WOAD-THE SONG OF THE ANCIENT BRITONS [to tune:'Men of Harlech']

W. Hope Jones was a master at Eton, and wrote the song, c.1921, for the college's Boy Scout troop. ("Gilwell Camp Fire Song Book"]

What's the use of wearing braces
Hats or spats or boots with laces
Coats and vests you buy in places
Down on Brompton Road

What's the use of shirts of cotton
Studs that always get forgotten
These affairs are simply rotten
Better far is Woad

Woad's the stuff to show men
Woad to scare your foemen
Boil it to a brilliant hue
And rub it on your back and your ab-do-men
Ancient Britons never hit on
Anything as fine as Woad to fit on
Neck or knees or where you sit on
Tailors, you'll be blowed

Romans crossed the English Channel
All dressed up in tin and flannel
Half a pint of Woad per man'll
Clothe us more than these

Saxons you can keep your stitches
For making beds for bugs in britches
We have Woad to clothe us which is
Not a nest for fleas

Romans, save your armours
Saxons, your pyjamas
Hairy coats were made for goats
Gorillas, yaks, retriever dogs, and llamas

March on Snowdon with your Woad on
Never mind if you get rained or snowed on
Never need a button sewed on
W! O! A! D! Woooad!!!.