Lyr Req: song from 'The Man Who Would Be King'

Subject: The Man Who Would Be King - Movie
From: Scabby Douglas
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 10:55 AM

In the John Huston movie - "The Man Who WOuld Be King", a song is sung by either or both Michael Caine/Sean Connery, and I believe recurs through the film as a theme.

It sounds like it might be a hymn or anthem of some kind, but, memorable as the tune is, I can't place it. It's been running through my head all day, I've now got the whole office whistling it. Can anyone help?

Cheers

Steven

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Man Who Would Be King - Movie
From: Sorcha
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 11:19 AM

Minstrel Boy?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Man Who Would Be King - Movie
From: richardw
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 11:24 AM

Sorcha is right it's a version of Minstrel Boy. There has been a lenghty discussion on this song and its versions somewhere on this list recently. I'm not sure how to find it. Try searching on Minstrel Boy.

Richard Wright

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Man Who Would Be King - Movie
From: Lin in Kansas
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 11:53 AM

Well, this threads not lengthy, but it does give more info (including a site link) about the song in "Man Who Would Be King."

Lin

click

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Man Who Would Be King - Movie
From: Mrrzy
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 11:59 AM

Aha, another Star Trek reference - sung by Miles O'Brien's old captain, wistfully, just before all **** breaks loose. I obviously need to see this movie again.

Subject: Lyr Add: THE SON OF GOD GOES FORTH TO WAR
From: The Walrus at work
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 01:35 PM

The Son of God Goes Forth to War
(Reginald Heber, 1812.)

The Son of God goes forth to war, a kingly crown to gain;
His blood red banner streams afar: Who follows in His train?
Who best can drink his cup of woe, triumphant over pain,
Who patient bears his cross below, he follows in His train.

That martyr first, whose eagle eye could pierce beyond the grave;
Who saw his Master in the sky, and called on Him to save.
Like Him, with pardon on His tongue, in midst of mortal pain,
He prayed for them that did the wrong: Who follows in His train?

A glorious band, the chosen few on whom the Spirit came;
Twelve valiant saints, their hope they knew, and mocked the cross and flame.
They met the tyrant's brandished steel, the lion's gory mane;
They bowed their heads the death to feel: Who follows in their train?

A noble army, men and boys, the matron and the maid,
Around the Savior's throne rejoice, in robes of light arrayed.
They climbed the steep ascent of heaven, through peril, toil and pain;
O God, to us may grace be given, to follow in their train.


Best Wishes

Walrus

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Man Who Would Be King - Movie
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 08:07 PM

There are other words, about a minstrel boy (note spelling - it may help your search) who takes his harp to war and the song is a lament because he gets killed and the harp never gets played again. Shades of Captain Corelli here??

I do have the other words but it's gone 1.00am here and I NEED my beauty sleep...

LTS

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Man Who Would Be King - Movie
From: R!
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 08:56 PM

Minstrel Boy is based on a poem of the same name by Thomas Moore, Irish poet. Tommy Makem once combined it with "Let Erin Remember". Quite nice.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Man Who Would Be King - Movie
From: Lin in Kansas
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 11:12 PM

Hey Liz and Rowana--its in the DT here, with tune: THE MINSTREL BOY.

Lin

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Man Who Would Be King - Movie
From: DonMeixner
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 11:26 PM

Ah, Bishop Heber's Hymn raises its head once again.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Man Who Would Be King - Movie
From: Scabby Douglas
Date: 25 Oct 01 - 04:55 AM

Thanks so much for your help. It never ocurred to me that it might have been discussed before. I think that's one of the ways in which the Mudcat and other internet entities are so surprising. I mean that in so many cases, some one else in the world (often many someones) have had the same idea as you already...

cheers

Steven

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: song from 'The Man Who Would Be King'
From: GUEST,Peter L
Date: 30 May 11 - 05:54 PM

According to Wikipedia, the lyrics are those of the hymn "The Son of God Goes Off to War," but it's sung to "The Minstrel Boy," an Irish patriotic song. Evidently, the producers must have liked that tune better.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: song from 'The Man Who Would Be King'
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 30 May 11 - 09:22 PM

Does anyone have the original tune for"The Son of God Goes Off to War"

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: song from 'The Man Who Would Be King'
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 02 Jun 11 - 01:56 PM

I think it's usually known as THE SON OF GOD GOES FORTH TO WAR.

It's found in a number of old hymnals viewable through Google Books. Take your pick among these:

1896

1903

1907

1909

1918