The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #39835 Message #3623429
Posted By: Lighter
01-May-14 - 12:35 PM
Thread Name: Lyr/Tune Req: I Don't Want to Be a Soldier
Subject: RE: Lyr/Tune Req: I Don't Want to Be a Soldier
It has been claimed more than once that the following text proves the song to have been current "in the Peninsular War":
I don't want the Sergeant's shilling, I don't want to be shot down; I'm really much more willing To make myself a killing, Living off the pickings of the Ladies of the Town; Don't want a bullet up my bumhole, Don't want my cobblers minced with ball; For if I have to lose 'em Then let it be with Susan Or Meg or Peg or any whore at all,
Gorblimey!
On Monday I touched her on the ankle, On Tuesday I touched her on the knee; On Wednesday such caresses As I got inside her dresses, On Thursday she was moaning sweetly; On Friday I had my fingers in it, On Saturday she gave my balls a wrench; And on Sunday after supper, I had the fucker up her, And now she's got me up before the Bench,
Gorblimey!
However....
Those who may not notice the stylistic quirks that sing out "late 20th century!" should realize that the source of the above words, "Joseph: The Life of Joseph Bosham...Covering the years from 1790 to 1813," is a work of picaresque *fiction* (published in 1979) by the noted British novelist Julian Rathbone (1935 - 2008).