The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #80106   Message #4204295
Posted By: Black belt caterpillar wrestler
23-Jun-24 - 04:36 AM
Thread Name: Songs about Napoleon
Subject: RE: Songs about Napoleon
Nobody has mentioned "Napoleon's Farewel to Paris" yet.
I have not heard anyone else perform it in full. Jim Mageean and Johnny Collins used to do a shortened version as did Mick Tems, in both cases starting with the chorus.

NAPOLEON’S FAREWELL TO PARIS

CH. Oh. My name’s Napoleon Bonaparte, I’m the conqueror of nations,
I’ve vanquished German legions and sent kings from their thrones.
I’ve banished Dukes and Earls, and splendid congregations,
But now I am transported to Saint Helena’s shore.

Farewell, you splendid citadel, metropolis called Paris,
Where Phoebus every morning shoots refulgent beams,
Where Flora’s bright auroras advancing from the orient
With radiant light adorning the pure and shining streams.

At eve when Centaur doth retire while the ocean gilds like fire
And the universe admires her merchandise and store,
Commanding Flora’s fragrances the fertile fields to foliate
A vision of the Corsican’s return to the French shore.
CH.

Some say the cause of my downfall was the parting with my consort
To wed the German’s daughter who wounded my heart sore.
But the female frame I do not blame for she did never me disdain.
She saw my sword in battle flame and she did me adore.

I severely felt the rod for meddling with the house of God,
Coin and golden images in thousands down I tore.
I stole Malta’s golden gates, I did the work of God negate,
But, would he give me time and state, to him I would restore.        
CH.

I am a true and hardy oak, with fire and sword I made them smoke.
I’ve conquered Dutch and Dane and surprised the Grand Signor,
Routed Austrians and Prussians, then both Portuguese and Russians
Like the great King Alexander, or Caesar of yore.

Like Hannibal I crossed the peaks, the burning sands and rocky reeks,
O’er Russian hills, through frost and snow I still my laurels wore,
This desert island is my plight where the rats himself the Devil would fright,
Yet I hope to shine in armour bright through Europe once more.        
CH.

For full three days I stood the plain my freedom’s cause for to maintain.
And thousands there I did leave slain and covered in their gore.
My golden eagles were torn down by Wellington’s armies of renown.
Now I’ve forfeited my crown and Paris is no more.

Now I’m here in forced exile, on this lonely windswept isle
To view the wild commotion and the flowing of the tide.
Banished from the Royal court from Imperial promotion brought
The crown of France has come to naught; now I watch the billows glide.
CH.

I have performed it from time to time but always have to brush up on the words again as they don't seem to stick in my head for too long!

Robin