 11a
Millar, Wade Hampton. In the Days I Went A-courtin', Acoustic Revival AR 33005, LP (1981), trk# A.04
Nelson, Mark. Nelson, Mark / Twenty One Fiddle Tunes for Mountain Dulcimer, Nelson, Fol (197?), p 3 (Bonaparte Crossing the Rockies/Rocky Mountain)
Northcutt, Bill. Front Porch Fiddling, Stoneway STY 135, LP (1973), trk# A.07 (Caledonia/Caledonian March)
Parish, Roscoe. Old Time Way, Heritage (Galax) 070, LP (1986), trk# 28 [1983/09/16]
Perlman, Ken. Perlman, Ken / Fingerpicking Fiddle Tunes for Finger Style Guitar, Chappell, Sof (1978), p50 (Napoleon Crossing the Rhine)
Pleasant Family. Old Time String Band, Pleasant --, CD (2005), trk# 10
Reid, Harvey. In Person, Woodpecker Wp 112CD, CD (1997), trk# 1.13b [1996/05/25]
Sapoznik, Hank (Henry). Brody, David (ed.) / Banjo Picker's Fakebook, Oak, Fol (1985), p 34
Silberberg, Gene. Silberberg, Gene (ed.) / Complete Fiddle Tunes I Either Did or Did Not., Silberberg, Fol (2005), p 20
Simmons Family. Wandering Through the Rackensack, Dancing Doll, LP (197?), trk# A.02 (Bonaparte Crossing the Alps)
Simmons Family. Simmons, Tommy (ed.) / Simmons Family, Simmons, Sof (1974), p30 (Bonaparte Crossing the Alps)
Slater, Alec. Slater, Alec / Clawhammer Banjo Solos, Mel Bay, Sof (1979), p25
Strosnider, George G.. Bayard, Samuel (ed.) / Dance to the Fiddle; March to the Fife, Penn State, Bk (1982), p 91/#156A [1930s] (Star of Bethleham)
Thompson, Linda Lowe. Dulcimer Players News, DPN, Ser, 21/4, p45a(1995) (Bonaparte Crossing the Rockies/Rocky Mountain)
Trail Band. Lewis and Clark, Trail's End TEP 006, CD (1999), trk# 15a
Wagner, Pop; and Bob Bovee. Pop Wagner & Bob Bovee, Train on the Island TI 1, LP (1977), trk# B.06 (Bonaparte Crossing the Alps)
White, Hiram H.. Bayard, Samuel (ed.) / Dance to the Fiddle; March to the Fife, Penn State, Bk (1982), p 93/#156F [1930s] (Star of Bethleham)
Work, Edgar. Bayard, Samuel (ed.) / Dance to the Fiddle; March to the Fife, Penn State, Bk (1982), p 92/#156B [1949] (Bruce's March)
RECORDING INFO: Bonaparte Crossing the Rockies/Rocky Mountain [ON1824]
Rm - Lazarus ; Listowel Hornpipe
Mf - Hot Asphault/Asphalt
Uf - Bonaparte Crossing the Rhine
Kennedy, Peter (ed.) / Second Fiddler's Tune-Book, Hargail, poc (1954), p 7 [1950ca] (Napolean Crossing the Alps)
O'Neill, Francis / O'Neill's Music of Ireland, Collins, Fol (1903/1964), #1824 (Bonaparte Crossing the Rhine)
Krassen, Miles (ed.) / O'Neill's Music of Ireland, New and Revised, Oak, Fol (1976), p207 (Bonaparte Crossing the Rockies/Rocky Mountain)
Brody, David (ed.) / Guitar Picker's Fakebook, Oak, Sof (1984), p 35
Barrett, Ruth; and Cyntia Smith. Music of the Rolling World, Aeolus Am 002, LP (1982), trk# B.04b (Loch Lovan Castle)
Barton, Elmer. New England Traditional Fiddling, JEMF 105, LP (1978), trk# A.05 [1939/11/04] (Bonaparte's March)
Brody, David. Brody, David (ed.) / Fiddler's Fakebook, Oak, Sof (1983), p 51
Carlin, Bob. Melodic Clawhammer Banjo, Kicking Mule KM 209, LP (1976), trk# A.05
Common Ground. Traveller's Choice, Kicking Mule KM 229, LP (1984), trk# 11 (Napoleon Crossing the Rockies)
Deseret String Band. Utah Trail, Okehdokee --, LP (197?), trk# 14
Elman, Tony. Swinging on a Gate, Acorn Tree 003, Cas (1986), trk# A.05 (Bonaparte Crossing the Rhine)
Kuntz, Andrew. Devil's Box, Devil's Box, Ser, 33/3, p17(1999) (Bonaparte Crossing the Rhine)
Lunceford, Ron (R. D.). Old Blue Tick, Lunceford, Cas (1997), trk# A.06 (Bonaparte Crossing the Rhine)
MacArthur Family. On the Mountains High, Living Folk LFR-100, CD/ (1971), trk# 5 (Bonaparte Crossing the Rhine)
Millar, Wade Hampton. In the Days I Went A-courtin', Acoustic Revival AR 33005, LP (1981), trk# B.03b (Bonaparte's March)
Ransom, Stan. I Love Long Island, Connecticut Peddler, CD (1997), trk# 11b (Bonaparte's March Across the Rhine)
Reed, Elizabeth Foster. Linscott, Eloise Hubbard (ed.) / Folk Songs of Old New England, Dover, Bk (1993/1939), p 69 [1920-30s] (Bonaparte Crossing the Rhine)
Slater, Alec. Slater, Alec / Clawhammer Banjo Solos, Mel Bay, Sof (1979), p40 (Bonaparte Crossing the Rhine)
Thompson, Linda Lowe. Dulcimer Players News, DPN, Ser, 21/4, p45(1995) (Bonaparte Crossing the Rhine)
Yaugher, Irvin; Jr.. Bayard, Samuel (ed.) / Hill Country Tunes: Instrumental Folk Music..., Amer. Folklore Society, fol (1944), 86 [1943/10/19] (Bonaparte's Retreat)
RECORDING INFO: Bonaparte's March
Mf - St. Clair's Defeat
Uf - Bonaparte Crossing the Rockies/Rocky Mountain ; Muckin' o' Geordie's Byre
Allan's Ballroom Companion, Mozart Allan, fol (19??), p19a
Indian Creek Delta Boys. Indian Creek Delta Boys, Davis Unlimited DU 33029, LP (1976), trk# 6
Litten, William. Huntington, Gale (ed.) / William Litten's Fiddle Tunes 1800 -1802, Hines Point, fol (1977), p38b [1802]
Lunceford, Ron (R. D.). Old Blue Tick, Lunceford, Cas (1997), trk# A.08a (Battle of Waterloo)
Older, Lawrence. Adirondack Songs, Ballads and Fiddle Tunes, Folk Legacy FSA 015, Cas (1964), trk# A.10
RECORDING INFO: Bonaparte's March Across the Rhine
Us - Bonaparte Crossing the Rockies/Rocky Mountain
RECORDING INFO: Bonaparte's Retreat [Me IV-A17]
Rt - Hassetts Retreat ; Dry and Dusty ; Dry and Dusty
Rm - Eagle's Whistle ; Bumble Bee in the Pumpkin Patch ; Bony on the Isle of St. Helena
Uf - Bonaparte Crossing the Rockies/Rocky Mountain
Ford, Ira W. / Traditional Music in America, Folklore Associates, Bk (1965/1940), p129
Brody, David (ed.) / Guitar Picker's Fakebook, Oak, Sof (1984), p 35
Blizard, Ralph; & the New Southern Ramblers. Ralph Blizard Fiddles, Blizard 0989C, Cas (199?), trk# 10
Brody, David. Brody, David (ed.) / Fiddler's Fakebook, Oak, Sof (1983), p 52
Buzzard Rock String Band. I've Got the Blues for My Kentucky Home, June Appal JA 054, LP (1988), trk# A.05a
Carter, Maybelle (Mother Maybelle). Mother Maybelle Carter, Hilltop JS-6172, LP (198?), trk# A.01
Chancellor, Jim "Texas Shorty". Texas Shorty and John Hartford. Old Sport, Small Dog A-Barking SD 494, Cas (1994), trk# B.04
Clayton, Bob. Banjo Newsletter, BNL, Ser (1973-), 1981/12,p10b
Crary, Dan. Frets (Magazine), Frets, Ser, 1982/09,p43
Edmonds, Norman. Southern Journey. Vol. 2: Ballads and Breakdowns, Rounder 1702, CD (1997), trk# 7 [1959/08/28]
Ensign, Bob; and the Stump Jumpers. Mountain Guitar Pickin', Rural Rhythm RRBE 255, LP (1972), trk# A.09
Farina, Richard and Mimi. Celebrations for a Grey Day, Vanguard VSD 79174, LP (1965), trk# 13c (Celebrations for a Grey Day)
Fraley, J. P. and Annadeene. Galleynipper, June Appal JA 058C, Cas (1990), trk# 17
Fuzzy Mountain String Band. Fuzzy Mountain String Band, Rounder 0010/CD11571, CD/ (1995/1972), trk# 20 [1971/11-12]
Gavin, Pam. Potpourri, Dancing Doll DLP 612, LP (1985), trk# A.01
Haas, Brittany. Brittany Haas, Ook CD 001, CD (2004), trk# 6a
Haley, Ed. Grey Eagle, Rounder 1133/1134, CD (1997), trk# 1.13 [1945ca]
Haley, Ed. Fiddler Magazine, Fiddler Mag., Ser, 8/1, p36(2001)
Haley, Ed. Fiddler Magazine, Fiddler Mag., Ser, 11/2, p45(2004)
Hellman, Neal. Hellman, Neal / Dulcimer Songbook, Oak, Sof (1977), p18
Hilston, John. Tribute to Tommy Jarrell, Heritage (Galax) 063, LP (1986), trk# 10
Hot Club of Cowtown. Tall Tales, Hightone HCD 8104, CD (1999), trk# 13
Jarrell, Tommy. Sail Away Ladies, County 756, LP (1976), trk# B.02
Johnson, John. Fiddlin' John, Augusta Heritage AHR 001, LP (1981), trk# 5
Keith, Leslie. Black Mountain Blues, Briar BR-4210, LP (1974), trk# 8
Kizzar, Tim. In an Arizona Town, AFF AFF 33-3, LP (197?), trk# 15 [1960s?]
Leftwich, Brad; and Linda Higginbotham. No One to Bring Home Tonight, County 790, LP (1984), trk# 3b
Light Crust Doughboys. Light Crust Doughboys / Yesterday and Today, Doughboy Records DB-1039, CD (1994), trk# 3
Lost World String Band. Lost But Not Least, Wheatland 002, LP (1978), trk# B.04b
Luckiamute River String Band. Waterbound, Lucks '94, Cas (1994), trk# A.08
Lundy, Emmett. Fiddle Tunes from Grayson County, String 802, LP (1977), trk# 16 [1941/08]
Martin, Marcus. Anglo-American Songs and Ballads, Library of Congress AFS L21, LP (196?), trk# A.02c [1946]
Milton, George. Old Time Fiddling of Braxton County. Vol 2, Augusta Heritage AHR 013, Cas (1992), trk# 15 [1991/12]
Molsky, Bruce. Warring Cats, Yodel-Ay-Hee 011, Cas (1993), trk# 9a
Molsky, Bruce. Old Time Music on the Air, Vol. 1, Rounder 0331, Cas (1994), trk# 24a
Nicholson, Roger; and Lorraine Lee. Exultation of Dulcimers, Greenhays GR 707, LP (1980), trk# 6
Nicholson, Roger. Gentle Sound of the Dulcimer, Argo ZDA 204, LP (1974), trk# A.06b
Possum Hunters. In the Pines, Takoma A 1025, LP (196?), trk# 9
Poston, Mutt; and the Farm Hands. Hoe Down! Vol. 6. Country Blues Instrumentals, Rural Rhythm RR 156, LP (197?), trk# 6
Price, J. S.. Thede, Marion (ed.) / The Fiddle Book, Oak, Bk (1967), p 37 [1930s]
Provance, F. P. (Fillmore Peter). Bayard, Samuel (ed.) / Hill Country Tunes: Instrumental Folk Music..., Amer. Folklore Society, fol (1944), 87 [1943/09/19]
Putnam String County Band. Home Grown, Rounder 3003, LP (1973), trk# 15
Reed, Ola Belle and Bud. All in One Evening, Folkways FA 2329, LP (1978), trk# A.O6
Robertson, Eck. Eck Robertson, County 202, LP (1989), trk# 17 [1963/06-09]
Rutland, Georgia Slim (Robert Hughes). Raw Fiddle, Kanawha 325, LP (1976), trk# 7
Salyer, John Morgan. Home Recordings 1941-42, Appal. Center Ser. AC 003, Cas (1993), trk# 26 (Napolean's Retreat)
Salyer, John Morgan. Home Recordings 1941-42. Vol. 2, Appal. Center Ser. AC 003-v2, cas (1993), trk# B.03 (Napolean's Retreat)
Schnaufer, David. Delcimore, Collecting Dust CD 0699001, CD (1999), trk# 2
Seeger, Mike. Old Time Country Music, Folkways FA 2325, LP (196?), trk# 6
Sims, Leroy. Sims Family Present Fiddling LeRoy, Spirit Arrow LPS 203-103, LP (1981), trk# B.03
Smith, Fiddlin' Arthur; & his Dixieliners. Fiddlin' Arthur Smith and His Dixieliners, Vol. 1, County 546, LP (1978), trk# B.05 [1936/02/17]
Smith, Hobart. Hobart Smith, Folk Legacy FSA 017, LP (1964), trk# 14
Stepp, W. H.. American Fiddle Tunes, Library of Congress AFS L62, LP (1971), trk# 14 [1937/10/28]
Stepp, W. H.. Titon, Jeff Todd / Old Time Kentucky Fiddle Tunes, Kentucky, Bk/ (2001), p 47/# 14 [1937/10/26]
Stepp, W. H.. Lomax, John A. & Alan Lomax / Our Singing Country, MacMillan, Sof (2000/1941), p 54 [1937]
Thomasson, Benny. Texas Hoedown, County 703, CD/ (1965), trk# A.04 [1965/04ca]
Thomasson, Benny. Benny Thomasson - Legendary Texas Fiddler, 1966-69, County CD 2737, CD (2005/1970), trk# 4 [1966-69]
Thompson, Linda Lowe. Dulcimer Players News, DPN, Ser, 17/3, p31(1991)
Thomas, Tony. Old Style Texas and Oklahoma Fiddling, Takoma A 1013, LP (195?), trk# 1
Trail Band. Lewis and Clark, Trail's End TEP 006, CD (1999), trk# 15b
Trischka, Tony. Trischka, Tony (ed.) / Banjo Song Book, Oak, Sof (1978), p 98
Ungar, Jay; and Lynn Hardy. Songs, Ballads and Fiddle Tunes, Philo 1023, LP (1975), trk# 12
Ungar, Jay. Visits, Heritage (Galax) 033, LP (1981), trk# D.02 [1975/01]
Wakefield, Frank. Blues Stay Away From Me, Takoma TAK 7082, LP (1980), trk# 10
Watson, Doc and Merle. Then and Now, Poppy 0598, LP (1973), trk# A.01
Webb, Bob. Bank Trollers. Songs of the Sea, Richmond Webb RWA 0206, CD (2000), trk# 8
Wimmer, Sherman. Old Originals, Vol. 1, Rounder 0057, LP (1978), trk# 9 [1974/07/26]
SOURCES: Kuntz, Andrew. Devil's Box, Devil's Box DB, Ser (196?), 33/3, p17 (Bonaparte Crossing the Rhine). Thompson, Linda Lowe. Dulcimer Player News, Dulcimer Player News DPN, Ser (1973-), 21/4, p45 (Bonaparte Crossing the Rhine). Tony Marcus [Phillips]. Bayard (Hill Country Tunes), 1944; No. 90. Brody (Fiddler's Fakebook), 1983; pg. 51. Phillips (Traditional American Fiddle Tunes), Vol. 2, 1995; pg. 23. Kuntz, Fiddler's Companion, http://www.ceolas.org/tunes/fc.
OTHER NAMES: Bonaparte Crossing the Rockies; Bonaparte Crossing the Rhine. Similar to: Bonaparte’s Retreat. "Bonaparte's Retreat," "Bruce's March," "Caledonian March," "The Freemanson's March," "Napoleon Crossing the Rhine," "Ranahan's March," "Sherman's March (to the Sea)," "The Star of Bethlehem."
NOTES from Kuntz: "D Major. Standard or ADAE. AAB (Phillips/1995): AABB (most versions). Samuel Bayard (1944) was quite familiar with the origins of this tune, a common march tune in his primary collecting area of western Pennsylvania, and one which circulated under a variety of names including (in Fayette County) "Bruce's March" and (in Greene County) "The Star of Bethlehem." A Pennsylvania bandmaster gave Bayard the name "Ranahan's March," which he said commemorated a local bandmaster. As with several of the other 'Bonaparte'-titled tunes it is sometimes confused with similar names; for example, Bayard once heard it played by a New Jersey fiddler who gave it the ubiquitous name of "Bonaparte's Retreat." Fiddler Mack Snodderly played a slow, dirge-like version of the tune and called it "Dying on the Field of Battle."(Kuntz, Fiddler's Companion, http://www.ceolas.org/tunes/fc).
"The Greene County title (i.e. "Star of Bethlehem") suggests that the air may formerly have been sung to a once popular religious piece of the same name, beginning:
When marshalled on the nightly plain
The glimmering host illumed the sky.
(Kuntz, Fiddler's Companion, http://www.ceolas.org/tunes/fc).
"But this hymn is now usually associated with the air 'Ye Banks and Braes of Bonnie Doon' in southwestern Pennsylvania and elsewhere. And there is no other indication thus far that (this tune) has been anything but an instrumental march tune in the Middle Atlantic area. We know, however, that it was used as a hymn melody in the South. Its currency in southern tradition is attested by two distinct versions used with a couple of the favorite pieces in the shapenote hymn books of fasola singers. One of these, a close variant of (this tune) appears in Swan, The New Harp of Columbia (1867), No. 148 as 'France'; the other, representing a quite different--somewhat more vocal--development of the air, is entitled 'Family Bible' in Walker, The Southern Harmony (1835), No. 20, and Cayee, The Good Old Songs (1913), No. 217. This second version is listed by Professor George Pullen Jackson among the eighty most popular tunes in the fasola song books: see 'White Spirituals in the Southern Uplands', p. 146, tune No. 63 and references. Other Pennsylvania sets are Bayard Coll., Nos. 35, 50. A variant called 'Caledonian March' appears in Howe's School for the Violin, pg. 17. Although the air sounds Scottish, it has not yet been traced outside this country. A tune bearing some resemblance to it occurs, in Smith, The Scottish Minstrel, IV, 12, 'The Pride of the Broomlands'; and another, still closer, occasionally appears in the commercial fiddle-tune books as 'Lochnagar': e.g., Cole, p. 124; White's Excelsier Coll., p. 70; Kerr, No. 214" (Bayard, 1944)." (Kuntz, Fiddler's Companion, http://www.ceolas.org/tunes/fc).
BONAPARTE:
I'm happy on my journey
Traveling swiftly without flagging
Heading off to do battle with Bonaparte
He it was who threatened King George
Brave lads, let's be merry
Stand for the honor of your country
As long as lead and powder last
What could worry us?
There is no weakness to be described
In the young heroes who never retreat
Cowardice is not in their countenance
They will never give ground to the boasters
Men of the short hose and the kilts
With their uniforms of scarlet coats;
Splendid they were in attack
The would never yield though wounded.
In Brussels it was told
That the French were coming in their thousands
I tell no lie but the truth
Many a man will be stretched out without breath of life
If only we had, as was hereditary to us
The great broadsword with Islay-wrought hilt on our shoulders
We'll split their heads to their ears,
Pounding them with the smashing of our fists.
BONAPARTE'S ESCAPE FROM RUSSIA
A NEW SONG.from the Bodleian Library Broadside Ballads, Harding B 25(246).
When Bonaparte from Russia into Moscow went,
With his troops in full glee, and their minds fully bent
To take the Russian country, O, they were full employ'd,
But Russians fought against them and soon they were destroy'd.
CHORUS: The warlike lads of Russia, they fought all in one mind;
Made Bonaparte to run and leave his troops behind.
When from Moscow City the Russians did retreat,
Neither Boney nor his men not any thing could get.
When from Moscow City the Russians took flight,
They set the town on fire and burnt it down that night. CHORUS
Burnt all away before them, and every foot they set,
Lest Boney near his army no shelter could they get.
Damn it, says bold Russia, I'll have you in a crack.
I'll make you remember this before you do get back. CHORUS
So in a little while, O, the Russians did attack,
Against Boney and his army, kill'd, took, and drove 'em back.
But the action being so hot, from right, left, front, and rear,
O damn it, says poor Boney, I'll stay no longer here. CHORUS
So off went Bonaparte as hard as he could ride.
The poor Frenchmen looked after him, saying, 'tis very hard
You should bring us all up here, and leave us in such a state.
You ought to stop along with us and share the same fate. CHORUS
But away went Boney as hard as he could run,
O'er hedges and ditches; left horses, men, and guns.
His boxes and matches, ammunition and waggons too,
He left them all behind him. What else could he do? CHORUS
There full 80,000 men from me they've kill'd or ta'en,
Besides 10,000 horses fine and 200 pieces of cannon;
But yet I must to Paris. To France I must advance,
For if I don't, I may be sure they'll teach me how to dance. CHORUS
Now to conclude this wondrous tale and finish my song,
Boney's men in Russia swore they wish they'd hold of him.
The cruelest death they'd put him to that e'er a man befell.
Stop, stop a bit, says Boney. I'm now clear of you all. CHORUS
THE WARLIKE LADS OF RUSSIA
(Trad. Arr. Jones) Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mM6chknRF3Q
When Bonaparte from Poland into Muscovy went,
With all his troops and all his men, their minds were fully bent
For to take the Russian country, Oh, they were full employ'd,
But the Russians fought against them and they soon did them destroy.
CHORUS:
Oh, the warlike lads of Russia, they fought all in one mind;
Made Bonaparte to run and leave his troops behind.
Now when from Muscovy City, Oh, the Russians did retreat,
Neither Bonaparte nor all his men not any thing could get.
When from Muscovy City, Oh, the Russians took their flight,
They set the town on fire and they burnt it down that night.
CHORUS
Now in a little while, Oh the Russians did attack,
Against Bonaparte and all his men, they kill'd and took and drove 'em
back.
But the action being so hot, from right and left and front and rear,
Oh, damn you, says poor Bonaparte, I'll stay no longer here.
CHORUS
And away then went poor Bonaparte as fast as he could ride.
And the poor Frenchmen looked after him, saying, Oh it's very hard
But to think you'd lead us all up here, and leave us to our fate.
Oh, you ought to stop along with us and help us in our state.
CHORUS
And away then went poor Bonaparte as fast as he could run,
Over hedges and o'er ditches; he left horses, men, and guns.
His boxes and his matches, ammunition waggons too,
He left them all behind him. What else could poor Boney do?
CHORUS
Says he 80,000 men from me they've kill'd and they've taken,
Besides 10,000 horses fine and 200 pieces of cannon;
But never more to Paris or French land I dare advance,
For if I do, I may be sure they'll teach me how to dance.
CHORUS
So it's to conclude and thus to try and finish off my song,
Oh, Boney's men in Russia swear they wish they'd hold of him.
And the cruelest death they'd put him to that e'er a man befell.
Oh, curse you says poor Bonaparte. I'm clear of you all.
CHORUS
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