Click this icon to hear Hearts Of Oak if it does not automatically play.
This song was published in 1779 in New York City by Rivington's Royal Gazette.
This song was set to the tune of a well known ballad: Hearts Of Oak.
Here's a bumper, brave boys, to the health of our king, Long may he live, and long may we sing,
In praise of a monarch who boldly defends The laws of the realm, and the cause of his friends.
Then cheer up, my lads, we have nothing to fear, While we remain steady, And always keep ready, To add to the trophies of this happy year.
The Congress did boast of their mighty ally, But George does both France and the Congress defy;
And when Britons unite, there's no force can withstand Their fleets and their armies, by sea and on land.
Then cheer up, my lads, we have nothing to fear, While we remain steady, And always keep ready, To add to the trophies of this happy year.
Thus supported, our cause we will ever maintain, And all treaties with rebels will ever disdain;
Till reduc'd by our arms, they are forc'd to confess, While ruled by Great Britain they ne'er knew distress.
Then cheer up, my lads, we have nothing to fear, While we remain steady, And always keep ready, To add to the trophies of this happy year.
Then let us, my boys, Britain's right e'er defend, Who regards not her rights, we esteem not our friend;
Then, brave boys, we both France and the Congress defy, And we'll fight for Great Britain and George till we die.
Then cheer up, my lads, we have nothing to fear, While we remain steady, And always keep ready, To add to the trophies of this happy year.
Note: The midi file that is linked to this page was sequenced by an unknown musician, for the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps, whose website is located at: http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/Bunker/5103/
