The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #174605   Message #4233860
Posted By: cnd
05-Jan-26 - 10:29 PM
Thread Name: Tune Req: Revolutionary War
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Revolutionary War
Grasping at straws a bit here, but is this it? First link has an audio file to listen to.

https://www.contemplator.com/england/servant.htmlM
This tune was sung in the comedy "High Life Below the Stairs" by James Townley (1714-1778). It was very popular in Colonial America.

https://www.dianetaraz.com/notes/rev_notes.htm
A rollicking song from a 1759 London comedy, High Life Below the Stairs, in which a master disguises himself as a servant to spy on his employees. It became very popular in the colonies, which speaks to how bold ideas about equality took root in the New World. The verses proclaim that everyone is really the same, all in livery -- servant's uniform -- and all serving something, no matter how highfalutin' you may think you are. A love of freedom and mobility became part of the American character, and here is its echo across a span of 250 years. You can practically hear the motorcycles revving!