I always found the line about playing the "death march" interesting. I had thought it was some thing generic until I found a book of Fifi tunes that are from Colonial times. In it there is a song called the "Death March" I assume this is the song they are talking about in the song. Not sure how to play the fifi so I don't know what it sounds like I wonder if it is the same melody as St. James Infirmary etc.