The Roast Beef of Old England

The Roast Beef of Old England is an English patriotic ballad by Richard Leveridge. It was frequently played onboard ships of the Royal Navy. The tune is also played at United States Marine Corp formal mess dinners, during the presentation of the beef.

Lyrics

:When mighty Roast Beef

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:Was the Englishman's food,

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:It ennobled our brains

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:And enriched our blood.

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:Our soldiers were brave

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:And our courtiers were good

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:Oh the Roast Beef of old England

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:And old English Roast Beef

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:But since we have learnt

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:From all-vapouring France

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:To eat their ragouts

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:As well as to dance,

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:We're fed up with nothing

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:But vain complaisance

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:Oh the Roast Beef of Old England

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:And old English Roast Beef

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:Our fathers of old were robust, stout, and strong,

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:And kept open house, with good cheer all day long,

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:Which made their plump tenants rejoice in this song--

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:O! The Roast Beef of old England

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:And old England Roast Beef

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:But now we are dwindled to,

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:What shall I name?

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:A poor sneaking race,

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:Half-begotten and tame,

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:Who sully the honours

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:That once shone in fame.

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:Oh the Roast Beef of Old England

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:And old English Roast Beef

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:When good Queen Elizabeth sat on the throne,

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:Ere coffee, or tea, or such slip-slops were known,

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:The world was in terror if e'er she did frown.

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:O! The Roast Beef of old England

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:And old England Roast Beef

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