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 Comden baked a cake, It's all for poor old Slattery's sake, She threw meself into the lake, Pretendin' I was balmy.

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 *pfft* 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 blue, 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 bate 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 *pluck* the British army.

Current Recordings

 * Irish Brigade
 * The Dubliners
 * Irish Rovers
 * Ewan MacColl. MacColl was known for imitating the accent or dialect in which a folk song was traditionally sung.  Unusually, his recording is sung in a Lancashire accent (broader than his natural speech) rather than an Irish one.
 * Luke Kelly
 * Black Irish Texas
 * The ShamRock
 * The Battering Ram