Barrack-Room Ballads

<p><SPAN name="link2H_4_0033" id="link2H_4_0033"></SPAN></p> <br/> <h2> 'Follow Me 'Ome' </h2> <p>There was no one like 'im, 'Orse or Foot,<br/> Nor any o' the Guns I knew;<br/> An' because it was so, why, o' course 'e went an' died,<br/> Which is just what the best men do.<br/> <br/> So it's knock out your pipes an' follow me!<br/> An' it's finish up your swipes an' follow me!<br/> Oh, 'ark to the big drum callin',<br/> Follow me&mdash;follow me 'ome!<br/> <br/> 'Is mare she neighs the 'ole day long,<br/> She paws the 'ole night through,<br/> An' she won't take 'er feed 'cause o' waitin' for 'is step,<br/> Which is just what a beast would do.<br/> <br/> 'Is girl she goes with a bombardier<br/> Before 'er month is through;<br/> An' the banns are up in church, for she's got the beggar hooked,<br/> Which is just what a girl would do.<br/> <br/> We fought 'bout a dog&mdash;last week it were&mdash;<br/> No more than a round or two;<br/> But I strook 'im cruel 'ard, an' I wish I 'adn't now,<br/> Which is just what a man can't do.<br/> <br/> 'E was all that I 'ad in the way of a friend,<br/> An' I've 'ad to find one new;<br/> But I'd give my pay an' stripe for to get the beggar back,<br/> Which it's just too late to do.<br/> <br/> So it's knock out your pipes an' follow me!<br/> An' it's finish off your swipes an' follow me!<br/> Oh, 'ark to the fifes a-crawlin'!<br/> Follow me&mdash;follow me 'ome!<br/> <br/> Take 'im away! 'E's gone where the best men go.<br/> Take 'im away! An' the gun-wheels turnin' slow.<br/> Take 'im away! There's more from the place 'e come.<br/> Take 'im away, with the limber an' the drum.<br/> <br/> For it's &ldquo;Three rounds blank&rdquo; an' follow me,<br/> An' it's &ldquo;Thirteen rank&rdquo; an' follow me;<br/> Oh, passin' the love o' women,<br/> Follow me&mdash;follow me 'ome!<br/></p> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />